Introduction to Research and Argumentative Writing

Writing at Middle Tennessee State University 

This course textbook is an Open Educational Resource (OER) designed to be accessible to students and faculty and to reduce the overall cost of course materials. Created through the generous backing of the MTSU Provost’s Office, the Tennessee Board of Regents, and the MTSU Library, this open educational resource (OER) is tailored to the unique context of writing at MTSU. Inside, you’ll find peer-reviewed essays that explore key aspects of the writing process, along with campus-specific guidance. Paired with the GenEd Magazine (GEM), this resource is here to help you grow as a reader, writer, and thinker throughout your journey in ENGL 1020.

We’re glad you’re taking the second course in our first-year writing (FYW) sequence! In this section of our open-access textbook, you’ll find the following chapters focused on university resources, First-Year Writing at MTSU, Campus Support Services, and the University Writing Center. The final two chapters in the section offer an orientation toward the class based in curiosity and questioning, Bad Idea About Writing: “Good Writers Always Follow My Rules,” and ways to think about approaching each assignment, “So You’ve Got a Writing Assignment. Now What?