Writing

Instruction includes sentence structure, paragraph and essay development, and written expression. Students can expect to increase working vocabulary and improve skills in basic communications.

Offers broad preparation for using writing in service of student success. Provides supported opportunities for practice in reading critically, locating information, exploring ideas, and writing to learn. Prerequisites: Placement into WR 115 or completion of (WR 90) and placement into RD 115 or completion of (RD 90). Audit available.

All courses in the composition sequence (WR 115, 121Z, 122Z) teach writing as a process, requiring revision over multiple drafts; require 2 instructor conferences; and include principles of citation.

WR 121Z engages students in the study and practice of critical thinking, reading, and writing. The course focuses on analyzing and composing across varied rhetorical situations and in multiple genres. Students will apply key rhetorical concepts flexibly and collaboratively throughout their writing and inquiry processes.

Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or equivalent placement. Audit available.

All courses in the composition sequence (WR 115, 121, 122) teach writing as a process, requiring revision over multiple drafts; require 2 instructor conferences; and include principles of citation.

WR 122Z builds on concepts and processes emphasized in WR 121Z, engaging with inquiry, research, and argumentation in support of students’ development as writers. The course focuses on composing and revising in research-based genres through the intentional use of rhetorical strategies. Students will find, evaluate, and interpret complex material, including lived experience; use this to frame and pursue their own research questions; and integrate material purposefully into their own compositions.

Prerequisites: WR 121 or equivalent. Audit available.

All courses in the composition sequence (WR 115, 121, 122) teach writing as a process, requiring revision over multiple drafts; require 2 instructor conferences; and include principles of citation.

Uses extensive research writing to develop skills in critical analysis and documented argument. Students synthesize their considered response to designated text(s) and/or issues with the reactions of other writers. Includes paraphrasing, summarizing, quoting, and documenting using style appropriate to discipline researched.

WR 227Z introduces students to producing instructive, informative, and persuasive technical/professional documents aimed at well-defined and achievable outcomes. The course focuses on presenting information using rhetorically appropriate style, design, vocabulary, structure, and visuals. Students can expect to gather, read, and analyze information and to learn a variety of strategies for producing accessible, usable, reader-centered deliverable documents that are clear, concise, and ethical.

Two instructor conferences required. Prerequisites: WR 121, basic computer literacy, and intermediate word processing skills. Audit available.

Introduces creative nonfiction and the writing of essays using creative techniques, such as personal narrative, memoir, nature and travel writing, and literary journalism. Explores the works of established writers for forms, techniques and styles as a context for the production of creative nonfiction for class discussion and analysis.

Students who are candidates for WR 240 should possess writing skills to the degree that mechanical errors and organizational problems are minimal, allowing them to experiment and develop their craft from sentence level to a finished, publishable piece of writing.

Focuses on writing short fiction for class discussion and analysis in a workshop setting. Explores the techniques, styles, and structures of the writings of established authors, as well as the creative writing process from development of an idea to revision of a manuscript.

Focuses on the writing and submitting of poetry for class discussion and analysis in a workshop setting. Introduces the techniques, structures, and styles of established poets.

Emphasizes development of craft while introducing basics of editing others' manuscripts and preparing them for publication in a variety of forms, including an annual student literary magazine. May be repeated twice for credit.

A brief interview with the instructor may be necessary before enrollment in the course. Students are encouraged to continue study in literature and languages as well as other creative writing courses.