WRI - Writing

An introduction to the forms and techniques of creative writing, with opportunities to write poetry, fiction and drama or creative non-fiction. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements if not used for the writing major.

A beginning creative writing course that employs intensive exercises in self-discovery as preparation for writing stories, poems or plays that authentically convey emotion. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements if not used for the writing major.

In this course students both study and practice the literary genre of memoir/autobiography. Students will read and analyze outstanding examples of this genre, learn narrative writing techniques, and then write their own substantial autobiographical narratives.

The course examines the many types and uses of internet-based writing from a rhetorical (that is, audience- and purpose-oriented) perspective. Students will be asked to research, reflect on, and compose in multiple online genres, including blogs, social networking environments, wikis, content management systems, and standalone websites. The final result will be an online portfolio of each student's writing that reflects rhetorical awareness of audience, purpose, and production on the World Wide Web.

A study of one or more specialized writing genres and/or techniques. Topics may include science fiction and fantasy writing, autobiography, persuasive writing, critical reviews, travel writing, science writing, photojournalism, unblocking writer's block and writing for the stage. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements if not used for the writing major.

An introduction to the techniques of writing stage and television scripts. May be repeated for advanced credit with portfolio by permission of instructor. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements if not used for the writing major.

This course is primarily intended to introduce students to basic publication and editing techniques used in print and online publications. Course content will cover publication design, editing, following a style guide, use of images and text, ethical issues, publication management, and various technologies used in the publishing industry.

Yearbook design and production. Students will learn to write and edit copy, take and crop digital photographs, use software specific to yearbook production, and manage business aspects of publishing a yearbook. Not recommended for first-semester freshmen. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits. Up to 4 credits may be applied to the writing major.

A writing workshop devoted to nontraditional dramatic works such as radio drama and spoken-word performance. Students listen to, read and critique monologues and dialogues, as well as write and perform. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

Poetry writing and reading of related works. May be repeated for advanced credit with portfolio by permission of instructor. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements if not used for the writing major.

Techniques of writing imaginative fiction. May be repeated for advanced credit with portfolio by permission of instructor. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements if not used for the writing major.

A workshop devoted to the writing and reading of creative (literary) nonfiction (i.e., literary journalism, memoir, the personal essay, travel writing, biography) - prose engaged in the rendering of fact, but employing the formal techniques and styles of fiction and other types of imaginative writing. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements if not used for the writing major.

Involves guided practice in the major forms of technical communication (i.e., instructions, scientific descriptions, proposals, and research and analysis reports) for successful writing on the job. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

Draws from a variety of design theories to create and analyze workplace documents such as training, marketing and documentation materials. Emphasis will be placed on thinking creatively about how to make information as usable as possible and choosing appropriate media and genre for communicative purpose. Students will put theory into practice by writing and designing portfolio pieces. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

This course examines the art of telling nonfiction stories set in the past with a special emphasis on biography. Students read a wide variety of successful examples, learn historical research skills, and practice literary and narrative techniques to create their own biographical/historical work.

This course is designed to introduce poets to questions of poetic form, the prime physical and emotional constituent of poetic meaning. We will build on our knowledge of basic elements of writing and reading poetry and enhance our understanding of poetry by studying forms in all its contexts. Students will engage in close readings of poems as well as critical analysis about poetics.

Advanced poetry writing and reading of related works. May be repeated for advanced credit with portfolio by permission of instructor. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements if not used for the writing major.

Advanced techniques for writing imaginative fiction. May be repeated for advanced credit with portfolio by permission of instructor. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements if not used for the writing major.

A workshop/seminar for advanced creative writing students involving prose, poetry, experimental forms; reading work aloud; and publication of work. May be repeated for advanced credit if content varies and with permission of instructor. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements if not used for the writing major.

A studio writing course introducing students to a variety of recognized structural elements used in literary narrative, from classic and historical to contemporary. Readings include fiction, critical background, and commentary on the uses of forms for practical purposes. Students write an array of assignments in selected forms.

The purpose of this course is to introduce the principles of comprehensive editing and basic copy editing. The comprehensive editing level involves higher-order issues, such as reasoning and evidence, organization, visual design, style and use of illustrations. Basic copy editing is the final editing level, covering consistency, grammar and usage, and punctuation, for example. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

Advanced training in poetry writing, as well as directed reading and discussion of modern poetry. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements if not used for the writing major. May be repeated for advanced credit with portfolio by permission of instructor.

Involves advanced training in fiction writing, as well as directed reading and discussion of modern fiction. May be repeated for advanced credit with portfolio by permission of instructor. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements if not used for the writing major.

Open only to juniors and seniors. An internship that involves closely supervised on-the-job training in career writing. May be repeated for a maximum of 10 semester hours of credit, four of which may count toward the writing major. Students must apply for the internship one semester in advance. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

The senior portfolio course is required for all English majors in the last semester of their senior year. The course will assess student attainment of stated outcomes and also offer preparation for career development, including employment or graduate and professional schools.