Do you think that writing will be central to your career? Do you simply want to be prepared more fully for writing in the workplace? Courses in Professional Writing and Editing will help you make the most of your skills. Five courses are now available online as part of WVU’s Distance Education program, or as part of the regular course offerings through WVU’s Department of English. While you can take just one or two of the courses, successful completion of all five courses will earn a Professional Writing minor that you can combine with any other major. For more information on the distinctions between the Professional Writing and Editing Certificate, Minor, and Concentration, including eligibility requirements, please visit the Department of English’s undergraduate catalog.
Overview
The cluster of courses in Professional Writing and Editing are designed to introduce you to the theory and practice of writing business and technical documents to prepare you for writing in the professional world. Online writing courses are particularly challenging and in order to succeed in them, students must have strong communication skills, a high degree of motivation, and an ability to work independently. The Professional Writing and Editing courses will help you:
- Understand the varied roles of writing in professional contexts
- Apply the conventions of different types of professional writing (memos, reports, etc.)
- Understand what makes writing usable or accessible for different types of readers
- Explain and describe specialized information for both technical and non-expert readers
- Develop visual design skills, including the use of graphics and page design
Prerequisites: English 101 and 102 are prerequisites for these courses. Online versions of English 101 and 102 will be offered each semester.
To be eligible to earn a minor, you must complete the following courses with a B average. You are, of course, welcome to take courses without formally pursuing a Professional Writing and Editing minor.
Please Note: You can take the Professional Writing and Editing courses in any order.
ENGL 101 Composition and Rhetoric
A course in writing non-fiction prose, principally the expository essay.
ENGL 102 Composition and Rhetoric
Writing college-level research papers based on argumentative models. Precision
in footnotes, bibliographies, usage, punctuation, and stylistics assumed.
Required of all bachelor's degree candidates unless the requirement is waived
under regulations prevailing at the time of admission.
English 301 Public Rhetoric/Advanced Composition
Traditional and contemporary approaches to rhetoric and writing theory for
Professional Writing and Editing students.
English 302 Editing
A comprehensive approach to editing, including the correctness and effectiveness
of a document, information design, and editorial responsibility. Students
gain a realistic perspective on workplace practice through real-world scenarios,
case studies, and technological applications.
English 303 Multimedia Writing
Study of communication and design issues in multimedia composition. Focuses
on communication, creative expression, persuasion, interactivity, and rhetorical
principles. Practice in composing multimedia documents such as online publications,
interactive literary works, and tutorials.
English 304 Business and Professional Writing
Students will analyze different writing contexts, meet the needs of different
audiences, and organize and present material in letters, memos, and reports.
Includes some research, Internet components, and a review of style, grammar
and usage.
English 305 Technical Writing
Writing in scientific and technical fields. Introduces students to typical
genres, workplace practices, document design, and conventions of writing
for experts and non-experts.
For additional information contact Brian Ballentine at Brian.Ballentine@mail.wvu.edu. To register for online courses, contact WVU Online at (800) 253-2762 or email WVUOnlineInquiry@mail.wvu.edu.