WRIT - Writing

WRIT 001  Co-Req Support for WRIT 101W: 2 Credits (2 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Writing Placement Level 200
COREQUISITE: WRIT 101W. (F, Sp) The College Writing Co-req course (WRIT 001) supports college writing students on all core literacy skills needed to be successful college level reading and composition students. Students must complete WRIT 101W with at least a C- to pass this course. The course introduces students to critical reading practices on assigned College Writing non-fiction texts, fosters students’ critical thinking based on textual analysis, and engages students in composition processes: pre-writing, drafting, revision, and editing. Composing in-class paragraphs gives students practice with the writing process and engages students with the WRIT 101W course material. Course does not earn college-level credit
.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Practice the process steps for writing (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing)
2. Apply various strategies and tools supporting steps of the writing process: journaling, free writing, brainstorming models and patterns, collaboration, and using the handbook’s guidance throughout the process.
3. Apply MLA style, including parenthetical references and the Works Cited page, and MLA manuscript format to essays and paragraphs
4. Demonstrate proficient control of grammar and basic control of stylistic devices
5. Clearly articulate his/her growth as a writer.
6. Gain an awareness of the process involved in writing: (pre-writing, outline, implementation of plan, relation to peer feedback, relation to teacher's comments, and improvement after revision).
7. Improve writing by relating to self, peer and teacher evaluations in WRIT 101
8. Assess the reading situation and read according to the demands of the assignment
9. Annotate texts to improve reading comprehension
10. Apply critical reading strategies to WRIT 10 texts
11. Paraphrase key passages from WRIT 101 texts

WRIT 080  Building Basic Writing Skills: 4 Credits (4 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Writing Placement Level 100. (F, Sp) Building Basic Writing Skills introduces students to critical reading practices by focusing on textual analysis of non-fiction works and to writing for academic purposes by focusing on the development of the paragraph. The course also provides, in the context of writing, a review and reinforcement of principles of English grammar and punctuation associated with successful college-level writing. The goal of this course is to develop confidence and the ability to write clear and effective paragraphs and to read college-level texts. Course does not earn college-level credit

WRIT 095  Developmental Writing: 4 Credits (4 Lec)

Developmental Writing introduces students to critical reading practices within thematic non-fiction, fosters students' critical thinking based on textual analysis, and encourages questioning and exploration. Composing paragraphs and short essays provides a review and reinforcement of principles of English grammar and punctuation associated with successful college-level writing. Ability to write clear sentences is assumed.

WRIT 100  Composing Mindfully: 3 Credits (1 Lab, 2 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Admission to the Hilleman Scholars Program
COREQUISITE: Participation in the Hilleman Scholars Program's Summer Success Academy. Assists new college students' transition from high-school to college writing situations by focused inquiry into the concepts of writing ecology, multimodality, process, and revision
.
Repeatable up to 3 credits.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate the ability to interpret college writing assignments and implement a process to complete them on time and with quality.
2. Demonstrate the ability to make meaning of scholarly articles and contribute to class discussions on them.
3. Demonstrate awareness of resources to assist success in college writing courses, such as the Writing Center, peer readers, and meetings with instructors.
4. Explore concepts of writing such as process, revision, multimodality, writing ecology, and textuality.
5. Demonstrate understanding of the value of mindfulness and reflection for composing in any writing situation.

WRIT 101W  College Writing I: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Writing Placement Level 300 or WRIT 080. (F, Sp, Su) Studies the nature and practice of reading and writing as human interaction, with particular attention to elements of writing process and craft, to present new conceptions of writing as students enter the university writing environment

View Course Outcomes:

1. Ability to analyze and act on understandings of audiences, purposes, and contexts in creating and comprehending texts
2. Ability to, knowledgeably and ethically, choose, understand and apply sources when creating public arguments
3. Use multiple strategies to produce writing including revision, peer review, and collaboration
4. Demonstrate a knowledge of formal and informal writing conventions as they shift across genres
5. Ability to design and present information in multiple environments with various technologies according to appropriate rhetorical context

WRIT 104  Workplace Communications: 2 Credits (2 Lec)

This course reviews the basic elements of grammar and language arts skills in business writing. Emphasis is placed on writing business letters, memos, emails, and reports for a variety of business applications as well as giving oral presentations. Letters of application and resumes are also covered.

WRIT 121  Introduction to Technical Writing: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

Effective communication is essential in every career. This course provides students with a background in the practical, technical writing skills that are necessary for effective communication in today's workplace.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Provide clear writing in a range of genres for intended users
2. Evaluate a writing task to meet the needs of intended users
3. Brainstorm and analyze topics in order to organize visually for the reader
4. Conduct contextual inquiry and research to ensure the relevance, accuracy, and credibility of information for an intended user
5. Employ word-processing, layout, and graphics software to design visually and verbally usable, clear documents
6. Comprehensively edit documents using a variety of editing techniques
7. Learn to collaborate effectively by role-playing

WRIT 191  Special Topics: 1-4 Credits ()

WRIT 201  College Writing II: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 101W or equivalent. Studies writing as a practice, process, and tool of inquiry in various academic domains. Bridges general study of writing in WRIT 101 and later discipline-specific study of writing. Emphasizes how to conduct inquiry through writing, and how to learn to write in new situations

View Course Outcomes:

1. Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
   - Engage in recursive application of the writing process for critical inquiry and research;
   - Select and read complex texts thoughtfully, analytically, and critically in preparation for writing tasks;
   - Apply multiple, flexible strategies for writing, particularly inventing, organizing, drafting, revising, and copyediting;
   - Engage in research as a process of analyzing, synthesizing, and discriminating among various primary an secondary sources; Incorporate ideas of others with their own;
   - Formulate an assertion about a given issue and support that assertion with evidence accounting for multiple positions on the issue, complexity of the issue, and audience perceptions;
   - Demonstrate deliberate and sophisticated use of all the conventions of language and forms of discourse;
   - Use format and structure strategically to engage the audience.

WRIT 205  Intro to Writing Studies: 3 Credits (3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 101W or equivalent. (F, Sp) Overviews the Writing Option and the field of Writing Studies, its areas and methods of inquiry, and questions and issues of interest to writers an writing researchers and theorists from historical, cultural, social and psychological perspectives

View Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of issues and questions in the study of writing, particularly rhetoric and literacy.
2. Apply principles of professionalization and career preparation for writers.
3. Compose genre-specific texts for a range of writing contexts related to the major.
4. Apply their knowledge of principles of writing studies to advanced coursework.

WRIT 221  Intermediate Tech Writing: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 101W or equivalent. Focuses on kinds of writing done in technical or business environments: business letters, proposals, formal reports, technical presentations, user manuals, etc. Prepares students for technical writing in a range of disciplines and with attention to the social implications of technology

View Course Outcomes:

1. Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
   - Determine the genre needed for a given project in order to provide clear writing for specific users;
   - Evaluate the situation, audience, and possible misconceptions to frame writing task effectively;
   - Brainstorm, analyze, and prioritize topics, ensuring that language is parallel and organization is visually effective;
   - Conduct contextual inquiry and research to ensure the relevance, accuracy, and credibility of information for the specific user;
   - Employ word-processing, layout, graphics, drawing, publishing, web design, and presentation software to design visually and verbally usable, clear documents;
   - Comprehensively edit documents using a variety of editing techniques, including usability- or field-testing;
   - Collaborate effectively with subject-matter experts, co-workers, and co-writers.

WRIT 291  Special Topics: 1-4 Credits (1-4 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: None required but some may be determined necessary by the department. Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

View Course Outcomes:

1. This course has three main goals: (1) Create a writing community through shared
   readings, individual writing, and author’s chair, (2) Provide time for students to immerse
   themselves in conversations about writing and experience what writing can do for groups
   of people, and (3) Write daily, for a variety of purposes.
   After completing the course, students will
   • Understand how to participate in, create, and sustain a writing community. Said
   community may be within an academic context such as MSU (e.g. students
   creating a writing group as support during their studies) or within a social group
   (e.g. a club that uses writing to learn about one another and stay connected).
   • Understand what writing can do for people that is not about the teaching of
   writing.
   After completing the course*, students will be able to
   • Examine social practices and relational processes that undergird writing
   communities and help people sustain them.
   • Identify their own writing identity and anxieties, with greater awareness of how
   they can participate in and be successful with various rhetorical situations.
   • Make suggestions for how to use writing in their own academic and social groups.
   *Students taking this course may have opportunity to apply to work as Junior Counselors
   at the Yellowstone Writing Project’s Youth Writing Camp in July (a one week
   experience with youth entering grades 5-12). This is a solid opportunity for students
   interested in working as writing mentors and/or those interested in developing writing
   communities for an intensive, yet brief period of time.

WRIT 292  Independent study: 1-3 Credits (1 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Consent of instructor and approval of department head. Directed research and study on an individual basis
Repeatable up to 6 credits.

WRIT 300  Rhetorical Theory in Writing Studies: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 101 or equivalent. (F, Sp) Rhetorical Theory in Writing Studies. 3 credits. (3 Lec) Fall Spring. Study in rhetorical theory as it applies to writing studies with an emphasis on studying and writing discourse and textual analysis, rhetorical criticism

View Course Outcomes:

1. Fluently discuss significant works, figures, and trends in rhetorical theory pertinent to the field of writing studies. \\n
2. Apply discourse and textual analysis alongside rhetorical theory to problems in rhetoric and writing studies\\n
3. Apply rhetorical theory to better understand and evaluate written rhetorical practices \\n
4. Use rhetorical reading for writerly activities such as critical assessment of texts, interpreting rhetorical ecologies and writing contexts, and giving feedback.\\n

WRIT 310  Researched Writing: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

(F, Sp) Researched Writing. 3 credits. (3 Lec) Fall Spring. Methods of research specific to writing studies and practice in integrating empirical and bibliographic research into a variety of genres.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Discuss and apply empirical research methods specific to writing studies, such as textual analysis, ethnography, case studies, archival studies, and mixed-methods research
2. Discuss and navigate ethical issues in research and researched writing, including implicit bias, sampling limitations, participant privacy, and plagiarism
3. Conduct an independent research agenda and address original research questions in writing studies and related fields
4. Compose in a variety of research-based genres, which may include proposals, posters, and creative nonfiction
5. Demonstrate familiarity and confidence using available resources for conducting research and composing researched genres, including library resources, databases, and style guides
6. Integrate and attribute researched source material appropriately to the genre

WRIT 326  Advanced Writing: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 101 or equivalent. (Sp) Offered Spring, even years. Advanced writing study and practice, with attention to topics like research writing and style

WRIT 371  Digital Rhetorics and Multimodal Writing: 3 Credits (3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Junior standing or consent of instructor. (F) Covers topics concerned with rhetoric and writing in digital environments. Students will study theories, principles, and techniques of writing in blended modes and alternative (usually electronic) genres, e.g., web writing and other digital formats that integrate alphabetic-print, image, and audio texts

WRIT 372  Science Writing for Popular Non-Fiction: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 101W or equivalent and one IS, RS, RN, or CS Core course; and by enrollment in the English major or Writing minor, or by consent of the instructor. (F) Study of science journalism and nonfiction that reports scientific research to non-specialist audiences. Students will study research, reporting, and narrative writing techniques and consider ethical challenges and industry practices in professional science writing

WRIT 373  News and Pub Relations Writing: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 101W or equivalent and enrollment in English major or Writing minor, or consent of instructor. (Sp) Familiarizes students with the professional news and public relations writing environment. In writing breaking and feature news stories and press releases, students will master processes by which written information is disseminated to the public, both through news media and government and corporate public information operations

View Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of issues, questions, and problems in contemporary News and PR Writing
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethics of contemporary journalism and public relations writing
3. Study relevant digital environments, including social media, in which mass media circulate
4. Demonstrate an understanding of research processes for composing journalistic texts
5. Apply learning of genre-specific conventions to the composition of texts in those genres

WRIT 374  Magazine Editing: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: One WRIT course 300 level or above. (Sp) Magazine Editing and Production creates a studio-driven experience for students to walk through editorial considerations, design, and production of themed periodical publications such as magazines, journals, and websites

WRIT 429  Professional Writing: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

(F) Intended for students who already have considerable skill and experience in expository writing. Focuses on professional writing designed to be read by the general public or a specialized audience.

WRIT 450  Rhetoric and Composition: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Junior standing or consent of instructor. (Sp) Offered Spring, odd years. Intensive study in composition/rhetorical theory

View Course Outcomes:

1. Extend your knowledge of issues, questions, and pertinent special topic of rhetoric and composition studies.
2. Develop your abilities as a rhetorician in composition studies, or someone who studies rhetoric with a particular focus on analyzing and interpreting texts with advanced understanding.
3. Apply your evolving understanding of a special subject in rhetoric and composition to composing texts of your own that contribute to conversations in this area of study.
4. Locate yourself in rhetorical relationship to this special topic of study in rhetoric and composition to both understand it theoretically and practically as a writer and thinker.
5. Practice collaborative learning, both in terms of discussing texts with peers to better understand them and giving and getting feedback on your writing.

WRIT 472  Science Writing and Journalism: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 300 or WRIT 310 or WRIT 326 or WRIT 371 or WRIT 373 or WRIT 429 or WRIT 450 or consent of instructor. (F) Study of science journalism and nonfiction that reports scientific research to non-specialist audiences. Students will study research, reporting, and narrative writing techniques and consider ethical challenges and industry practices in professional science writing

View Course Outcomes:

1. Gain familiarity with a variety of genres of science journalism (one-page briefs, short stories, book-length treatments) by reading and practicing a range of them
2. Learn techniques and strategies for researching for the purpose of translating results for lay readers, especially interviewing scientists and interpreting their research
3. Practice elements of style and storytelling that render scientific research in narrative terms (plot, character, conflict, etc.)
4. Practice fundamental tools of technical writing including definition, description, analysis, and procedure, in the context of creating high-interest writing
5. Study ethical considerations in science reportage, including fair representation of original research and problems of accuracy, completeness, framing, entertainment, and hyping
6. Gain familiarity with the science-writing industry and publication processes

WRIT 474  Magazine Editing and Production: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 300 or WRIT 326 or WRIT 371 or WRIT 373 or WRIT 429 or WRIT 450, or consent of instructor. (Sp) Magazine Editing and Production creates a studio-driven experience for students to walk through editorial considerations, design, and production of themed periodical publications such as magazines, journals, and websites
Repeatable up to 6 credits.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Work as part of a team to produce original content with a unique focus and for a specific audience
2. Pitch a story idea to an editorial team
3. Edit and revise your own work and that of your peers from the developmental to the final proofreading stages
4. Describe the Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, and demonstrate how to use it to design your own content
5. Develop personal strategies to meet deadlines and work within a set budget

WRIT 476  Public Rhetorics and Writing: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 300 or consent of instructor. (Sp) Students will study theories, principles, and practices of public discourse, including publics, counterpublics, and community; public dissent; and visual rhetorics pertaining to public memory and social movements

View Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of issues, questions, and problems in public rhetorics and writing.
2. Learn and apply principles and practices of rhetoric and/or literacy to study and interpret particular public rhetorics.
3. Practice blending traditional academic research methods with publicly engaged research methods.
4. Demonstrate facility with considering issues of power, difference, and ethics in public discourse.
5. Demonstrate ability and willingness to sit with uncomfortable ideas, listen to those speaking them, acknowledge and manage complexity, and delay judgment on open questions.

WRIT 490R  Undergraduate Research: 1-6 Credits (1 Other)

(F, Sp) Directed undergraduate research/creative activity which may culminate in a research paper, journal article, or undergraduate thesis. Course will address responsible conduct of research. May be repeated.
Repeatable up to 6 credits.

WRIT 491  Special Topics: 4 Credits (4 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Course prerequisites as determined for each offering
Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Special Topics: Learning outcomes will vary.

WRIT 492  Independent Study: 1-3 Credits (1 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Junior standing, consent of instructor and approval of department chair. (F, Sp) Directed research and study on an individual basis. May not be used in lieu of another required course in the English curriculum
Repeatable up to 6 credits.

WRIT 494RH  Seminar: Writing Research and Publications: 3 Credits (3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Senior standing and consent of instructor. (F, Sp) Senior capstone course for writing majors. Integration and assessment of students' cumulative experiences as English writing majors. Offered alternately as Research in Writing and Rhetoric, emphasizing expository writing and scholarly practice; Critique and Publication, emphasizing creative writing. Restricted entry

View Course Outcomes:

1. Put your specialized knowledge/experiences in the major in dialogue with our course assignments to contribute your ideas and your presence to our discussions, writing time, and projects.
2. Rewrite and rethink past academic projects and experiences, including rewriting an academic essay.
3. Design and compose a sustained work to apply what you've learned in the major.
4. Collaborate with others regularly, particularly as you create, draft, and work through difficulties with your rewriting project and sustained project.
5. Present an aspect of your sustained project in our poster presentation celebration.
6. Reflect on and critically interrogate your learning within the major, and at MSU more generally

WRIT 498  Internship: 1-12 Credits (1-12 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Junior standing, consent of instructor and approval of department chair. (F, Sp) An individual assignment arranged with an agency, business or other organization to provide guided experience in the field
Repeatable up to 12 credits.