WRIT Course Descriptions

Helps students develop fluency in writing clear, forceful, effective prose and acquire the college-level reasoning, reading and writing skills that they will find necessary for success in other college courses. prerequisite: adequate score on placement test or completion of designated developmental writing courses with a grade of C- or higher [WRIT]

Designed to increase students' mastery of the word, the sentence and the paragraph. Emphasis is given to correctness and appropriateness in the choice of words, sentence structures and modes of paragraph development. Models for expository writing are drawn from a variety of contemporary materials. May not be counted toward the requirements of the major. Grading: pass/fail. prerequisite: score of 200 on the Upper Division Writing Placement Test; open to others only with the permission of the writing services coordinator in the Achievement and Learning Center

Explores writing that entertains, informs and persuades. The course includes advertising, journalism, public relations, blogs, political messages, Web content and other mass media. The emphasis is on contemporary writing and writers. The course considers the effects of visual as well as verbal aspects of communication. Students complete several writing assignments in selected forms and styles covered in the course.

Introduces students to the creative process and craft of writing poetry and fiction by exploring the elements and techniques of those genres. Students write and share poems and short fiction in a workshop setting.

Intensive exploration of topics in writing. The topic for study appears in the class schedule. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.

This course helps students expand their skills in writing effective prose for a variety of audiences, including academic, professional and personal. The course, which emphasizes discipline-specific writing projects, builds on skills previously acquired in lower-level writing courses. It is designed to help students develop additional writing skills needed for success in college and their respective majors. prerequisite: successful completion of WRIT 101 or equivalent and either qualifying score on placement test or successful completion of WRIT 200 [WRIT]

Designed to help writers learn to adapt specialized subject matter to various audiences. Focus on audience analysis, strategies for organizing information and integration of verbal text with graphics. Writing projects are drawn from students’ own disciplines or special interests.

For students in all disciplines who wish to develop control and confidence in critical thinking and persuasive writing. Instruc tion centers on the analysis and production of written arguments on issues of current interest or enduring importance that are enriched by cross-disciplinary perspectives and multiple points of view.

An opportunity to write memoir. Students read and study memoirs by contemporary authors to become familiar with the many possibilities available to writers working in this form. Also focuses on issues relevant to the writing of memoir, including craft and technique, memory and truth telling, and interior and exterior significance.

A study of famous journalists and journalistic writing, including analysis of the style, language and ideas of writers who have gone beyond basic reporting to break new ground. Requires a professional approach to journalistic writing.

Techniques and approaches to making technical information clear and understandable to nontechnical audiences.

In a workshop setting, students are introduced to a wide range of poems that serve as models for their own writing. This intensive reading, writing and feedback experience helps students deepen their imaginations and develop their craft as poets.

Introduces students to the elements of fictional craft and gives them the opportunity to write their own short stories. Students study fiction by masterful writers to learn about language and form. Writing exercises encourage risk taking and originality while generating material to be developed into stories. Students submit their story drafts to the class for discussion.

An overview of written communication in organizational settings, including memoranda, formal and informal correspondence, routine reports, proposals, performance appraisals and cost/benefit analysis.

An introduction to professional writing, editorial concepts and the publication process. Writing and editing for brochures, newsletters and magazines, with special emphasis on audience and purpose. Laboratory fee may be required.

Experience in preparing news releases and other promotional materials for print, electronic, online and other digital media. Students integrate writing formats, techniques and skills to engage and motivate target audiences.

Exploration, through hands-on experience, of the relationship between visual and verbal communication. The basics of graphic design and production are introduced through projects integrating writing and design. Laboratory fee required.

The University publication as a laboratory. Practical experience in the creative process of producing newspapers, magazines and books through work on student publications and, where possible, on other publications of the University. Eligible for continuing studies grade; otherwise, grading: pass/fail.

Informational and persuasive writing for electronic and digital media. Emphasizes the translation of information, ideas and experience into various contemporary one-way and interactive presentational formats.

Intensive writing experience for students interested in writing drama for television and film. Emphasizes characterization, dialogue and plot development as well as conventions of and script formats for television and film.

Focuses on the creative and conceptual aspects of advertising. In addition to creating layouts and scripts for ads of their own, students examine past and present advertising campaigns in both print and electronic media.

Principles of verbal and visual communication in creating and executing advertising ideas. Evaluation of the strengths and limitations of the many forms available in persuasive communication. Advertising copy and design, with particular emphasis on writing.

For students interested in further developing their visual communication skills. Approaches to visual problem-solving are discussed. Advanced graphic production is demonstrated. Students take problems from concept to production. Laboratory fee required. prerequisite: WRIT 334

Fundamentals of discourse analysis, addressing both structural and lexical elements in sentence construction. Survey of contemporary grammars, error analysis, sociolinguistic theories of language behaviors, editorial issues such as linguistic sensitivity, the influence of informal on formal usage and the appropriate domain of editorial policy.

This course approaches reading as a part of the writer's study of the craft. Emphasizing the distinctive ways that writers read, the course focuses on how a piece of writing is constructed by the author and understood by the reader. Students develop the analytic skills necessary to understand the choices other writers have made in their use of language and form.

A seminar involving a creative project in a particular literary form to be undertaken by each student. Emphasis on exploring the relationships of writing and publications and on developing one's writing in specific publications contexts.

An opportunity for students to apply skills developed through coursework while gaining practical experience in writing and/or editing within a professional setting. Grading: pass/fail. Course is eligible for a continuing studies grade. prerequisite: senior status and consent of the program director

An advanced technical and professional writing seminar in which each student presents a formal proposal and a major writing project for peer review and critiques other participants' work at all stages of the project development process.

In-depth consideration and completion of a special topic or project in writing. Each student works closely with a faculty member who helps to set goals, develop a course plan and guide progress. The project must be carefully planned and have approval of the instructor involved and the writing programs director.

Directed individual instruction in the writing of an original work. Each student works with a faculty director to guide his/her progress. The thesis must be of honors quality and must be approved by both the director and a second reader, one of whom is usually the program director or the division chair. Course is eligible for a continuing studies grade. prerequisite: 3.5 GPA and/or consent of the program director and the division chair

An advanced interdisciplinary seminar that focuses on important books and issues and encourages independent thinking, clear presentation and an understanding of the concerns and methods of various disciplines. The course may be team taught; topic and instructor(s) may change from semester to semester. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. prerequisite: 3.3 GPA and permission of the Denit Honors Program director

Directed individual instruction in an advanced project of the student's choice; the project must be academically related to this discipline. Each student works closely with a faculty director who guides his/her progress. The project must be of honors quality and must be finally approved by both the faculty director and a second faculty member. Course is eligible for a continuing studies grade. prerequisite: 3.3 GPA and permission of both the Denit Honors Program director and the faculty director

Intensive exploration of topics in writing of mutual interest to students and faculty. Content varies according to the concurrent interests of faculty and students. The subject appears under the Topics heading in the class schedule. Course may be repeated for credit when the topic changes. prerequisite: none unless listed in the current class schedule