Syllabus For Contemporary Professional Writing

Syllabus For Contemporary Professional Writinghave Your Syllabus With

Identify the core assignment: You are required to review the syllabus's key components for a course on Contemporary Professional Writing. This includes understanding required and recommended texts, the scope of assignments like small papers, journal entries, grammar exercises, final project, and associated activities such as quizzes, library and film assignments, and the process of writing including pre-writing, drafting, editing, and choosing appropriate essay types and audiences for a final paper.

Summarize the main tasks: The course involves reading and utilizing specific texts (Writer At Work, Brief English Handbook, and optional texts like Writing Down the Bones, The Elements of Style, and APA: The Easy Way). Students will complete weekly small papers, journal entries (either written or reflective), grammar exercises, and various assignments culminating in a final 13-page paper structured into chapters with specific planning like topic analysis and outlining. There are also short assignments such as PowerPoint questionnaires, library, and film tasks, along with the opportunity to rewrite papers to improve grades. An emphasis is placed on the writing process, including pre-writing, drafting, editing, and choosing appropriate writing strategies based on personal learning styles (left or right brain orientation).

Paper For Above instruction

This paper delves into the comprehensive structure and pedagogical approach encapsulated within the syllabus for a course in Contemporary Professional Writing. It emphasizes the integration of various fundamental and supplementary texts, the progressive development of students’ writing skills through multiple assignments, and the importance of understanding the writing process itself. The course's core objective is to facilitate students' mastery of effective professional writing through iterative practice, reflective journaling, and targeted grammar exercises, culminating in a substantive final paper.

At the outset, students are introduced to essential texts such as "Writer At Work" and "Brief English Handbook," which serve as the backbone for grammar practice and rewriting exercises. Optional texts like "Writing Down the Bones" and "The Elements of Style" are recommended to deepen understanding and skill development. These materials are designed to scaffold learners' grasp of the conventions and mechanics of professional writing, enabling incremental improvement and confidence in their writing abilities.

The syllabus stipulates a variety of assignments aimed at cultivating writing fluency and critical thinking. Weekly small papers form the core of student output, with specific instructions tied to developing chapters for a comprehensive final paper. These chapters, along with an introduction, conclusion, and references, are constructed through guided topic analysis, outlining, and iterative rewriting. This structured approach ensures that students not only produce content but also learn the importance of organization, coherence, and purposefulness in their writing.

Critical to the curriculum is the emphasis on the writing process: pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing. Students are encouraged to pre-write extensively through methods such as clustering, outlining, journaling, and talking about their ideas. The importance of separating editing from the initial creative process is stressed, reinforcing the development of polished, compelling prose. Decision-making about audience and essay type is an integral part of planning, fostering situational awareness and adaptability in writing styles.

Additional components include journal entries, which promote regular reflection and authenticity in personal writing, and grammar exercises tailored to individual needs based on self-assessment and teacher feedback. The syllabus also incorporates activities like PowerPoint questionnaires, library research, and film assignments to expand contextual understanding and application of writing skills.

Overall, this syllabus provides a scaffolded, comprehensive framework aimed at nurturing professional writers who are reflective, organized, and adaptable. Its emphasis on process, revision, audience awareness, and the integration of various writing styles and tools aligns with best pedagogical practices in developing effective, meaningful writing habits essential for professional success.

References

  • Strunk, W., & White, E. B. (2000). The Elements of Style. Pearson.
  • Goldberg, N. (1986). Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within. Shambhala Publications.
  • American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
  • Lunsford, A. A., & Connors, R. J. (1999). The St. Martin’s Guide to Writing. Bedford/St. Martin’s.
  • Hacker, D., & Sommers, N. (2018). A Writer’s Reference. Bedford/St. Martin’s.
  • Strunk, W. (1918). The Elements of Style. Harper & Brothers (original publication).
  • Williams, J. M. (2010). Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace. Pearson Longman.
  • Elbow, P. (1998). Writing with Power: Techniques for Mastering the Writing Process. Oxford University Press.
  • Harris, R. (2019). The Writing Center at Harvard University. https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/
  • Bishop, W. (2007). Writing and Editing for Dummies. Wiley Publishing.