Writing in Your Major
Primarily for students who have completed their writing requirement, but who seek further writing instruction and practice, this course begins with a brief review of the principles of academic writing. It then engages students in the thinking and writing required in various disciplines throughout the university. Students study and practice summary, explanation, analysis, interpretation and other critical strategies used to write essays, reports, research papers, case studies and other texts. The course also emphasizes understanding how audience, purpose and situation shape writing. Students learn how to use a flexible process of writing and revision to complete assignments, and how to respond constructively to the writing of others.
- Accurately use the citation system of their discipline to document sources and format documents.
- Analyze academic writing within their chosen discipline and use scholarly sources to advance independent research and arguments.
- Demonstrate advanced revision and proofreading skills that improve focus, organization, and clarity throughout the writing process.
- Identify and use databases and research strategies common within their chosen discipline.
- Identify the organizational and stylistic characteristics of writing within their chosen discipline.
- Synthesize material from multiple sources and produce inter-textual writing that contributes to dialogue within their chosen field.
- Use critical thinking and analysis at an advanced level to address complex issues important to their discipline.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
- Understand/demonstrate the writing and speaking processes through invention, organization, drafting, revision, editing and presentation.
- Participate effectively in groups with emphasis on listening, critical and reflective thinking, and responding.
- Locate, evaluate, and synthesize in a responsible manner material from diverse sources and points of view.
- Select appropriate communication choices for specific audiences.
- Construct logical and coherent arguments.
- Use authority, point-of-view, and individual voice and style in their writing and speaking.
- Employ syntax and usage appropriate to academic disciplines and the professional world.