Core Course Descriptions

Professional and Technical Writing

This course introduces you to the theory, research, and practice of professional writing. Through reading, discussion, projects, and writing workshops, you develop a rhetorically-grounded approach to analyzing communications problems and producing a range of professional documents. The user-centered approach views professional documents not as examples of generic formats but as a means to accomplish specific purposes, for example, learning to construct a web page, securing publicity for an organization, or getting funding for a project. Because writers need a range of skills that go well beyond the actual inscribing of words on a page or screen, you learn how to interview experts, work with clients, test documents on actual users, manage collaborative writing projects, and related professional skills. The course includes five or six major writing assignments and a final portfolio of finished work that serves as the foundation for the professional portfolio you'll use in applying for internships and full-time positions.

Style

This course is designed to help you develop the professional judgment to make stylistic choices appropriate for particular audiences and contexts, and the skill to implement those choices. Students develop a vocabulary of style, assess the effect of stylistic choices on readers, and become better editors of their own writing and that of others. The intellectual foundation for the course is derived from the "Plain English" movement; its principles help professional writers achieve clarity, precision, coherence, and conciseness in their writing. Students also gain experience working with clients and explaining the rationale for recommended stylistic changes.

Rhetorical Grammar

The primary objective of this course is to provide professional writers with a framework for identifying and authoritatively discussing the grammatical forms and constructions they will be using. The course also includes some linguistic analysis, a consideration of English orthography, and discussion of the notions of standards and correctness in language. The concern throughout is to develop an understanding of those elements of grammar and usage that are the foundation for good professional writing and for leadership in professional writing settings.

Document & Information Design

Today, many professionals are responsible for the visual design of documents. This course provides students who have already learned the foundation of written communication with an opportunity to develop the ability to analyze and create visual-verbal synergy in printed documents. Students will be introduced to the basic concepts and vocabulary, as well as the practical issues of visual communication design through a series of hands-on projects in various rhetorical situations. Assigned readings will complement the projects in exploring document design from historical, theoretical, and technological perspectives. Class discussions and critiquing are an essential part of this course. Adobe Creative Studio (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) will be taught in class, and used to create the assigned projects.

Advanced Document & Information Design

This course builds on the foundational visual design skills introduced in 76391/791 Document & Information Design, and provides students with opportunities to further develop their skills through a series of larger and more complex document and information design problems. Assigned readings will complement the projects in exploring document design from historical, theoretical, and technological perspectives. Class discussions and critiquing are essential parts of this course. Adobe Creative Studio (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) will be used to complete the assignments.

Professional Seminar

In this once-a-week seminar, practicing professionals in fields ranging from science journalism to public relations, corporate communication, marketing, print journalism, web design and information architecture come to campus to talk informally with students about the fields in which they work. Interaction with these professionals provides both workplace contacts and overviews of possible internship and career paths. Visiting professionals talk about their own and related careers, show samples of their work, and answer student questions. Related activities include resume workshops and portfolio reviews. 

Elective Options and Suggested Courses

The strong foundational skills in rhetoric, writing, and document design provided in the 6 core courses of the MAPW are complemented and extended through 6 student-selected electives that allow you to personalize the degree to support your chosen career path. The categories listed below include those career paths most frequently pursued by MAPW students, and the linked charts provide relevant job titles and suggestions for specific elective courses most relevant to each path.  

• Writing for New Media
• Writing for Print Media (including Journalism)
  
• Technical Writing
• Science & Healthcare Communication
• Public & Media Relations / Corporate Communication
• Editing & Publishing
• Policy & Non-Profit Communication

Career and Concentration Options

The categories listed below include those career paths most frequently pursued by MAPW students and suggestions for elective courses most relevant to each. Because each student's path through the program is somewhat different, the recommendations are not intended as a template or mandate but simply as guidance on courses to be given particular consideration. Your MAPW advisor will work directly with you to consider and refine your selection and help you tailor your course of study to match your professional and academic goals. 

Note that the list is not exhaustive and that many courses - for example, Web Design and Communicating in the Global Marketplace - appear on most of the lists. The reason for this is the obvious one that these courses are broadly relevant and will enhance the skills and credentials of any professional writer. Also note that your elective options can be chosen from any category or combination. A student interested in writing for print media about science and technology, for example, would be likely to choose courses from both relevant lists.

* Fulfills Rhetoric requirement   

** Fulfills Research Methods requirement.

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