This two-semester, six college-credit writing intensive sequence features a fall semester course in argumentation, which is essential to leadership communication skills. It is followed by a spring semester topics course, which furthers students’ writing in their application of rhetorical skill by analyzing texts related to American identities. Over the two courses, students will research and analyze the various positions held in any public debate and learn to advocate their own positions effectively through a process of drafts and revisions. In the fall, students will explore the ethics of argumentation and what it means to fairly represent someone with whom they disagree. By the spring, students are ready to analyze arguments presented by others, research a topic of their own, and craft sound and effective arguments. Across these two courses, students will develop their skills and knowledge to write four- to six-page essays and read non-fiction text aligned to college expectations for critical writing, reading, research, and analysis. Successful completion of this course earns 6 hours (3 hours each semester) of college credit for UT courses RHE 306+RHE 309 or ENGL 1301+ENGL 1302 and high school credit for English III or English IV  if a student already has earned an English III credit.