Do you recognize sentences that are clumsy, unclear or stilted, but aren’t sure what makes them so?
Learn how to apply the fundamental rules of writing to produce text that is not only correct, but also coherent, emphatic and elegant. Through written assignments and in-class or online discussions, practise revising text by analyzing and diagnosing common problems. Topics include clarity in complexity, balance and symmetry, and nuances of sentence length and rhythm.
You’ll receive feedback on the assignments you submit, and are encouraged to contribute to in-class or online exercises. This course is ideal for freelance writers, copywriters and journalists, and for anyone who writes regularly for work or for school.
Course Overview:
Week 1: Overview of Style Guidelines
Week 2: Developing your Style
Week 3: Creating a Smooth Flow of Ideas
Week 4: Achieving Concision
Week 5: Shaping and Controlling Your Prose
Week 6: Achieving Simplicity, Clarity and Complexity
Do you need a grammar refresher before refining your writing style? Consider enrolling in Writing Well: Grammar.
Course Format
This course is 100% online and instructor supported. Every week, your instructor releases a new lesson that includes materials such as class notes, articles, readings and resources, as well as your assignment for the week.
Discuss assignments and receive feedback during optional weekly live Zoom sessions, which take place Tuesdays 7-8pm Pacific Time.
Online materials will be available for three weeks after the course ends, after which time you will no longer be able to access the course.