Writing Studies
Questions ?
Undergraduate Coordinator
Shelley Clark
519-850-2920
writing@uwo.ca
Writing Studies Courses
featured courses
2520A - Write Now! Writers on Writing
This course offers you the unique opportunity to learn directly from writers about the craft and profession of writing while working on your own writing.
3901F - You're a Strange Animal: Writing Nature, Writing the Self
Campus will be our classroom. In this course, we will use poetry, fiction and non-fiction to capture (and release) some of the fundamentals of nature writing. We will write about nature, in nature.
3901G - Lyric Writing
Do you want to write lyrics in your favourite musical genre - perhaps blues, rock, R&B, folk, pop, spoken word, or hip hop? This course will introduce you to the essentials of effective song lyric writing. No previous experience in music is necessary!
4880G - Seminar in Creative Writing
Character wants a good job, plenty of excitement, quest, possible assistance from mentors and companions. Working through language creation, motifs, and structure, this course will help you create and plan a full-length project of fantastic literature.
Web Registration for Fall/Winter 2019-20: 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 (and linked ‘Worksheets’) as applicable. To view calendar descriptions and recent course outlines for 2019-20 courses follow the links below. If your questions are not answered by the information in those documents, please feel free to contact the Undergraduate Program Director/Writing Studies, Prof. Brock Eayrs, directly by email at beayrs@uwo.ca. You will receive a response within 36 hours.
*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 2019-20 COURSES
1000-Level Introductory Writing Courses
| Course Number |
Course Title |
| Writing 1000F/G |
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. Fall Section 001 Syllabus Winter Section 001 Syllabus |
| Writing 1030F/G |
Writing For Professional Success In Nursing This course serves as an introduction to the basic principles and techniques of good writing, an integral tool for learning and a vital source of communication in the Nursing profession. The course will emphasize practical work and the development of writing skills for a variety of styles and genres appropriate to the profession. Winter Section 001 Syllabus |
| Writing 1031F/G |
Global Positioning: Introduction to Rhetoric and Professional Communication This course will introduce students to the rhetorical principles and practices of written and oral communication in professional contexts. Particular attention will be paid to understanding audience, context, and purpose; modes of persuasion; and the negotiation of cultural difference. |
2100-Level Introductory Writing Courses
| Course Number | Course Title |
| 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. Full Year Section 001 Syllabus |
| 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. Antirequisite(s): The former Writing 2121F/G. |
| 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. Antirequisite(s): Writing 1031F/G. Fall Section 001 Syllabus Winter Section 001 Syllabus |
| Writing 2130F/G |
Building Better (Communcation) 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. Antirequisite(s): The former Engineering Science 2211F/G. Fall Section 001 Syllabus Winter Section 001 Syllabus |
| 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. |
2200-Level Advanced Writing Courses
| Course Number | Course Title |
| Writing 2202F/G |
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. |
| 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. Antirequisite(s): MIT 3829F/G; MIT 3870G if taken in 2009-10, 2010-11, or 2011-2012. |
| 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. Fall Section 001 Syllabus |
| Writing 2208F/G | Teaching Writing |
| Writing 2209F/G |
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 2213F/G |
LOL: Humour Writing |
| Writing 2214F/G |
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. |
| 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. Antirequisite(s): Writing 2292F (2008-2009). |
| 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. Antirequisite(s): Writing 2295F/G (2009-2010; 2008-2009). |
| 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. Antirequisite(s): Writing 2296F/G (2008-2009, 2009 - 2010. |
| 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. Antirequisite(s): Writing 2292F/G (2009 -2010). |
| Writing 2221F/G | Self and the Rhetorical Triangle: An Introduction to Interpersonal Communication |
| Writing 2222F/G |
In the novel "Like Water for Chocolate", Mexican author Laura Esquivel reveals the powerful force of food to educate, and to influence emotions, culture and life. In this course students will practice food writing (through memoir, history, reportage, biography and narrative) while developing specific research methods to understand food systems. Antirequisite(s): Writing 2295G (2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011). |
| Writing 2223F/G |
Fashion Writing: Elements of Style |
| Writing 2224F/G |
Writing for the Big Screen: Introduction to Feature Film Writing Explore the art of writing a feature-length screenplay in a workshop setting. Course work focuses on the fundamental elements of screenplay theory while the workshop guides students through the stages of the screenwriting process. Students will complete the first act of a feature-length film and collaborate on a film trailer. Antirequisite(s): Writing 2292G 2009-2013. |
| Writing 2225F/G | |
| Writing 2226F/G |
Out of the Book: Contemporary Experimental Writing Practices |
| Writing 2227F/G |
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. Antirequisite(s): Writing 2291F if taken in 2013-2014. |
| Writing 2520A |
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. Antirequisite(s): Writing 2504A if taken F/W16 or F/W17. More details >>
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| Writing 2530B |
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. Antirequisite(s): Writing 2500B if taken F/W16 or F/W17.
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3200-Level Advanced Writing Courses
| Course Number | Course Title |
| Writing 3220F/G |
Outside The Envelope: Advanced Professional Communication This course will explore the parameters of professional communication, combining theoretical and practical approaches to the topic. Students will learn to apply new approaches to thinking, problem solving, and writing, in areas such as oral presentation and instructional design. Antirequisite(s): Writing 2292G if taken in 2013-14. |
| Writing 3221F/G | Crime Scene to Courtroom: Forensic Writing |
| Writing 3222F/G | Pathology to Pathography: Advanced Healthcare Communication |
| Writing 3223F/G |
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. Antirequisite(s): The former Writing 2205F/G. |
| Writing 3224F/G | |
| Writing 3225F/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. Antirequisite(s): The former Writing 2207F/G. |
| Writing 3226F/G | Figures of Speech: Writing for Oral Presentation |
| Writing 3227F/G | Rhetoric: Law Talk |
| Writing 3228F/G | Concept to Product: Publishing |
| Writing 3229F/G | Self and the Rhetorical Triangle: An Introduction to Interpersonal Communication |
| Writing 3300F/G | Internship in Writing |
4000-Level Advanced Writing Courses
| Course Number | Course Title |
| Writing 4880G |
Seminar in Creative Writing - Writing Fantasy The premise of this course is that folktale and, by extension, fantasy can teach us a great deal about creative writing. This course will guide you through language creation, the structural principles and motifs of folktale and fantasy, and the writing of the great scene. Works as diverse as medieval epics and sagas, The Hobbit, and Patrick deWitt’s Undermajordomo Minor are all heavily dependent on folktale: folktale types, folktale motifs, and folktale methods for telling stories. We will learn how other writers such as Joe Abercrombie, Robin Hobb, George R.R. Martin, Robert Jordan, Kazuo Ishiguro, Ursula K. Le Guin, Scott Lynch, Mark Lawrence, R. Scott Bakker, Patrick Rothfuss, and Jim Butcher might also use elements of folktale. Students will spend the term working on one major project: an overview of a longer piece of creative fiction (synopsis; motifs; structure) and one significant scene from the piece. |
| Writing 4998F/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. Antirequisite(s): The former Writing 2299F/G. |
| Writing 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 Honors Specialization module. Antirequisite(s): English 4999E if taken prior to the 2014-15 academic year.
Please fill out the Agreement/Consent Supervisor Form and return.
Full Year - September-April
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Special Topics Courses
| Course Number | Course Title |
| Writing 3901F |
Nature Writing - You're a Strange Animal: Writing Nature, Writing the Self Nature is a slippery fish. In this course, we will use poetry, fiction and non-fiction to capture (and release) some of the fundamentals of nature writing. We will write about nature, in nature. Campus will be our classroom. We will spend about half of our time exploring natural (and not so natural) features of Western Campus: hissing geese, tree species, birds of prey, groundhogs, creepy-crawlies, green spaces, parking lots, taxidermized animals in the basement of Natural Science, the river, the food court, the football field. You will need the following: notepad, pen, sturdy footwear, a sense of adventure. |
| Writing 3901G |
Lyric Writing Do you want to write lyrics in your favourite musical genre -- perhaps blues, rock, R&B, folk, pop, spoken word, or hip hop? This course introduces students to the essentials of effective song lyric writing using tools such as imagery, repetition, metre, poetic devices, prosody, fictional persona, and narrative storytelling. After analyzing the work of master lyricists, students will workshop their own lyrics while building towards a final, thematically-unified project. No previous experience in music is necessary; all fundamental/relevant musical concepts will be explained in class. |
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.
