Writing Studies Courses

featured courses

Web Registration: If you have a question or concern about registration (Writing course selection, Writing module/program requirements, and related matters), please first read the course descriptions and module/program descriptions as applicable. To view calendar descriptions and recent course outlines  for 2026-27 courses, follow the links below. If your questions are not answered by the information in those documents, or if you wish to apply for Special Permission to take a Writing Studies course, please visit our Support Portal (coming soon).

*Students registered in FIMS please note: If you have at least 65% in each of MIT 1020E (or both of MIT 1021F/G and MIT 1022F/G) and MIT 1025F/G (total 1.5) you now have the prerequisite for most senior Writing courses.

FALL/WINTER 2026-27 COURSES (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

1000-level Courses

1000F/G - 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. NOTE: ALL SECTIONS OF 1000F/G WILL HAVE AN IN-PERSON FINAL EXAM ON CAMPUS. 0.5 course

Fall 2026 1000F / 001  Instructor tba
Fall 2026 1000F / 002  Instructor tba
Fall 2026 1000F / 003  Instructor tba
Fall 2026 1000F / 004  Instructor tba
Fall 2026 1000F / 005 Instructor tba
Fall 2026 1000F / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba
Fall 2026 1000F / 651 (Online)  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 1000G / 001  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 1000G / 002  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 1000G / 003  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 1000G / 004  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 1000G / 005 Instructor tba
Winter 2027 1000G / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 1000G / 651 (Online)  Instructor tba

1035A/B - Writing with Purpose: Introduction to Effective Professional and Academic Communication 
This non-essay survey course will introduce students to basic principles and practices of effective, purposeful, and clear written and oral communication as they apply across a wide variety of professional and academic contexts and genres (including research, workplace, legal, scientific, healthcare, technical, and AI writing). 0.5 course

Fall 2026 1035A / 001 Instructor tba
Winter 2027 1035B / 001  Instructor tba

2000 and 2100-level Courses

Speech 2001 - The Major Forms of Oral Discourse
For effective communication of ideas: Public Address, with basic purposes; Group Discussion; Debate; Voice and Diction; Interpretative Reading. 1.0 course

Fall/Winter 2001 / 001  Instructor tba
Fall/Winter 2001 / 002  Instructor tba

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. 0.5 course

Fall 2026 2101F / 001  Instructor tba
Fall 2026 2101F / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba
Fall 2026 2101F / 651 (Online)  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 2101G / 001  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 2101G / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 2101G / 651 (Online)  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 2101G / 652 (Online)  Instructor tba

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. 0.5 course

Fall 2026 2111F / 001  Instructor tba
Fall 2026 2111F / 002  Instructor tba
Fall 2026 2111F / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba
Fall 2026 2111F / 651 (Online)  Instructor tba
Fall 2026 2111F / 652 (Online)  Instructor tba
Fall 2026 2111F / 653 (Online)  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 2111G / 001  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 2111G / 002  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 2111G / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 2111G / 651 (Online)  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 2111G / 652 (Online)  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 2111G / 653 (Online)  Instructor tba

2130F/G - Building Better (Communication) Bridges: Rhetoric & Professional Communication for Engineers
This course introduces students to rhetorical principles and the practices of written, oral, and visual communication in professional engineering contexts. Students will learn strategies for drafting and designing technical and academic documents and for approaching the editing and revision of those documents. 0.5 course

"Writing 2130F/G is one of the most important courses in Western’s curriculum that any aspiring engineer will take. In all types of engineering, the successful outcome of a project is directly related to how effectively every team member communicates with each other and with the project stakeholders. As a professional in your chosen field, you will be solicited for advice and direction by clients, colleagues, superiors, and the public. Key skills developed in the course include knowing your audience and guiding the reader through the document. Speaking from experience, I have found that taking the time to incorporate key communication concepts is crucial to having your work approved by superiors and authorities in a more timely manner."
-- Markus Eichenbaum, Development Engineering Technologist, City of Mississauga, MESc (2020), Civil & Environmental Engineering

Fall 2026 2130F / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 2130G / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba

2131G - 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. FINAL EXAM WILL BE IN-PERSON ON CAMPUS0.5 course

Winter 2027 2131G / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba

2200 and 2500-level Courses

2202F - Winning Your Argument: Rhetorical Strategy in a Visual Age
An intensive and practical study of exposition in discursive prose, this course reviews the foundations of grammar, introduces students to the rhetoric of presentation and persuasion, and considers diverse types of prose across multiple disciplines, focusing an analysis of visual rhetoric and argumentation, including websites, advertisements, and other visual media. 0.5 course

Fall 2026 2202F / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba

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. 0.5 course

Fall 2026 2203F / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 2203G / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba

2204F - 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. 0.5 course

Fall 2026 2204F / 001  Instructor tba

2209G - 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. 0.5 course

Winter 2027 2209G / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba

2210G - 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. 0.5 course

Winter 2027 2210G / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba

2214G - Memoir, Memories, and Disclosure: Creative Non-Fiction
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. 0.5 course

Winter 2027 2214G / 001  Instructor tba

2215F - 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. 0.5 course

Fall 2026 2215F / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba

2218F - 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. 0.5 course

Fall 2026 2218F / 001  Instructor tba

2219F - World 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. 0.5 course

Fall 2026 2219F / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba

2220F - Introduction to Writing Poetry
As students develop their own poetic voice, they will explore a range of contemporary styles and techniques. In addition to class workshops, craft discussions, and writing exercises, this experiential course will immerse students in current small press publishing trends, including hands-on editorial opportunities and direct engagement with London’s poetry community. 0.5 course

Fall 2026 2220F / 001  Instructor tba

2520A - Write Now! Writers on Writing
Through a series of guest lectures by contemporary writers, this course explores the art, craft, and process of creative writing in a variety of genres. Course topics include inspiration, overcoming creative blocks, revision, social media, publishing, literary citizenship, and the writing life. View this year's speaker schedule. 0.5 course

Fall 2026 2520A / 001  Instructor tba

2530B - TV or Not TV: Writing for the Television Industry WEEKLY DOCUMENTARY-STYLE EPISODES
This course teaches students how to write and pitch creative projects reflecting today’s dominant television broadcast models. By exploring a variety of formats and genres, this course will also help prepare students for professional careers in writing and production in the television industry in both Canada and the United States.   Watch the trailer  0.5 course

Winter 2027 2530B / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba

2540A - Writing for Video Games
This course takes students on a journey to master video game writing and interactive fiction. You’ll learn to create compelling characters, craft engaging stories, and build immersive worlds, while learning to collaborate with developers and artists. Gain insights into the game industry and prepare to break into the writing scene. 0.5 course

Fall 2026 2540A / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba

2550A - The English Language for Creative and Professional Writers
This course will teach you how to write more effectively in English. You’ll learn about rules and when to ignore them, about sound, about systems, about word order, about meaning, and about the importance of context and situation. This is not a remedial or introductory grammar course. 0.5 course

Fall 2026 2550A / 200 (Blended) Instructor tba

3000-level Courses

3225F/G - Writing and AI in the Digital Age
This course equips students with writng tools for the digital age. Topics include copyright and remix culture, neuroscience and the impact of online reading, collaborative writing with humans and artificial intelligence, and how to craft compelling content for a variety of online mediumds and platforms, including social media and websites. 0.5 course

Fall 2026 3225F / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba
Winter 2027 3225G / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba

3228G - Concept to Product: Publishing
This is a workshop course in which students work in teams to develop an issue of a journal, a season of chapbooks, or a print anthology. It is of particular interest to students considering a career in print/digital publishing. The roles of managing editor, copy editor, web designer, book designer, and writer are part of the classroom experience. 0.5 course

Winter 2027 3228G / 001  Instructor tba

3402G - Hitting the Right Notes: Song Lyric Writing (cross-listed with Music 3732G)
Do you want to write lyrics in your favourite musical genre—blues, rock, folk, pop, hip hop, and others? Learn essential lyric writing tools including imagery, repetition, metre, persona, and storytelling structure while studying master songwriters and workshopping your own lyrics. No previous music theory experience required. 0.5 course

Winter 2027 3402G / 001  Instructor tba

3403G - Experimental Writing
In this course, students will develop innovative projects by exploring experimental writing movements and methods. By investigating groundbreaking styles from Futurism, Dada, Surrealism, and Situationism to OULIPO, Postmodernism, Xenopoetics, internet subcultures, and memes, students will workshop unique literary forms of their own that will challenge conventional modes of expression. 0.5 course

Winter 2027 3403G / 001  Instructor tba

3600G - Fantasy Writing
Students in this course will complete a plan for a full-length fantasy novel, focusing on aspects of world-building (including language creation), the use and transformation of common fantasy motifs, various ways to structure the narrative and tell the story, and how to devise the most affective and climactic scenes. 0.5 course

Winter 2027 3600G / 001  Instructor tba

3640F - Crime Writing: Black Dahlias, Red Herrings, and Tequila Sunrises
This course introduces students to the process of writing crime fiction for a variety of media. Drawing on classic works, students will also learn about the criminal mind and investigative procedure as they create realistic portrayals of the genre's archetypal crimes, including murder, ransom kidnapping, and the theft of antiquities. 0.5 course

Fall 2026 3640F / 001  Instructor tba

3818G - Advanced Short Story Workshop
In this intensive workshop class, students will explore different approaches to the short story and develop a polished and original short story through intensive full-class workshop sessions and focused craft lessons. 0.5 course

Winter 2027 3818G / 001  Instructor tba

3824G - Feature Film Writing
This course explores the writing of feature-length screenplays via practical workshops. Classes focus on three-act structure and plot, scenes and sequences, character development, genre, and theme. Students will pitch their story for a feature film, write an opening scene, and complete the first act of their screenplay. 0.5 course

Winter 2027 3824G / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba

4000-level Courses

4880G - Seminar in Creative Writing: Topic TBA (cross-listed with English 4871G)
Focusing on the topic of climate change, this course will encourage and support students to develop a sustained work of fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction through shared reading, writing, and workshopping. We will examine how other creative writers grapple with climate change, discuss topics such as mourning, extinction, care, activism, and hope, and explore our own relations to the land and creatures we live with and among. Regular writing exercises and workshopping will allow us to try new approaches, support each other’s writing, and deepen and strengthen our creative work. 0.5 course

Winter 2027 4880G / 001  Instructor tba

4998F - 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. 0.5 course

Fall 2026 4998F / 650 (Online)  Instructor tba

4999E - Creative Writing Thesis
Individual instruction in selection of a topic, preparation of materials, and writing of a creative writing thesis. To take this course, students must apply to the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Writing Studies. Restricted to students in fourth year of an English Honours Specialization module. 1.0 course

Please fill out the Agreement/Consent Supervisor Form and return to writing@uwo.ca.

Fall/Winter 4999E / 001 Various

spring/summer 2026 Courses (Subject to change)

Distance Studies - 6 WEEKS (May 4 - June 12)

2101F - 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. 0.5 course

Spring/Summer 2101F / 650 Fraser Syllabus 
Spring/Summer 2101F / 651 Freeborn Syllabus 

2130F - Building Better (Communication) Bridges: Rhetoric & Professional Communication for Engineers
This course introduces students to rhetorical principles and the practices of written, oral, and visual communication in professional engineering contexts. Students will learn strategies for drafting and designing technical and academic documents and for approaching the editing and revision of those documents. 0.5 course

Spring/Summer 2130F / 650 Johnston Syllabus 

Distance Studies - 12 WEEKS (May 4 - July 24)

2202F - Winning Your Argument: Rhetorical Strategy in a Visual Age
An intensive and practical study of exposition in discursive prose, this course reviews the foundations of grammar, introduces students to the rhetoric of presentation and persuasion, and considers diverse types of prose across multiple disciplines, focusing an analysis of visual rhetoric and argumentation, including websites, advertisements, and other visual media. 0.5 course

Spring/Summer 2202F / 650 Fraser Syllabus 

Course listings are subject to change. See Western Academic Timetable for date, time, and location of specific courses. See Undergraduate Sessional Dates for more details and deadlines.

Previous Courses Offered & Course Outlines