Click here for conversion list of former 3-digit course numbers.

Writing 0002F/G - Introduction to Writing in English

Restricted to English as a Second Language students. This course will introduce the grammar and structure of English, as well as the conceptual and cultural conventions of university writing in English.

Writing 1000F/G - The Writers’ Studio

Students are introduced to the creative process of writing through in-class exercises, peer workshop, analysis of creative texts, journaling, essay writing, and a review of writing mechanics. Students learn strategies for idea generation in a variety of genres, composing a first draft, approaching revision, and effective editing and proofreading.

Writing 2101F/G - Introduction to Expository Writing

An introduction to the basic principles and techniques of good writing. The course will emphasize practical work and the development of writing skills for a variety of subjects and disciplines.

Writing 2111F/G - Writing in the World: Introduction to Professional Writing

This course will introduce students to various genres of workplace writing such as letters, memos, and reports. Topics include: employment communications (application letters and resumes); business writing style; positive, negative, and persuasive messages; cross-cultural communication; oral communication.

Writing 2121F/G - Text, Lies, and Digital Media: Writing for MIT

This course will improve the writing skills of MIT students, many of whom will find themselves developing written content for a variety of media formats in their professional lives. The focus on the basic principles of grammar and their relation to techniques of good expository writing in professional communication will aid students in developing precise and elegant prose.

Writing 2131F/G - No Bones About It: Writing for the Sciences

Writing in the Sciences introduces students to the basic principles and genres of writing required for science students in their undergraduate careers: lab reports, summaries of scientific research, and scientific review essays. The course will focus on drafting and revising various reports written on scientific topics.

Writing 2202F/G - Winning Your Argument: Advanced Exposition, Rhetoric, and Persuasion

An intensive, practical, and advanced study of patterns of exposition in discursive prose, this course will review the foundations of grammar, introduce students to the rhetorical arts involved in presentation and persuasion, and examine diverse forms and models of complex prose drawn from a variety of disciplines.

Writing 2203F/G - From Headline to Deadline: Writing for Publication

The course will improve writing intended for various forms of publication, including media releases and public letters, reviews and reports, newspaper and magazine articles. Students will develop skills in the preparation, writing, copy-editing, and formatting of materials for publication, focusing on effective organization at every level of writing.

Writing 2204F/G - Short Flicks: An Introduction to Screenwriting

In this course students will analyze short and feature film scripts, workshop their own scripts and respond to the scripts of other students, and draft and revise a 15 minute short film script. Topics will include image, three-act structure, dialogue, character development, theme, scene construction, and point of view.

Writing 2205F/G - Hot Type: Technical Writing

Students will examine how the technical writer interprets and appropriately presents specialized information. Assignments will increase in complexity from letters and memos to document design, technical definition and description, instructions, proposals, the research report. Students will combine analysis, organization, and visual design to craft oral and written communications.

Writing 2206F/G - Minding Your Ps and Qs: Technical Editing

This course introduces students to the basic principles of editing with a specific emphasis on technical documents. Topics include editing for: organization and structure; audience; usability; style; and grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and spelling.

Writing 2207F/G - My Name is url: Writing for the Web

This course will explore the theory and practice of digital writing technologies. Topics covered include: the production, management, and reception of digital texts; web writing style; hypertext and linking; authorship; copyright. Students will evaluate the design and content of web texts and create their own web sites.

Writing 2208F/G - Teaching Writing

This course will provide the theoretical background and the practical experience students need to be effective writing teachers and more knowledgeable writers. Class study of composition theory and pedagogy will be complemented by a supervised teaching practicum.

Writing 2209F/G - Visual Information Packaging: Document Design

This course introduces students to principles of document design and methods of integrating visual and verbal information in print documents such as brochures, manuals, and flyers. Students will apply these principles to a variety of design projects using the computer lab facilities.

Writing 2210F/G - GrammarPhobia Demystified: Contemporary Grammar for Writers

A study of how the English language works in practice, the course will include consideration of writing processes and the practical application of various theories of rhetoric and syntax. Students will analyse and imitate a variety of types of writing samples, and will develop a sophisticated understanding of writing in English.

Writing 2211F/G - The Naked Writer: Fundamentals of Creative Writing

Students will explore fundamentals of creative writing and challenge their creativity through the writing of fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. In craft talks and in small workshop settings, students will examine their work and the work of others for the use of basic elements such as character, voice, and setting.

Writing 2212F/G - Figures of Speech: Writing for Oral Presentation

The ability to influence people through oral discourse offers a powerful, desirable skill in any profession. Effective oral communication depends substantially on improving specific writing techniques rather than focusing solely on skills in delivery. By refining writing techniques, participants in this course will gain confidence in constructing oral presentations.

Writing 2213F/G - LOL: Humour Writing

Writing Humour is designed to help you write for greater impact while introducing you to different aspects of the genre, using a blend of lecture and workshop. You will have the opportunity to write something funny every week, get feedback, and learn about potential markets for your work.

Writing 2214F/G - Memoir, Memories, and Disclosure: Writing Creative Non-Fictio

This course is designed for students who wish to write what’s true in the form of personal essay, memoir and literary journalism. We will explore how writers use narrative techniques and structure to create essays both to the traditional forms and challenge them in unexpected, important and engaging ways.

Writing 2215F/G - Encoding Persuasion: Rhetorical Theory

This course introduces students to basic precepts of rhetorical theory, and their application to communication analysis and the practice of writing. Topics will include rhetorical argumentation, ‘publics’ theory, and conceptions of rhetoric as both a social practice and a method.

Writing 2216F/G - Rhetoric: Law Talk

This course examines the forms and function of rhetoric in legal discourse and debate. Principles drawn from rhetorical theory, ancient and modern, will be tested through their application to legal texts drawn from various sources, including trial transcripts, and academic and public commentary on legal issues.

Writing 2217F/G - Concept to Product: Publishing

This is a workshop course in which students work in teams to develop a consumer magazine. It is of particular interest to students considering a career in print/digital publishing as the roles of managing editor, copy editor, creative/art director, photo design editor, and freelance writer are part of the classroom experience.

Writing 2218F/G - To Make a Long Story Short: Introduction to Writing Short Fiction

In this course students will develop not only fiction writing ability, but also critical reading skills. The short story will be the focus of the course. Students will produce their own short fictions based on professional models, instructor guidance, and class discussion.

Writing 2219F/G - Word Travels: Introduction to Travel Writing

Great travel writing is a balance of colourful description, practical advice and history. Students will learn a variety of article styles including personal essay, guidebook writing and destination pieces for a variety of publications. Relevant issues will also be discussed including the evolution of the genre and ethical issues.

Writing 2220F/G - Renewing Your Poetic License: Introduction to Writing Poetry

This writing workshop examines a variety of techniques for writing contemporary poetry. Students are introduced to modern and contemporary poets from diverse backgrounds. Assignments, readings, in-class writing, and discussions focus on the fundamental elements of poetry such as image, metaphor, point of view, voice, typography, sound, meter, rhythm, and form.

Writing 2221F/G - Self and the Rhetorical Triangle: an Introduction to Interpersonal Communication

Humans spend three-quarters of their lives communicating. Effective communication, a skill which can be acquired, is developed through small group exercises, projects, and presentations. Oral and written communicating by way of the Rhetorical Triangle is not only about exercising critical judgment but also about developing respectful listening skills.

Writing 2291F/G - Special Topics in Writing

Please consult the Writing, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication Office, Faculty of Arts and Humanities for current offerings.

Writing 2292F/G - Special Topics in Writing

Please consult the Writing, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication Office, Faculty of Arts and Humanities for current offerings.

Writing 2293F/G - Special Topics in Writing

Please consult the Writing, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication Office, Faculty of Arts and Humanities for current offerings.

Writing 2294F/G - Special Topics in Writing

Please consult the Writing, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication Office, Faculty of Arts and Humanities for current offerings.

Writing 2295F/G - Special Topics in Writing

Please consult the Writing, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication Office, Faculty of Arts and Humanities for current offerings.

Writing 2296F/G - Special Topics in Writing

Please consult the Writing, Rhetoric, and Professional Communication Office, Faculty of Arts and Humanities for current offerings.

Writing 2299F/G - Re-visioning Self: Creating Your Professional Portfolio

In this half-course students will write new documents and revise documents written in previous Writing classes to include in a portfolio of their work. The portfolio will be both online and printed. Class time will be devoted to a combination of lecture and writing workshop.