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Writing Communication

Professor Sam Overstreet, Chair, Division of Languages and Literature

Assistant Professor Christina Seymour, Coordinator

The Major in Writing Communication is recommended for a variety of careers. The skills emphasized in organized thinking, writing, and research prepare the student not only for teaching and for the many branches of editing and publishing but also for other professions such as law, librarianship, and the ministry. These same skills are in demand in business and industry, where leadership positions go to those who can think logically and express themselves clearly.

Students successfully completing the program of study will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

  1. Familiarity with major authors and works from all the major periods of Western Literature, including contemporary literary writers and their works.
  2. Knowledge of Western literary history and the continuity of its traditions.
  3. Familiarity with genres/schools of poetry and prose.
  4. Knowledge of literary terminology.
  5. Knowledge of methods and strategies for generating ideas in order to produce texts of clarity that is appropriate to audience, context, and purpose.
  6. Knowledge of writing and editing applications in non-academic contexts such as through internship experiences.
  7. Knowledge of methodologies for critiquing and giving constructive feedback on manuscripts.
  8. Knowledge of methodologies of different rhetorical situations, different modes of writing in journalism, public relations, business and technical writing.
  9. Knowledge about best practices, ethical and professional issues in journalism, public relations, business and technical writing.

Skills

  1. Ability to read with discernment—to analyze and interpret form, structure and style in expository writing and in various genres of literature.
  2. Ability to write with clarity, conciseness, appropriate organization and a level of usage and style suitable for the audience and rhetorical situation.
  3. Ability to carry out independent research.
  4. Ability to show confident and articulate oral expression.
  5. Proficiency in copy editing and proofreading of work other than one’s own, including knowledge of various style guides and the distinction between grammar and style (AP style, MLA etc.).
  6. Ability to collaborate responsibly and efficiently within small groups or teams and within larger organizational structures to produce written reports, multimedia presentations and creative projects.