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ENG 102
3 College Credits
NCCRS Credit Recommended
English Composition IIOnline College Course
Research, rhetoric, and literary analysis — the second half of the writing requirement, built for transfer.
Self-Paced · Final Exam · NCCRS Recommended
What You'll Learn
A full semester of english composition ii — completed at your own pace, with no deadlines or fixed class times.
Learning Outcomes
What You'll Be Able to Do
- Develop and sustain an original research question through systematic inquiry, generating a thesis that makes a meaningful contribution to an academic conversation
- Read, summarize, and critically respond to complex academic texts, accurately representing an author's argument while evaluating its assumptions, evidence, and rhetorical effectiveness
- Synthesize multiple sources — including scholarly articles, primary sources, data, and public documents — into a coherent, well-structured argument that goes beyond summarizing each source separately
- Produce a literature review that surveys, organizes, and critically evaluates prior research on a topic, identifies patterns and gaps, and positions the student's own inquiry
- Construct extended, evidence-based persuasive and policy arguments using advanced frameworks including Rogerian argumentation, Toulmin's schema, and cause-and-effect/comparison-contrast structures
- Apply advanced research methods including database searches, Boolean logic, primary source collection (interviews, surveys, field observation), and systematic source evaluation beyond the CRAAP Test
- Correctly apply MLA 9th edition and APA 7th edition citation in the context of extended research writing, including signal phrases, block quotations, in-text citation for paraphrased synthesis, and reference lists
- Recognize and produce discipline-specific writing genres, including scientific lab reports, social science research papers, business memoranda, case studies, and humanities close-reading essays
- Plan, draft, revise, and deliver an oral research presentation including a structured slide deck, demonstrating the ability to adapt written research for a listening audience
- Engage in advanced peer review using structured feedback protocols, and apply metacognitive self-reflection to assess growth, identify persistent challenges, and articulate goals
Topics Covered
Major Course Topics
Advanced argumentation
Rhetorical analysis
Research question design
Academic database research
Source credibility & bias
Synthesis of sources
Literature review writing
Annotated bibliography
MLA & APA documentation
Literary analysis
Poetry & fiction analysis
Drama analysis
Critical theory basics
Persuasive writing
Revision strategies
Research paper composition
Presentation of findings
From the syllabus · ENG 102
Course chapters and lessons
English Composition II has 10 chapters across 79 instructional hours, as listed in the course syllabus. Expand any chapter to see the lessons inside it.
- Chapters
- 10
- Lessons
- 72
- Instructional hours
- 79 hrs
- Semester hours
- 3
Chapter 1
Advanced Critical Reading and Summary Writing
- 1.1 Review: The Rhetorical Situation how context, purpose, and audience shape interpretation
- 1.2 Advanced Critical Reading Strategies annotating for argument, evidence, assumptions, and gaps
- 1.3 Understanding Academic Conversations how scholars respond to and build on each other's work
- 1.4 Distinguishing Summary, Paraphrase, and Response definitions, purpose, and when to use each
- 1.5 Writing the Formal Academic Summary structure, compression, and objectivity
- 1.6 Writing the Critical Response Essay agreeing, disagreeing, and extending an argument
- 1.7 Avoiding Patchwriting the difference between true paraphrase and disguised copying
Chapter 2
Explanatory Synthesis: Writing From Multiple Sources
- 2.1 What Is Synthesis? Joining the Conversation vs. Reporting Sources
- 2.2 Explanatory vs. Argumentative Synthesis purpose and structural differences
- 2.3 Organizing Synthesis Writing by theme, by position, by chronology, by methodology
- 2.4 The Synthesis Matrix mapping sources against themes before drafting
- 2.5 Advanced Signal Phrases for Synthesis attributing multiple voices in a single paragraph
- 2.6 Integrating Quotation, Paraphrase, and Summary in a Synthesis Paragraph
- 2.7 Common Synthesis Errors source-by-source structure, over-quotation, under-analysis
- 2.8 MLA and APA Citation in Synthesis Context citing indirect sources, block quotations
Chapter 3
The Literature Review
- 3.1 What Is a Literature Review? Purpose, Audience, and Academic Function
- 3.2 Types of Literature Reviews standalone, as part of a research paper, systematic vs. narrative
- 3.3 Conducting a Systematic Literature Search keywords, database strategy, inclusion/exclusion criteria
- 3.4 Reading and Mapping a Field identifying major works, debates, patterns, and gaps
- 3.5 Organizing the Literature Review thematic, chronological, and methodological structures
- 3.6 Writing the Literature Review Introduction framing the topic and research question
- 3.7 Writing Literature Review Body Paragraphs grouping sources by position or finding
- 3.8 Identifying Gaps and Positioning the Research Question the bridge from lit review to original inquiry
- 3.9 Writing the Literature Review Conclusion synthesis of the field and rationale for the study
Chapter 4
Advanced Argumentation Frameworks
- 4.1 Review: Toulmin's Basic Schema claim, grounds, warrant
- 4.2 Advanced Toulmin backing, qualifier, rebuttal; applying the full schema to complex arguments
- 4.3 Rogerian Argumentation understanding the opposition, finding common ground, proposing compromise
- 4.4 Cause-and-Effect Arguments establishing causation vs. correlation; single vs. multiple causes
- 4.5 Comparison-Contrast Arguments purpose, organizational patterns (block vs. point-by-point), and applications
- 4.6 Policy and Proposal Arguments problem-solution structure; criteria for evaluating policy proposals
- 4.7 Ethical Arguments values-based reasoning; applying ethical frameworks (utilitarian, deontological, virtue) to academic arguments
- 4.8 Logical Fallacies in Research identifying and avoiding common fallacies in source material and student writing
Chapter 5
Advanced Research Methods and Source Evaluation
- 5.1 Formulating a Research Question moving from topic to focused, researchable question
- 5.2 Types of Research primary, secondary, qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods
- 5.3 Primary Source Collection conducting interviews; designing surveys; field observation and note-taking
- 5.4 Advanced Database Searching JSTOR, EBSCO, ProQuest, PubMed; field-specific databases
- 5.5 Evaluating Sources: Beyond the CRAAP Test lateral reading, source triangulation, identifying bias
- 5.6 Working with Data and Statistics reading charts and tables; citing quantitative evidence accurately
- 5.7 Managing Research annotated source notes; citation management tools (Zotero, Mendeley)
- 5.8 Research Ethics IRB basics, informed consent in student research, ethical use of sources
Chapter 6
The Persuasive Research Paper
- 6.1 Planning the Research Paper from research question to thesis to outline
- 6.2 Writing the Research Paper Introduction hook, background, research context, thesis
- 6.3 Body Paragraph Structure for Extended Research Writing CER in multi-paragraph arguments
- 6.4 Synthesizing 6+ Sources in a Coherent Argument avoiding the 'source dump'
- 6.5 Writing the Counterargument Section dedicated paragraphs vs. integrated refutation
- 6.6 Research Paper Conclusion synthesis of findings, implications, and call for further research
- 6.7 Revising the Research Paper global revision (argument, structure) vs. local revision (sentence-level)
- 6.8 Advanced MLA and APA block quotations, citing primary research, DOI and URL formatting
Chapter 7
Discipline-Specific Writing
- 7.1 Introduction to Discipline-Specific Writing how writing conventions differ across fields
- 7.2 Writing in STEM the IMRaD structure (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion); scientific objectivity; passive voice conventions; citing data
- 7.3 The Lab Report purpose, structure, and conventions; writing the abstract; reporting results without interpretation
- 7.4 Writing in Social Sciences APA format research paper; literature review section; methods section basics; discussion and limitations
- 7.5 Writing in Humanities the close reading essay; literary analysis conventions; using primary and secondary sources in literary argument
- 7.6 Professional Writing the business memo; the executive summary; the case study; writing for workplace audiences
- 7.7 Writing for Public Audiences op-eds, public policy briefs, blog posts, and academic writing adapted for general readers
Chapter 8
Oral Research Presentation and Visual Communication
- 8.1 From Written Research to Oral Presentation adapting argument for listening audiences
- 8.2 Structuring the Research Presentation introduction, argument overview, evidence, conclusion, Q&A;
- 8.3 Advanced PowerPoint Design hierarchy, data visualization, avoiding slide overload
- 8.4 Presentation Delivery pacing, eye contact, handling questions, managing nerves
- 8.5 Visual Argument using charts, graphs, images, and infographics to support a research claim
- 8.6 Academic Poster Design structure, visual balance, and presenting complex research visually
Chapter 9
Advanced Grammar, Style, and Academic Register
- 9.1 Academic Register what makes writing sound 'academic'; hedging language; nominalization
- 9.2 Sentence Variety and Cohesion in Research Writing managing complex sentence structures
- 9.3 Concision and Precision eliminating wordiness, redundancy, and vague language
- 9.4 Passive and Active Voice when to use each in academic writing across disciplines
- 9.5 Advanced Punctuation for Academic Writing semicolons, colons, dashes in complex prose
- 9.6 Editing Research Writing systematic editing strategies for long-form academic papers
Chapter 10
The Capstone Research Paper and Metacognitive Portfolio
- 10.1 Planning the Capstone Paper connecting prior units into a unified 2,000-2,500 word research argument
- 10.2 Multi-Stage Revision applying feedback from peer review, instructor comments, and self-editing
- 10.3 The Final Portfolio selecting, revising, and curating the semester's best work
- 10.4 The Metacognitive Reflection Essay assessing growth across ENG-101 and ENG-102; setting goals for discipline-specific writing
- 10.5 Beyond Composition 2 writing in the disciplines, writing in the professions, continuing to develop as a writer
These chapters come straight from the official course syllabus, which also sets out the graded assignment and the proctored final exam.
At a Glance
Course Details
| Course | English Composition II (ENG 102) |
|---|---|
| Format | 100% online |
| Learning Style | Self-paced — no deadlines or class times |
| Credits | 3 College Credits |
| Lab | Not required |
| Prerequisites | English Composition I |
| Assessment | 25% Attendance · 25% Quizzes · 25% Assignments · 25% Final Exam |
| Estimated Completion | Self-paced · no deadlines |
| Credit Recommendation | NCCRS Credit Recommended |
| Transfer Information | Transferable via the credit recommendation above — your registrar can confirm your school's policy |
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Students Also Enrolled In
Stack multiple courses to build 6, 9, or 12+ transferable college credits — at a fraction of the cost of most campus options.
ENG 101: English Composition I · 3 Credits · NCCRS
English Composition I
Academic writing, argument, and research — the writing course nearly every degree requires.
ENG 201: American Literature · 3 Credits · NCCRS
American Literature
Colonial era to contemporary — the writers and movements that defined American letters.
HUM 201: Critical Thinking & Analysis · 3 Credits · NCCRS
Critical Thinking & Analysis
Arguments, evidence, and fallacies — how to think clearly and defend a position.
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Master english composition ii and build a foundation for your degree — and your future.
Research, rhetoric, and literary analysis — the second half of the writing requirement, built for transfer.
🎯 Why It Matters
- Completes the two-course composition sequence required by most universities
- Research and synthesis skills are directly transferable to every upper-division course
- Prepares you for thesis, capstone, and graduate-level writing
- Rhetorical analysis sharpens critical reading across disciplines
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🚀 How This Sets You Up
- Complete 10 chapters focused on research and analysis
- Produce a full researched argument and cumulative final exam
- Earn transferable credit for the second composition requirement
- 79 contact hours, fully self-paced
- Pairs with English Composition I for the complete sequence
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Course Trailer
See the course before you enroll
A 57-second look at English Composition II.
FAQ
Common Questions Answered.
Everything you need to know about English Composition II — credits, grading, transfer, and how it compares to traditional options.
What is English Composition II?
The second course in the college writing sequence, focused on research, rhetorical analysis, and literary analysis. It is English 102.
Do I need Composition I first?
Most universities require English 101 as a prerequisite. Check your institution's requirements — UPI Study does not enforce a prerequisite.
How is this different from Composition I?
Composition I focuses on the writing process and argument fundamentals. Composition II adds substantial research, source synthesis, and literary analysis.
What citation styles are taught?
MLA and APA documentation are both covered in depth, including annotated bibliographies.
How long does English Composition II take to complete?
79 contact hours; typically 28–30 days. Fully self-paced with no deadlines.
Is there a research paper?
Yes — the assignment involves producing a researched argument, and the final exam assesses the full course.
Will my university accept English Composition II credit?
ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities. Check Find My College or book a free advisor call and we'll confirm your school in minutes.
Can I take Comp I and Comp II at the same time?
You can enroll in both, though we recommend completing Composition I first for the strongest foundation.
What's the difference between English Comp 1 and Comp 2?
Comp 1 covers essay fundamentals; Comp 2 focuses on research writing, source evaluation, citation, and argumentation.
Does English Comp 2 satisfy the second writing requirement?
Commonly yes, as the ENG 102 equivalent — your registrar can confirm the equivalency in minutes.
Will I write a research paper in Comp 2?
Yes — the course builds toward documented research writing with proper citation and source integration.
Is there a CLEP equivalent for Comp 2?
CLEP College Composition covers some of this ground, but many schools award only Comp 1 credit for it — a Comp 2 course fills the gap.
How long does English Comp 2 take?
All courses are self-paced. You can finish as fast or as slow as you want.
Where will my college put this credit?
Usually as transfer credit, credit for prior learning (CPL), or noncollegiate/alternative credit, the same route colleges use for professional training evaluated by NCCRS. The final decision is with the university.
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What's Included
Everything You Need to Succeed
Video-Based Lessons
HD video lectures broken into short, focused modules. Watch at your own pace — pause, rewind, replay any time.
Quizzes & Final Exam
Evaluate your understanding after every section with quizzes and a comprehensive final exam that mirrors real college assessment.
Structured College-Level Course
Structured lessons covering every topic — designed as a standard English Composition II college-level course.
Official Transcript
Complete the course, request your transcript, and transfer 3 credit hours to cooperating universities. No separate exam required.
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