WRI - Writing

An introduction to the forms and techniques of creative writing, with opportunities to write poetry, fiction, or creative non-fiction.

A beginning creative writing course that employs intensive exercises in self-discovery as preparation for writing stories, poems or plays that authentically convey emotion.

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.

This course explores how writing, broadly defined, promotes social change. Through the study and analysis of a range of multimedia texts, students will develop an understanding of how writing builds community, critiques dominant discourses, inspires people, and transforms cultures. Students will create a series of written and visual texts, at least some of which will be for a public audience. Specific course topics may include digital activism, environmental justice, countercultural writing, social movement rhetorics, nonprofit writing, and/or service-learning projects. The course is developed for all majors. 

The course examines the many types and uses of digital writing from a rhetorical (that is, audience- and purpose-oriented) perspective. Students will be asked to research, reflect on, and compose in multiple digital genres, including blogs, social networking environments, wikis, content management systems, and standalone websites.

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.

An introduction to the techniques of writing stage and television scripts. May be repeated for additional WRI credit with a change of instructor and with portfolio by permission of instructor.

This course introduces students to 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.

Poetry writing and reading of related works. May be repeated for additional WRI credit with a change of instructor and with portfolio by permission of instructor.

Techniques of writing imaginative fiction. May be repeated for additional WRI credit with a change of instructor and with portfolio by permission of instructor.

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.

Involves guided practice in the major forms of technical communication (e.g., instructions, scientific descriptions, proposals, and reports) for successful writing on the job. The course may include opportunities to develop projects for clients or community partners.

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 additional WRI credit with a change of instructor and with portfolio by permission of instructor.

Advanced study of one or more specialized writing genres and/or techniques. Topics may vary but may include new journalism, memoir and biography, advanced editorial practice, and other creative and professional writing topics.

Advanced techniques for writing imaginative fiction. May be repeated for additional WRI credit with a change of instructor and with portfolio by permission of instructor.

A workshop/seminar for advanced creative writing students involving prose, poetry, and experimental forms; reading work aloud; and publication of work. May be repeated for additional WRI credit if content varies and with permission of instructor.

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.

In this upper-level workshop students study and practice telling compelling true stories. (Writing about others is emphasized, rather than memoir.) Elements of this craft include reporting and research, as well as narrative techniques: creating scenes, rendering dimensional characters, writing with voice and vivid description, and choosing the right story structure. Readings, contemporary and classic, vary in length from magazine articles to books. Shorter writing assignments build to the final project: a substantial (25- to 30-page) nonfiction narrative.

In this class, students will design, lay out, and copyedit a publication for the University of Tampa Press.

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.

This course introduces students to a variety of approaches for designing print and digital texts through the application of rhetorical and design principles. This course consists of lessons in design philosophies and techniques, tutorials in using design software, and hands-on application while developing texts for public audiences. The course may include opportunities to develop creative projects for professional clients.

Advanced training in poetry writing, as well as directed reading and discussion of modern poetry. May be repeated for additional WRI credit with a change of instructor and with portfolio by permission of instructor.

Individual advanced training and supervision of poetry writing.

Involves advanced training in fiction writing, as well as directed reading and discussion of modern fiction. May be repeated for additional WRI credit with a change of instructor and with portfolio by permission of instructor.

Involves individual advanced training and supervision of fiction writing.

This course will develop writing, editing, and reading skills. Students will hone the art of nonfiction narrative while minimalizing distortion or misrepresentation. Students will learn to identify strengths and weaknesses in their own writing and in other writing. Students will learn to recognize the importance of truth and reportorial techniques that characterize nonfiction.

Involves advanced training in professional writing on the job or for freelance markets, with emphases on flexibility and practicality of topic and style.

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.

Students will produce an advanced creative writing project in their chosen genre.