Have you taken TESC English 102?

[dcan]

Has anyone actually taken the TESC English 102 course? I usually see advice to take the Tech Writing DSST in its place. If you have taken it, what is it really like?

I'm starting out, but interested in moving on to a master's degree, which requires a lot of writing. I've never written a term paper, never written a formal essay or research paper. I will have to take at least six TESC courses, which I hear are heavy on writing.

BUT...

I think I'm a "decent" writer. I can learn MLA formatting no problem. I recently wrote a 26-page project justification and requirements document at work to try to convince leadership to merge two computer systems. I know that's not a "research" essay, but point is I can write a long document.

Is this a course worth taking? My gut says "suck it up now for long-term gain", but it also revolts at 12 weeks of "revise this paragraph" and the like.

Thanks!

[sanantone]

I think you should gain some experience in writing research papers if you want to get through graduate school. I had enough of writing research papers at CTU. I must have written several dozen in one year, so I think I'm good on that and am looking to avoid that style of coursework for the rest of my bachelors studies.

[bricabrac]

dcan,

I would check with the college about the dsst tech writing substituting for ENC-102. I know it is considered a humanities but it is not a writing or research equivalent. If you want to test the subject AFAIK you will need either the clep (ENC-101/102-CE) or tecep (ENC-102-TE). I wonder if its that you saw tech writing transcribes as ENG-201 which looks similar because the numbers are transposed but its not the same course. It does substitute for the TESC ENG-201 course but that is not english composition II.

I took both ENG121/122 at my local CC. English Comp II is much more than revise a paragraph. I actually preferred the actual courses because IMO writing skills are extremely important and the more experience you have the better off you will be later when writing different types of research papers. MLA, APA, Chicago styles are more specific to the subject area, I try to remain comfortable with all styles. You have software add-ins and tons of writing manuals for the guidelines.

Good luck!

[at2nfo]

I'm currently taking English 102 at TESC right now. The majority of the course seems to be in preparation for one final research paper at the end of the course. If you are planning on Graduate school I would advise taking the courses, you could learn some valuable skills. I've tested out of the majority of my electives, and transferred military schooling for my area of study. I personally choose to take the English courses because I think the English language and effective communication is not something that you can just slide on by with. Especially if you are a working professional and aspire to do more academically. Hope this helps, a lot of this is obviously personal opinion.

[dcan]

I wonder if its that you saw tech writing transcribes as ENG-201 which looks similar because the numbers are transposed but its not the same course. It does substitute for the TESC ENG-201 course but that is not english composition II.

That's exactly what happened. Thanks for pointing that out.

I took both ENG121/122 at my local CC. English Comp II is much more than revise a paragraph. I actually preferred the actual courses because IMO writing skills are extremely important and the more experience you have the better off you will be later when writing different types of research papers. MLA, APA, Chicago styles are more specific to the subject area, I try to remain comfortable with all styles. You have software add-ins and tons of writing manuals for the guidelines.

Good luck!

Yeah this is what I was thinking too. I originally rebelled at the thought of a 16-week term, then read the syllabus and it's only 12. I think elsewhere on this board there was talk about 16 week terms but that must have been old, because they are all 12 weeks now. I can certainly do three months to learn a foundation skill that will carry me much farther. Looks like I'll sign up for July in the near future.

Thanks! cheersmate

[bricabrac]

I can certainly do three months to learn a foundation skill that will carry me much farther. Looks like I'll sign up for July in the near future.

dcan,

You're welcome and Great decision! cheersmate