Program Information

All UNLV degree-seeking students must satisfy the composition requirements of ENG 101 and ENG 102, usually during the first year of college. This requirement, which is managed by the UNLV Composition Program, is based on the belief that the ability to read difficult texts, to analyze those texts, and to respond in writing is essential for success in college. The principles of good research also contribute to this success. English 101 and 102 are designed to provide the basics of these skills, which will continue to develop throughout the student's undergraduate career.

Course Descriptions

UNLV offers courses to provide instruction and support for students with a range of experiences with reading, writing, and language:

  • ENG 101 Composition I: (3 credits) English 101 is a writing-intensive course designed to improve critical thinking, reading, and writing skills across disciplines. Students develop strategies for turning their experience, observations, and analyses into evidence suitable for writing in a variety of genres.
  • ENG 100L Composition Intensive Lab: (1 credit) ENG 100L is a corequisite lab that reinforces the writing skills taught in ENG 101 by providing additional opportunities for guided practice. 
  • ENG 105L Critical Reading Lab: (1 credit) ENG 105L is a corequisite lab that reinforces the critical reading skills taught in ENG 101 by providing additional opportunities for guided practice. 
  • ENG 102 Composition II: (3 credits) ENG 102 builds upon the critical thinking, reading, and writing skills that students develop in ENG 101. Students develop strategies to develop arguments by identifying a research question, finding, evaluating, and citing research materials; and incorporating evidence effectively into their writing.

The English Language Center (ELC) provides equivalent composition courses for international and multilingual students. Students can contact the English Language Center at 702-895-3925 or elc@unlv.edu for more information.

Placement

Students place into composition courses based on their highest official score for any of these assessments:

Courses ACT English SAT Evidence-
Based Reading &
Writing
AP Composition
Exams
UNLV English Placement Assessment*

Exams ENG 101 Composition I

+ 100L Composition Intensive Lab

+ 105L Critical Reading Lab

All three classes (5 credits total) must be taken during the same semester

1 - 17 200 - 470   5 - 8
ENG 101 Composition I 18 - 29 480 - 650   9 -12
ENG 102 Composition II 30 - 36 660 - 800 3 - 5  

* The UNLV English Placement Assessment allows students to demonstrate their preparation for ENG 101 by submitting a reflective self-assessment letter online through WebCampus using their ACE account

Once enrolled, students will also have access to detailed information about the curriculum for ENG 101 and the instructions for submitting the assessment letter in the WebCampus English Placement Assessment module. New students should complete their English Placement Assessment as soon as possible. Assessment scores will be used for English course placement before New Student Orientation. 

To complete the UNLV English Placement Assessment:

  • Activate your ACE account (if you haven't done so already).
  • Enroll yourself in the English Placement Assessment module by following these steps:
    • Log in using your ACE credentials. 
    • Click on the Enroll in Course button. 
  • Now you can visit your dashboard and click on the course to get started!

Transfer Credits

Classes taken at another college may serve as a prerequisite or fulfill the requirements for ENG 101 or ENG 102.  Submit an official college transcript to the Office of Admissions for each institution you have attended. Sending official transcripts through secure electronic delivery is highly preferred, if possible.  The webpage for the Office of Admissions provides more information about submitting transcripts.  You can also contact your Academic Advising Center if you have questions.

Contact

The UNLV Composition Program office is located in the Beverly Rogers Literature and Law Building (RLL), Room 264. Please call 702-895-3799  or email englishcomposition@unlv.edu for more information.