Writing
Courses in writing (designated WRTG) may be applied as appropriate (according to individual program requirements) toward
- the general education requirement in communications;
- a major in communication studies or English;
- a minor in communication studies; and
- electives (including related requirements in various majors).
Degree-seeking students must complete WRTG 101 or WRTG 101S (or present its equivalent in transfer) during their first 18 credits of enrollment at UMUC. WRTG 101 or WRTG 101S is prerequisite to all writing courses with higher numbers and most courses in English and communication studies. Placement tests are required for enrollment in WRTG 101. Students may contact their local field representative to schedule the placement test.
WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)
(Formerly ENGL 101) Prerequisite: Satisfactory performance on a placement test or EDCP 103. Practice in effective writing and clear thinking at all levels, including the sentence and paragraph, with emphasis on the essay and research report. The objective is to apply specific steps within the writing process, including formulating purpose, identifying an audience, and selecting and using research resources and methods of development. Revision and recursive writing practice are emphasized and encouraged. Assignments include comparison-contrast and research essays, as well as other rhetorical tasks. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ENGL 101, ENGL 101X, WRTG 101, WRTG 101S, or WRTG 101X.
WRTG 101S Introduction to Writing (3)
(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Practice in effective writing and clear thinking at all levels, including the sentence and paragraph, with emphasis on the essay and the integration of research into one's writing. The goal is to strengthen key aspects of mechanics while applying specific steps within the writing process, including formulating purpose, identifying an audience, and selecting and using research resources and methods of development, and other rhetorical tasks. An intensive review of grammar and punctuation is provided. Assignments include a comparison-contrast analysis, a cause-effect analysis, a research-supported essay, and a final reflective paper. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: EDCP 103, ENGL 101, ENGL 101X, WRTG 100, WRTG 101, WRTG 101S, or WRTG 101X.
WRTG 291 Research Writing (3)
(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Prerequisite: WRTG 101 or WRTG 101S. Continued practice in critical reading, thinking, and writing. The objective is to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize diverse sources and viewpoints to develop persuasive and academic writing. Assignments include creating responses to readings, an annotated bibliography, a synthesis research essay, and a reflective paper. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ENGL 291, ENGL 291H, or WRTG 291.
WRTG 293 Introduction to Professional Writing (3)
Prerequisite: WRTG 101, WRTG 101S, or ENGL 101. An overview of professional writing. The goal is to analyze professional communication scenarios to develop effective workplace writing. Topics include the standards, conventions, and technologies of professional writing; communicating to a variety of audiences; and developing appropriate written responses to workplace challenges. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 293, ENGL 293, or WRTG 293.
WRTG 391 Advanced Research Writing (3)
(Formerly ENGL 391. Fulfills the general education requirement in upper-level advanced writing.) Prerequisite: WRTG 101, WRTG 101S, or ENGL 101. Instruction and practice in academic research skills. The objective is to critically analyze scholarly sources and effectively integrate source material into a complex argument. Assignments include prewriting exercises, a critique, a critical annotated bibliography, a literature review, and a statement of research gaps and questions. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ENGL 391/391X or WRTG 391/391X.
WRTG 393 Advanced Technical Writing (3)
(Fulfills the general education requirement in upper-level advanced writing.) Prerequisite: WRTG 101, WRTG 101S, or ENGL 101. Recommended: WRTG 291 or WRTG 293. A comprehensive, project-based study of applied technical writing. The aim is to design and develop appropriate and effective technical documents using strategies and technologies for a variety of audiences. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 393, COMM 393X, ENGL 393, ENGL 393X, WRTG 393, or WRTG 393X.
WRTG 394 Advanced Business Writing (3)
(Formerly COMM 394. Fulfills the general education requirement in upper-level advanced writing.) Prerequisite: WRTG 101, WRTG 101S, or ENGL 101. A comprehensive, project-based study of applied business writing. The aim is to develop documents appropriate to audience and purpose that are well argued and conform to standards to business writing. Topics include context, purpose, audience, style, organization, format, results, and strategies for persuasion in typical workplace messages. In addition to shorter assignments, a substantial formal report that incorporates research and support for conclusions or recommendations is required. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 394/394X, ENGL 394/394X, or WRTG 394/394X.
Last updated: 3 August 2012