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CCS Voices | The Blog

Which Composition Path is Right for Me?

October 6, 2024 | Read time: 2 min.

Laura Kovick,
Composition Lecturer / Section Lead

Laura Kovick,
Composition Lecturer / Section Lead

At the College for Creative Studies, your Liberal Arts courses are uniquely designed to support your endeavors in the visual arts and design fields. With this in mind, we want to ensure you feel prepared as you advance in these courses. CCS students with no prior college credit in writing or composition may decide for themselves which composition path will best meet their needs: taking DEN 101 first and then DEN 102 or enrolling directly into DEN 102.

Classroom setting with professor engaging students in discussion.

FAQs

Which writing course is right for me?

This decision will help position you for success in college, so consider your options carefully.

Only DEN 102 is a required prerequisite for upper-division liberal arts classes, but both courses are typically taken in sequence during undergraduate study.

Should I take DEN 101 first?

In DEN 101: Composition 1, an introductory composition course, students practice the fundamentals of college writing, reading, and reflecting. In this course, students analyze a variety of written and visual texts and respond in college-level, thesis-driven writing and creative projects. DEN 101 stresses important academic skills, including reading strategies, essay planning and organization, citation, revision, proofreading, and presenting before a group.

Should I go directly to DEN 102?

Students who enroll in DEN 102: Composition 2 should feel comfortable reading complex texts, writing essays of 5+ pages, researching projects in library databases, and citing academic sources.

What about test scores?

Your comfort level and experience can help you decide. However, if you’re still unsure which track is right for you, test scores can guide you too. DEN 102 is recommended if you have a high school GPA above 3.0, an ACT English score above 20, or an SAT Reading and Writing score above 500.

What if I still can’t decide or I’m not certain?

We are here to help! If you have any questions about the courses or your survey results or need further advice to help make a choice, you may contact Laura Kovick, Composition Lecturer, at [email protected].

Please note, students who are uncertain may also maintain the standard sequence DEN 101 and then DEN 102. Both courses will apply to degree requirements if Composition credits are not already satisfied.

What happens to my credits if I complete DEN 102 first?

If DEN 102 is successfully completed, then DEN 101 credits can be replaced with a Liberal Arts Elective.

The Self-Placement Survey

While DEN 102 is required for all CCS students, some students may elect to begin with DEN 101. Complete this self assessment to determine a suitable staring point to level up your writing.

Complex Readings

I am not confident summarizing complex readings and explaining them in writing.

I am confident summarizing complex readings and explaining them in writing.

Language

I am not comfortable with my ability to select and use appropriate language for different kinds of writing.

I am very comfortable with my ability to select and use appropriate language for different kinds of writing.

Feedback Received

Teachers or colleagues have suggested I need to improve my writing.

Teachers or colleagues have not suggested I need to improve my writing.

Revisions

I rarely write and revise for myself.

I regularly write and revise for myself.

Time Management

I struggle to complete work on time.

I always complete work on time.

Practice

I am not very comfortable writing and reading for school or work assignments.

I am very comfortable writing and reading for school or work assignments.

Non-Fiction

I rarely read challenging non-fiction texts or use them in my writing.

I often read challenging non-fiction texts and use them in my writing.

Recent Work

I have written and revised three or fewer essays of 5+ pages every year for the past four years.

I often read challenging non-fiction I have written and revised four or more essays of 5+ pages every year for the last four years. and use them in my writing.

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Number

C-C-S animated pencil character.

Let's get started with
DEN 101: Composition I

Your self assessment indicates you'd be best suited for DEN 101. You should also consider your high school GPA, standardized test scores, and overall comfort with college-level writing when making your final decision. If you have any questions or need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact Laura Kovick, Composition Lecturer, at [email protected].

C-C-S animated pencil character.

You should consider taking
DEN 102: Composition II

Your self assessment indicates you'd be best suited for DEN 102. You should also consider your high school GPA, standardized test scores, and overall comfort with college-level writing when making your final decision. If you have any questions or need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact Laura Kovick, Composition Lecturer, at [email protected].

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Topics:

Liberal Arts Undergraduate Studies

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