Writing Program Courses

Note: Writing Program courses and Professional Writing Program courses are taught on computers, using word-processing technology and CyberClass, which is a free download--or available on a CD for $1.00 at the Help Desk (first floor, El Pomar Center). Click here for a guide to using CyberClass. Some writing courses are offered online.

Engl. 099-3. Components of Writing.

Introductory writing course offered through Extended Studies: 262: 4071. Students develop strategies for managing academic reading and writing assignments. Emphasizes the writing process: generating topics, drafting, revising and editing academic prose. Students receive one-on-one support throughout the writing process with special attention to writing conventions and the development of ideas. Critical reading and discussion skills are an integral part of this course. ENGL 099 is taught in a computer-mediated environment. Designed to prepare students for English 131. Placement Criteria: ACT English score of 18 or below; SAT English score of 449 or below. For additional placement information, call the Writing Program: 262-4040.This course is offered through Extended Studies.

Engl. 131-3. Rhetoric and Writing I: Academic Reading and Analytical Writing.

First semester of a two-semester course sequence, required of all students. Introduces students to academic reading and writing processes. Students develop critical reading, writing and thinking skills through class discussion, the rhetorical analysis of academic texts, and the writing of analytical essays. Students write for a variety of purposes and audiences. Emphasis is given to reading and writing processes as multiple and rhetorically diverse. Students may variously explore multicultural approaches to reading and writing, interdisciplinary approaches to reading and writing, community-specific definitions of literacy and language practices, and/or the impact of technology upon academic reading and writing processes. Requirements include an in-class essay exam and three analytical essays. ENGL 131 is taught in a computer-mediated environment. Students needing additional work on sentence-level editing skills may be asked to enroll concurrently in English 135. Prerequisite, successful completion of ENGL 099 or equivalent; or score 19+ on the English ACT; or score of 450+ on the English SAT. See general information section in the Schedule of Courses or the Course Bulletin for additional information. See the UCCS Bulletin Detailed course description

Engl. 141-3. Rhetoric and Writing II: Argument and Research.

English 141 is a course in academic argument and inquiry. Building upon the basic analytical and rhetorical proficiencies learned in English 131, English 141 students extend their inquiry across time and write researched arguments on substantive issues. Writers use classical stasis theory for the rhetorical invention of arguments. Writers engage in extended inquiry, which enables them to investigate their chosen issue in its complexity. They invent appropriate ethical, pathetic and logical appeals, and reason dialectically. Students effectively map complex issues, accurately summarize and responsibly present counterclaims, and then strategically cast their argument in stases deemed effective for their rhetorical situations

Engl. 145-1. Composition II Laboratory.

Autotutorial and tutorial study for students needing special skills instruction courses across the discipline. Graded on a pass/fail basis.

Engl. 203-3. Introduction to Creative Writing - Poetry.

For the beginning student who wants to write poetry. This course is designed to provide students with little or no previous experience in writing poetry the basic tools of the craft of poetry and a technical vocabulary with which to discuss poetry. Workshop approach.

Engl. 204-3. Introduction to Creative Nonfiction Prose.

Focusing on writing nonfiction pieces, the course explores this burgeoning genre, represented by literary journalism, essays, memoirs, personal narratives, and confessional writing. Students will write in these formats, and their work will be critiqued in class. Reading includes some of today's best nonfiction. Prerequisite ENGL 131 or instructor consent.

Engl. 205-3. Introduction to Creative Writing - Fiction.

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of short fiction writing. Through the act of reading and discussing contemporary short fiction, students will develop the tools necessary to the craft, including voice, use of time, point of view, and character development. At the same time, the class will emphasize student work and the workshop, offer constructive feedback to student writing, and provide an environment that encourages creativity, self-expression, and risk.

Engl. 301-3. Advanced Composition.

Writing workshop that offers students the opportunity to work on advanced writing projects and enhance their repertoire of rhetorical strategies. Specific writing projects may vary. TEP sections of ENGL 301 also emphasize instructional strategies for managing the writing process in public school setting Professional Writing Program course.

Engl. 302-3. Intermediate Rhetoric and Writing.

Extends writing and rhetorical strategies mastered in the core composition sequence. Students further develop research and argument skills in unique contexts such as service learning and writing in the community. Learning and research sites may vary. Prerequisites ENGL 131 and either ENGL 150 or ENGL 190.

Engl. 303-3. Intermediate Creative Writing - Poetry.

A workshop approach for the experienced writer of poetry. Prer., ENGL 203 or consent of instructor. May be taken twice for credit.

Engl. 304-3. Intermediate Creative Nonfiction.

Focusing on personal narrative writing, this course explores the genre of memoir and autobiographical writing. This course is workshop intensive using in-class writing assignments, class critiques, close reading, and discussion of essays. Through memoir, students learn to lift the raw material of life and shape experiences, transform events and deliver wisdom. Prerequisites ENGL 204 or consent of instructor.

Engl. 305-3. Intermediate Creative Writing - Fiction.

Exercises in perception and voice and critical discussion of student work in the forms of fiction. Limited to 21 students. By consent of instructor only. Based upon demonstrated desire and ability to write. Workshop approach. may be taken twice for credit.

Engl. 307-3. Business and Administrative Writing.

For all students and especially for business and science majors who foresee the need for proposal writing, report writing, letter and memo writing, data collection, and presentation. Prer., Engl. 131 (or validated transfer credit or a bachelor's degree in hand). Professional Writing Program course.

Engl. 309-3. Technical Writing and Presentation.

This course is designed to teach students how to present technical information effectively both through written reports and through oral presentations. It is taught in an networked classroom with access to software tools for the design of both written and oral presentations. Prer., ENGL 131 (or validated transfer credit or a bachelor's degree in hand). Professional Writing Program course.

Engl. 311-3. Advanced Grammar.

Provides a theoretical, historical and practical study of grammar and the rules governing language use, particularly as they apply to professional writing. The emphasis is on the standard conventions of grammar, usage, mechanics, and syntax. Student will practice a variety of techniques for applying these skills to their own writing. Prer., ENGL 131 (or validated transfer credit or a bachelor's degree in hand). Professional Writing Program course.

Engl. 312-3. Technical Editing and Style.

Focuses on editing strategies for improving the stylistic features of professional writing. In particular, it is concerned with a document's organization, clarity, conciseness, consistency, completeness, and accuracy. Student practice a variety of techniques for applying these skills to their own writing. Prer., ENGL 131 (or validated transfer credit or a bachelor's degree in hand). Professional Writing Program course.

Engl. 313-3. Designing Documents for Business and Industry.

Examines print and web-based design strategies in specific types of documents for a variety of professional audiences. Each project requires a proposal, a progress report, and a preliminary draft for peer review before submission of the final copy.  Prer., ENGL 131 (or validated transfer credit or a bachelor's degree in hand). Professional Writing Program course.

Engl. 314-3. Managing Writing Projects in Business and Industry.

Provides a theoretical framework for managing writing projects; provides practice in working collaboratively in self-managed teams. Students work collaboratively on writing projects, participating as managers, writers, editors, and integrators of other media. Prer., ENGL 131 (or validated transfer credit or a bachelor's degree in hand). Professional Writing Program course.

Engl. 315-1 to 3. Professional Writing Internship.

Gives students an opportunity to apply writing theory to a work environment and to gain practical experience of writing on the job. The student performs 40 hours to 120 hours of writing-related duties (40 hours for 1 credit, 80 hours for 2 credits, 120 hours for 3 credits) over the course of a semester for a participating organization. Interns are evaluated by a supervisor at the host organization and write a report to the course supervisor, summarizing their internship experience. Prer., ENGL 131 (or validated transfer credit or a bachelor's degree in hand) and 9 credits in the Professional Writing Program. Professional Writing Program course.

Engl. 316-3. Tools for Technical Writers.

Students will learn to use the standard software tools critical to technical writers in print and online documentation, for example, FrameMaker, Adobe Acrobat, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, FrontPage, and PaintShop Pro among others. Prer., ENGL 131 (or validated transfer credit or a bachelor's degree in hand). Professional Writing Program course.

Engl. 385-3. Advanced Topics in Professional Writing.

In this course, students intensively study selected topics in professional writing. Topics and instructors vary from semester to semester.

Engl. 410-3. Advanced Creative Writing.

Focuses on generating new material, revising existing work with an eye towards completion of a manuscript for publication, and furthering the development of critical voice. Students must bring a high level of dedication to their writing and a demonstrated proficiency in their craft. Workshop approach and independent projects required. Genres vary. Prer., intermediate courses in the genre or instructor approval.

Engl. 480-3. Peer Tutoring, Writing Across the Curriculum.

Instruction and practice in the principles of teaching/tutoring writing as required in a variety of academic disciplines in the university. Examines one-on-one conferencing techniques, discipline-specific writing demands, differences in individual learning styles and cultural values, and individual writing processes. Students will also work on further development of their own writing abilities as well as understanding of basic grammatical principles. An interactive, collaborative class that includes one hour of supervised tutoring in the Writing Center weekly. Students in all majors are encouraged to enroll. A required class for employment as a Writing Center peer tutor. Prer., ENGL 131 and ENGL 141 or equivalent. Meets with ENGL 580.

Engl. 483-3. Rhetoric and Writing.

Focuses on a theoretical and practical study of writing processes and considers the implications of various theories for the teaching of writing. ENGL 483 both surveys critical approaches to teaching writing in the public schools, and examines issues in literacy and cross-cultural writing instruction. The course covers theoretical approaches to teaching writing and defining literacy and assesses their usefulness as such approaches presently vie for theoretical dominance in the discipline, and likewise practical application within our public schools and college classrooms. The course is required for all English majors with a secondary teaching emphasis. Meets with ENGL 583.

Engl. 484-3. Graduate Practicum for Writing Instructors.

Graduate training practicum for writing instructors at the college level. Advanced English undergraduate or graduate students team teach undergraduate writing courses. Enrollment by permission only. Meets with ENGL 584.

Engl. 486-3. Special Topics in Rhetoric and Writing.

Advanced, in-depth study of the theoretical and practical accomplishments of writers and rhetors across diverse historical and cultural contexts. Rhetors, theorists, and historical contexts shift with topics. Prer., ENGL 131 and ENGL 141 or equivalent courses. Meets with ENGL 586.

Engl. 580-3. Peer Tutoring, Writing Across the Curriculum.

Instruction and practice in the principles of teaching/tutoring writing as required in a variety of academic disciplines in the university. Examines one-on-one conferencing techniques, discipline-specific writing demands, differences in individual learning styles and cultural values, and individual writing processes. Students will also work on further development of their own writing abilities as well as understanding of basic grammatical principles. An interactive, collaborative class that includes one hour of supervised tutoring in the Writing Center weekly. Students in all majors are encouraged to enroll. A required class for employment as a Writing Center peer tutor. Prer., ENGL 131 and ENGL 141 or equivalent. Meets with ENGL 480.

Engl. 583-3. Rhetoric and Writing.

Focuses on a theoretical and practical study of writing processes and considers the implications of various theories for the teaching of writing. ENGL 483 both surveys critical approaches to teaching writing in the public schools, and examines issues in literacy and cross-cultural writing instruction. The course covers theoretical approaches to teaching writing and defining literacy and assesses their usefulness as such approaches presently vie for theoretical dominance in the discipline, and likewise practical application within our public schools and college classrooms. The course is required for all English majors with a secondary teaching emphasis. Meets with ENGL 483.

Engl. 584-3. Graduate Practicum for Writing Instructors.

Graduate training practicum for writing instructors at the college level. Advanced English undergraduate or graduate students team teach undergraduate writing courses. Enrollment by permission only. Meets with ENGL 484.

Engl. 586-3. Special Topics in Rhetoric and Writing.

Advanced, in-depth study of the theoretical and practical accomplishments of writers and rhetors across diverse historical and cultural contexts. Rhetors, theorists, and historical contexts shift with topics. Prer., ENGL 131 and ENGL 141 or equivalent courses. Meets with ENGL 486.