Course Overview

Basic Writing (2 credits)

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Adam Navis

Need help: CLI Help Desk (helpdesk@christianleaders.net)

Overview: Writers are needed to bring more revival! We need better writers. Never before in history have so many people had access to publishing platforms. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of poor writing: poor in technical aspects but also inhospitable, thoughtless, and even violent. This course will help you become a better writer. It is not a course about understanding the building blocks of writing (words, sentences, and grammar) but about understanding the architecture and process required to turn those materials into a solid structure. Each lesson builds on the previous one, walking you through a specific writing process that will yield a publishable work but which is repeatable for future projects.

At the end of the course, you will follow the principles from this course to produce a writing project using one of the five topic options provided.

One goal of the course is to leave you feeling eager to participate in the wider public conversations through writing. A second is to help you feel that writing is not as scary, challenging, or difficult as you might believe.

Course Outcomes:

1. Understand the architecture and process required to produce solid writing.
2. Participate confidently and clearly in broader public conversations through writing.
3. Produce publishable work by applying the principles and steps taught in this course.

Required Reading: All reading for this course is available in the online class. Students do not need to buy any books.

Required Assignments: 

1. View all online lectures and read all articles on each topic. Active engagement with course materials prior to attempting the quiz is required for each unit. If a resource is provided in multiple formats, simply choose whichever format best supports your learning. CLI’s system tracks your viewing history to determine meaningful engagement. Make sure you are logged into your student account when viewing or downloading the materials.

2. Take the online quiz for each unit. You will have 75 minutes to answer 20 multiple-choice questions for each quiz. Each quiz covers the readings and video lectures for that unit. Once a quiz has started, you must finish it, and you cannot retake it. 

   Quizzes must be completed independently. The use of AI tools, search engines, other websites, or assistance from other individuals is prohibited.
   Quizzes are open-note. You may reference your own notes or any of the provided CLI course materials during the quiz. However, you should plan to study materials prior to attempting the quiz.
   Quiz Tip: First answer the questions you know. Then use your own notes or the provided CLI course materials to help answer any questions you are unsure about.

3. You will also be asked to follow along in the process and create your own piece of writing. You will be asked to upload what you have written at the completion of the course. We suggest you to check the requirements for the writing project before you start this course. 
   

4. At the end of the course, you will be invited to complete a brief Course Feedback Survey. Your feedback helps CLI evaluate the course and identify opportunities for improvement.

Course Forum

Each course forum is located near the beginning of the course, immediately before the first course-content section. The forum allows students to post course-related questions and comments for other currently enrolled students to view and discuss. You can also search previous posts to see whether your question or topic has already been addressed. 

The forum is intended primarily for peer discussion and may not receive an immediate response. Questions or concerns requiring timely assistance should be directed to the Help Desk at helpdesk@christianleaders.net.

Grading Scale

A  93-100%   A- 90-92%   B+ 87-89%   B  83-86%   B- 80-82%   C+ 77-79%   C  73-76%   C- 70-72%   D+ 67-69%   D  63-66%   D- 60-62%   F  0-59%

Students' final grade is based on the average of all required quizzes and assignments. Each graded activity is weighted equally unless otherwise stated. The single lowest quiz score will be excluded from the overall grade.

Your average for the course must be at least 60%. Otherwise, you will fail the class and will receive no credit.

Deadline

You have 180 days to finish the course. If you have not received a final grade for the course before your enrollment ends, you will be automatically unenrolled, you will receive an “Administrative Withdrawal” for the course on your transcript, and all coursework will be removed. You will have to start over and take the class again to receive credit.

To avoid potential administrative delays or additional fees, please complete all assignments at least three weeks before your enrollment end date.

If you believe you qualify for a two-week extension, as outlined in our Catalog policies, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@christianleaders.net as soon as possible, ideally at least three weeks before your enrollment end date.

ATTENTION: This course assumes a basic understanding of the English language. If English is not your first language or you are worried about your English language skills, you can take English Literacy for Beginners 101 and/or English Literacy for Beginners 102. Or you can visit for www.practicalenglishlearning.com for resources to improve and practice your English. (ENTER CODE "CLI" at checkout for 20% off your purchase if you choose this second option).