WRI - Writing

This course provides the student with a basic understanding of the elements involved in the writing process by developing skills in various methods of writing. Students will write expressive and expository essays using the writing process of pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing. They will also evaluate and synthesize various sources and ideas to develop an essay. This course helps students develop an ability to express their ideas effectively in writing, analyze expository and persuasive writing techniques, and establish a solid foundation for researching and securing information required for productive college level writing. Not open to students with a satisfactory grade in ENG-140. (Must be passed with a grade of "C" or higher.)

This course focuses on advanced skills of expository and research writing. The course seeks to develop individual confidence in the effective use of professional communication and research writing skills. Students will write expository and research essays using the writing process of pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing. By evaluating and synthesizing a variety of sources, creating an annotated bibliography, and drafting a formal article critique, students will sharpen their ability to communicate and think critically in an academic setting. Not open to students with a satisfactory grade in ENG-141. (Must be passed with a grade of "C" or higher.)

Studies in the English language from its historic background through its present use in advertising, politics, propaganda, and the business and professional world. Through writing assignments, students focus critically on using language responsibly. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG-120 or Advanced Standing in English.

Required of all writing consultants in the first three semesters during which they work at the Writing Center. They may take this course for one credit hour per semester but may not accumulate more than three credit hours. This course will provide a philosophical and theoretical background to peer tutoring as well as hands-on instruction for working with students in various aspects of the writing process. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG-120 or Advanced Standing in English and Permission of the Division.

Explores all elements of the writer's basic tool: the sentence. The course focuses on the possibilities of writing graceful, powerful, and/or effective sentences, no matter what the writer's purpose or genre. Students will analyze both professional and student models and develop tools and skills necessary to go beyond the conventional and traditional to explore the possibilities of English sentence construction in both practical and artistic composition. Prerequisite: WRI-234 or permission of the Division.

Develops skills of advanced expressive, expository, and research writing--employing current aims of discourse and emphasizing peer critiquing. Students are exposed to working collaboratively on such projects as group presentations, group research, and essays. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG-120 or Advanced Standing in English.

An introduction to the writing of fiction, poetry, and drama. Emphasizes both the exercising of the imagination and the shaping of that imagination into artistic forms. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG-120 or Advanced Standing in English.

An advanced study of expository writing patterns and strategies, including research writing. Emphasizes the influence of classical rhetoric on modern forms. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG-120 or Advanced Standing in English.

The study and practices of persuasive writing. Includes analysis of pulpit rhetoric, political rhetoric, advertising techniques, and propaganda. Based on classical rhetoric, the course considers the psychological impact of language on behavior. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG-120 or Advanced Standing in English.

An intensive writing course that will help students intentionally incorporate autobiographical material into original poetry and prose. Students will study key autobiographical writers as well as write extensively in various genres: autobiographical fiction, memoir, confessional poetry, and creative non-fiction. Prerequisite: WRI-235.

An intensive study of the craft of writing for children in various genres and for various age groups. Students will study key children's literature and theory as well as write extensively for each age group (2-6, 7-11, and 12-18). Prerequisite: WRI-235.

Involves study of theory, practice, and marketing of magazine articles for print and online magazine publication. Prerequisite: COM-224 or WRI-224 or permission of the Division.

Advanced work in the writing of short stories. Principles of plot construction, character delineation, and descriptive setting are considered. Prerequisite: WRI-235 or permission of the Division.

An advanced study of prose style, involving analysis of styles both literary and journalistic, and practice in various techniques. Prerequisite: WRI-234 or permission of the Division.

Expository writing which concentrates on clarity and orderliness. Includes the preparation of reports, studies, proposals, and manuals for technical subjects such as those dealt with in the sciences, engineering, industry, and government. Prerequisite: Permission of the Division.

An intense study of the craft of poetry writing. Through the study of excellent models (especially good contemporary poetry), through experimentation with both traditional forms and free verse, and through peer evaluation, students learn to find their own poetic voice. Prerequisite: WRI-235 or permission of the Division.

Practical experience working for a newspaper, magazine business, or nonprofit organization. Tailored to meet the needs and abilities of advanced students. Requirements: Junior standing, 3.0 GPA, and permission of instructor. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG-120 or Advanced Standing in English.

Designed to provide opportunity for an occasional course emphasizing a particular writing specialty such as writing for children, travel writing, writing about spirituality, nature writing, etc. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG-120 or Advanced Standing in English or Permission of the Division. May be repeated under different topics.

An intensive writing course combined with a cross-cultural travel course that will help students learn the skills and writing techniques needed for travel writing. Students will study key travel writers and travel writing works as well as write extensively in various genres: guidebook, review, research, and literary travel writing. Prerequisite: ENG-120 and application and reference.

This course focuses on the practice and pedagogy of writing composition, grounding them in core composition theories. Students will explore how composition theory, practice and pedagogy are informed by, and influence such cultural issues as gender, race, politics, etc.; will experience writing as a social act through which we learn and teach; and will learn to select instructional and assessment techniques to serve a variety of learners. Prerequisite: Successful completion of a 3 hour WRI course.

Work with a faculty mentor and in cooperation with an Honors College advisor, producing a research thesis or creative project.

Study of both the theory and the craft of novel writing. By reading good fiction and by exploring through writing exercises the particular elements of fiction (plot, characterization, setting, point of view, and theme), students learn to integrate these to write their own novels. Prerequisite: WRI-235 or permission of the Division.

Encourages students to pursue and refine the nonfiction writing skills. Students may focus on the personal essay, the analytical article, religious or devotional writing, the review, or any other appropriate nonfiction mode. Prerequisite: WRI-234 or permission of the Division.

An intense workshop in the lyrical essay and literary nonfiction. Students will read extensively within the genre, journal diligently, and explore the possibilities of combining observation, research, and truth-telling with the schemes and tropes of imaginative prose writing. Prerequisites: WRI-234 and WRI-235.

A workshop and practicum devoted to sharpening basic writing skills and developing appropriate styles and formats for professional communication and publication. Emphasis on individualized instruction and on the completion of personal professional projects. Prerequisite: Permission of the Division.

Independent study in writing. Prerequisite: Permission of the Division.

A capstone course for writing majors, completing their coursework and complementing their Indiana Wesleyan University experience. Through class discussion, reading, research, writing, and portfolio development, students will be led to reflect upon the character and meaning of their academic and personal experiences and will be challenged to explore how these experiences may be integrated into their future work, both personal and professional.

Creation of an ambitious individual writing project in any creative genre. For advanced students, by permission of the Division.