English & Reading Departments FAQs (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

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GENERAL QUESTIONS

How do I know what English courses to take?  The first English class you take will be determined by the assessment test you are required to take when you first enter the College.  In general, most two-year degree programs require you to take two to three composition courses (depending on the level at which you place in your assessment test) and one course of literature, humanities, or fine arts.  A few programs only require one to two composition courses (depending on your placement level), and vocational certificate programs require no English courses.  If you wish, you may take more English classes than what is required.  See your specific degree requirements as listed in the catalog.  (BL, RJ)

How can I contact my instructor and/or get more attention from him or her?  Instructors can be contacted in the ways they list on the "Syllabus" or "Schedule" they are required to give you at the beginning of a class.  You also should feel free to talk with an instructor before or after class to ask a brief question or two or make an appointment.  In addition, all instructors have specific office times when they are required to be present in their offices and available to students.  You may have to make an appointment ahead of time; however, you also may simply show up at the designated time and, if the instructor has no other students at that time, then you can speak with him or her then.  For English Department instructor names, phone numbers, and offices, click here on "English People & Places."  (RJ) 

Are any English courses required?  See the above answer.  In particular, most people must take two composition courses: 
     (a) Comp I (English 1108), and 
     (b) Comp II (either English 1111 [recommended if you want a two-year degree]
           or English 1114 [recommended if you want a four-year college degree]).

In addition, if you are taking Minnesota Transfer Curriculum courses, you will need to take three courses from among a literature, humanities, and/or fine arts selection.  (RJ) 

If I'm trying to finish the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum or the A.A. degree, which English courses will I need? 

You will need Comp I (English 1108) and Comp II (either English 1111 or English 1114).  You also will need three courses from a selection of literature, humanities, and/or fine arts.  (RJ) 

If I'm trying to finish the A.A.S. or A.S. degree, which English courses will I need?  All programs leading to an A.S. or A.A.S. degree require English 1108.  Some programs also require a second English writing course.  See your specific degree requirements as listed in the catalog.  (BL) 

If I'm trying to finish a vocational certificate program, which English courses will I need?  There are no English courses required in the any of the Vocational Certificate programs at IHCC.  (BL) 

Why do people taking professional (A.S. or A.A.S.) degrees have to take English courses?  Studies show that 50-80% of professionals' work time involves writing.  This may be so for you at a basic level of presenting reports or evaluations.  And if you want to advance to higher/managerial levels at work and/or go on to a four-year college degree, it is unlikely that you will be allowed to do so without being a good functional writer.  In addition, writing is a different, often more complete form of thinking than is internal mental thinking or even talking with other people.  This is because our inner thinking usually is shorter, briefer, and more simple than written thoughts, and our speaking also includes hand and eye gestures and changes in tone of voice that convey a lot of information.  When we write, however, we think more thoroughly on paper.  The ability to write our thoughts well--and especially write them for an audience of other people--gives us a more advanced capacity to perform our jobs well. (RJ) 

If I plan to continue on for a four-year degree (or more), what English courses should I take?  Most four-year degrees will require one or two writing courses.  Some colleges/universities also specifically require a literature course to satisfy the liberal arts requirements (which can be taken to satisfy the Transfer Curriculum requirement of a general humanities course.  (BL, RJ) 

If I might be interested in an English major at a four-year college or university, what courses should I take?  In addition to the required writing course, you may want to take literature courses.  Check the degree requirements and the course equivalencies for the four-year college/university you plan to attend
after IHCC.  (BL) 

Are there any English courses that can help me in my future jobs?  In general, all English courses help with critical thinking and, therefore, with problem solving.  In addition, many of the instructors in English courses--and especially in writing courses--ask students to regularly work in small groups; because such small group work is a common feature of any professional jobs, this work is a good preparation for the professional world.  In addition, some instructors have online or other computer components, and these components, too, help students prepare for the real world.

        If you plan to have a job in which you must perform research (e.g., reviewing data, soliciting client or other information/answers, or looking for new data), then Comp II (English 1111 or 1114) are especially helpful in practicing basic research methods.  

        More importantly, in any job in which your colleagues or superiors usually have at least one four-year college degree, there is a culture of community of "college-educated people" who have, in common, knowledge and understanding of a broad range of courses.  What you learn in literature and humanities classes forms a backbone of cultural knowledge about humanity in this country, in history, and/or throughout the world.  Knowing this cultural knowledge can greatly aid you in communicating with others and in college-educated managerial society.  (RJ) 

What are appropriate study times and behaviors in college?  The typical college class in the U.S. requires students to attend one hour of class per week and study two hours at home for each credit in the course. This means if you have a four-credit course, normal attendance is four hours of class per week, and normal study time is eight hours.  Some teachers may require more.  English classes especially require a heavy load of work with all the writing and reading that is involved.  Many students have long work hours (or long partying hours).  However, in order to give all students an equal chance and an equal education recognized by almost all colleges, universities, and workplaces, instructors cannot make exceptions about homework.  However, some instructors may allow for extensions in emergencies; for this you should talk ahead of time with an instructor, if possible. 

        As for proper college behavior, you are expected to be respectful of the instructor and each other, to demonstrate a willingness to learn and listen to competing viewpoints, and to consider college an adult environment requiring adult behavior.  Negative emotional displays are as inappropriate in college as they are in a professional workplace.  Most instructors mean well and care deeply about your learning; if you behave respectfully and thoughtfully, you are especially likely to have teachers return such behavior.  (RJ) 

See also "Is a journalism course useful?" 

	GRAMMAR/TUTORING HELP	IHCC TUTORING CENTERS
		ONLINE GRAMMAR HANDBOOKS

How can I get help with my grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors?  Students in any class may receive help with their classes from tutoring services free of charge.  Students with papers--whether from an English class or from any other class--may receive writing help from two types of writing tutors:  (1) The IHCC Writing Center offers individual help from tutors, most of whom have graduate degrees in English and teach (or are certified to teach) college writing.  The IHCC Peer Tutoring Center also offers excellent help to students in a wide variety of courses.  At the Peer Tutoring Center, students who have excelled in IHCC courses offer their tutoring help to other students in those same courses.  See IHCC TUTORING CENTERS.  

        You also may receive help with grammar by using the grammar handbook required by your writing instructor or by going to one of several excellent online grammar handbooks provided by various college/educational resources.  See ONLINE GRAMMAR HANDBOOKS.   (RJ) 

If I want to review and improve my grammar, spelling, and punctuation, what courses are available?  You always are welcome to take one of the English Department's developmental (pre-college) courses.  Though they do not count for college credit, they focus more on the basics of English.  There are three such courses.  "Read 90: Introduction to College Reading and Writing" is the most basic; it offers a good deal of practice in learning how to read at a college level and write short responses to the readings, along with some review of grammar.  "English 96: Basic Writing (3 cr.)" offers lessons on paragraph-level writing and a review of grammar.  "English 99: English Essentials (3 cr.)" is somewhat more advanced, and offers beginning practice in writing college papers, arguing on paper, and responding to college readings.  In addition, the first college-level composition course, "English 1108: Writing and Research Skills (4 cr.) often contains some review of grammar and related matters (this varies from instructor to instructor, so you may want to ask your instructor before or on the first day of class).  (RJ) 

Why are grammar, spelling, and punctuation so important?  They are important because society considers them so.  There are at least three reasons to consider.  

        First, reasonably good grammar, spelling, and punctuation is very important for clear, efficient communication.  In fact, the best writing in most situations occurs when people easily read the content of the writing without noticing the way the letters, words, and punctuation are formed.  In this regard, good writing is like good playing of a sports game--where the playing is noticed most, not the lighting, uniforms, or sweat--or like good cooking--where the taste and color are noticed more than the precise quantities of liquid, dry ingredients, and seasonings.  And the best writing is easiest to read precisely because it follows the typical patterns of grammar, spelling, and punctuation that the great majority of people know through reading books, newspapers, and other sources. 

        Second, using good writing, even when not required by a work situation, is a kind and gracious gift to give your reader.  Making an effort to develop your written thoughts in a readable ways shows respect and care towards others. 

        And third, writing well is like wearing the appropriate clothes to an important interview or meeting.  You would no more present a handwritten proposal with no paragraphing or punctuation and with terrible spelling to your supervisor than you would show up for an interview or important meeting in your clogs and ratty old gym trunks.  Presentation may be a surface matter to some extent, but it is one that matters to many people, and it also shows them that you are capable of communicating clearly and with respect.  (RJ) 

DEVELOPMENTAL WRITING

LIST OF COURSES

Why do some people have to take a developmental writing course before taking regular composition? Everyone entering Inver Hills College is tested, first, for writing skills.  Roughly one-third of students are required to take a developmental writing course before starting the usual "freshman composition" course, Eng 1108.  Some of the students who test into developmental writing have had poor grades and/or avoided writing almost entirely throughout junior high and high school.  However, even some students who received A's and B's in high school end up in developmental writing.  Why?  Usually it means that they just haven't had enough writing experience in high school.  It is writing experience--lots of it, especially practice in academic (school course-related) writing--that usually helps people become good beginning college writers.  Occasionally, someone can get a low score on the objective test (which tests grammar skills and knowledge) but be a very good writer.  This is why you also are allowed to take the test more than once.  

        If you do take developmental writing, your chances of success in "freshman comp" (Eng 1108) are much enhanced: research surveys at other colleges show that students who take a developmental writing course get better grades in freshman comp (Eng 1108) than do students who went directly into freshman comp.  This shows that developmental writing courses do work: they are very practical and will help you improve your writing in all courses that use writing in assignments.  (RJ) 

But doesn't a high school diploma mean I'm ready for college?   A high school diploma means that you satisfied the requirements for graduation from your high school.  It may or may not mean that you’re ready for college.  It really depends on what you did during high school.  The specific classes you took and how well you performed in those classes matter more than the diploma itself.

         For example, did you do very little writing in high school?  Did you avoid classes where you knew you would have to do a lot of writing?  Do you generally dislike writing?  Do you think of writing as something that is difficult?  Is the only writing you ever do limited to grocery lists or text messaging? 

         If you find yourself thinking, well yes, that’s me, then you are probably going to have some problems in college writing without some assistance.  Many of our students tell us that they did as little writing as possible in high school.  And here’s a simple fact: if you avoid doing something, you’re not going to be able to do it very well.  (LW, RJ)

              
Do the developmental writing courses count for college credit?  Unfortunately, they do not.  However, as noted above, your chances of success in higher-level writing courses are much enhanced if you pass a developmental writing course first.  (RJ) 

Is Reading 90 a developmental writing course?  (Eligible scores on Reading CPT = 35-62)   Yes--it is both a writing and a reading course.  "Introduction to College Reading and Writing" is a five-credit class that focuses on textbook reading and college writing skills.  Considerable attention is also given to building vocabulary for college reading and improving grammar skills.  Students who complete this course satisfactorily will take ENG 99 before attempting freshman-level composition.  An additional reading course or English course may be recommended by the Reading 90 instructor.  Talk to your instructor before registering for your second semester to see if another reading course would help you.  (LW)

What is English 96, how is it graded, and why?   Eng 96 is for students who need more practice in writing at the sentence and paragraph level.  Grades for the course are the same as for most other courses--the letter grades "A," "B," "C," "D," and "F."  (RJ) 

What is English 99 and why is the final grade for it "P-NC?"  English 99 is the course into which the majority of developmental writing students test.  It is for students who need practice in two essential writing skills: (1) responding analytically to readings, and (2) developing an essay in several sections that is a well-supported argument.  The grading is different than in English 96.  "P-NC" is "Pass-No Credit."  This means there are no A's, B's, C's, or D's: you simply "Pass" or you do not, and if you do not, you receive a "No Credit."   
        You should be aware, though, that you need to do "A," "B," or "C" level work to get the "Pass"; and if you do "D" or "F" level work, you will receive the "No Credit" mark.  Whenever any course at Inver Hills College (and most colleges and universities) uses a "P-NC" (or pass-fail) system of grading, you must receive a "C" or higher to get a "Pass" grade.  (RJ) 

COMPOSITION COURSES   (Required Writing Courses)

LIST OF COURSES

Am I required to take composition courses?  How many?  The number of composition courses depends on your program.  If you are in a short program (not providing a two-year degree), you probably only need to take one, if even that many.  If you are in a two-year-degree program, you probably will need to take two composition courses.  In addition, if you do not initially test into the first college composition course (ENG 1108), then you must take one or two pre-college writing courses before you can go on to ENG 1108.    (RJ) 

What composition course should I take to start?    If you test into the first college composition course, ENG 1108, then you will start with this course.  If your test shows you need review and practice of your writing skills before you are ready for ENG 1108, then you may need to take ENG 99 first, or perhaps an earlier course, either READ 90 or ENG 96, and then ENG 99.  If you have not taken placement tests, please talk with Counseling immediately to arrange to take these tests.   (RJ) 

When I'm done with the first college-level composition course (Eng 1108), what should I take next?  This depends on your program at Inver Hills.  Some programs do not require a second college composition course.  However, most  programs  and degrees do, as does the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum.  For the second composition course (after Eng 1108), there are two possibilities: ENG 1111 or ENG 1114.  Some Inver Hills programs tell you which one you must take.  Other programs--along with the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum--give you a choice.  What is the difference between 1111 and 1114?  The first one--"ENG 1111: Writing in the Disciplines"--is a two-credit course designed to fit the needs primarily of people who are in professional training programs and/or do not expect to continue on to a four-year college.  The second one--"ENG 1114: The Research Paper"--is a three-credit course designed to fit the needs of those who plan to continue on to a four-year degree or more, and who will need to write research papers in their college majors.  If you are not sure which course to take, it is safer in terms of both future transfer and critical writing skills to take the three-credit course, ENG 1114.   (RJ) 

What happens in a composition course?  Basically, you learn to write.  You learn to argue, analyze, respond to college readings, and--in your second college composition course--to research thoroughly.  There are many courses at Inver Hills that require writing, and the composition courses prepare you to write for these college courses.  Composition instructors thus help you learn to make a strong, logical, well supported argument; take apart a reading and offer possible meanings for its parts; and research intelligently using a variety and depth of sources.  How are these objectives accomplished?  Composition courses require a lot of writing, much of which is rough-draft practice writing and/or rough-draft preparation for graded writing.  The number of actual graded papers in a course varies among the three composition courses and from instructor to instructor, but generally you will be asked to complete several long graded papers or up to eight or ten short graded papers.  In addition, most of the composition courses include revision of at least some of your graded writing, writing and helping each other in small groups, and review of mechanics (grammar, punctuation, typing, etc.)  Composition courses--especially the four-credit ENG 1108--often require more time because of all the writing involved; however, all of our instructors care deeply about what students learn and make every effort to help them not only learn to write better, but also to enjoy doing so.  (RJ) 

There are so many sections of the first composition course, English 1108.  Are they all alike?  They are alike in general ways, as described above: all instructors have the goals in common mentioned above.  However, the means of reaching these goals can vary greatly.  Different instructors have very different ways, all of them tested, successful methods, of helping students become better writers.  If you have a particular method of learning that you like and want to use, consult with individual teachers ahead of time by asking them about their teaching styles (see "People" for English instructors' email addresses and phone numbers), and/or check out their composition syllabuses from a previous or present semester, which are available in the main administration office [call (651) 450-8675 or email jgouin@inverhills.edu for more information about syllabuses].    (RJ) 

READING

LIST OF COURSES

Why would I need to take a reading course?  I know how to read!  Yes, you know how to read.  But simply knowing the basics of reading is not enough in college.  The skills you need for successful reading in college are much more advanced than what many high school graduates experienced in their high school classes.

       College reading demands that you be able to deal with lots of new vocabulary, complex textbook writing, and two to three hundred pages of assigned reading per week.  Some of the biggest challenges beyond getting through all the reading each week involve figuring out what’s most important and being able to recall this information for a test.  And even this may still not be enough.  College instructors often assume that you can read between the lines, so critical reading skills are important, too.  These demands can quickly overwhelm the student who did very little reading in high school or who hasn’t done much reading since high school.  (LW)

But I thought a high school diploma meant I was ready for college.  A high school diploma means that you satisfied the requirements for graduation from your high school.  It may or may not mean that you’re ready for college.  It really depends on what you did during high school.  The specific classes you took and how well you performed in those classes matter more than the diploma itself.

         For example, did you do very little reading in high school?  Did you avoid classes where you knew you would have to do a lot of reading?  Do you generally dislike reading?  Do you think of reading as something that is difficult?  Is the only reading you ever do limited to the sports page? 

         If you find yourself thinking, well yes, that’s me, then you are probably going to have some problems in college reading without some assistance.  Many of our students tell us that they did as little reading as possible in high school.  And here’s a simple fact; if you avoid doing something, you’re not going to be able to do it very well.  (LW)

But I would feel stupid taking a reading class in college.  It seems like I should already know this stuff.  If you took lots of college-prep classes in high school, then you likely did a lot of the kind of reading that would prepare you for college study.  But if you didn’t have those experiences, then taking a reading course is a good way to get ready for college reading.  We work on the skills you need to make it:  learning difficult vocabulary, increasing reading rate, getting the gist of a passage, dealing with long chapters and lots of pages, figuring out what’s important, improving memory, taking tests, and figuring out what the author’s message is when it might not seem so clear the first time.

         And here’s something else you should know.  You’re not alone; 50% of students at Inver Hills get a recommendation to take some type of reading course.  (LW)

Why should I take a reading course, especially when it may not count for graduation? 

If you’re like lots of other Inver Hills students, you will probably be taking a pre-college level math and/or English course.  These courses are required if your placement test scores suggest that you’re not ready for the college-level courses in these subjects.  What do we mean when we say that someone is not at college-level?  To put this in perspective, if you received a recommendation to take READ 90, READ 93, or READ 94, your score places you in the bottom half of all students who take these tests.  If READ 1100 was recommended, your score places you in the middle of the group of all test-takers.  What this means is that when you take courses in psychology or biology, for example, at least 50% of the students in your class are reading at a higher level, and your instructor is basing his or her expectations on the abilities of those students.

         And here’s something else for you to think about:  At Inver Hills, students with higher reading scores are much more likely to be successful in courses like psychology, biology, history, sociology, speech, and many more.

         All pre-college-level courses in reading, math, and English are credit-bearing.  This means that you will get a grade, and the grade is important because it contributes to your grade point average and can help or hurt your academic progress.  These courses will also keep you eligible for financial aid if you need to be taking a minimum number of credits.  The only thing they don’t count for is the total college credits required for graduation or transfer.  That’s because they are college-prep as opposed to college-level. 

         Students take these credits because they’ve decided that a college degree is important, and they want to do what they can to be successful in college.  You’ve probably heard that college graduates earn more money over their working lifetimes than those with only a high school diploma.  Here’s another thing you should know; students with better reading skills get higher grades.

         So why take a reading course?  Because you’re willing to make an investment in your future.  (LW)

Courses

What is Reading 90?  (Eligible scores on Reading CPT = 35-62).   "Introduction to College Reading and Writing" is a five-credit class that focuses on textbook reading and college writing skills.  Considerable attention is also given to building vocabulary for college reading and improving grammar skills.  Students who complete this course satisfactorily will take ENG 99 before attempting freshman-level composition.  An additional reading course or English course may be recommended by the Reading 90 instructor.  Talk to your instructor before registering for your second semester to see if another reading course would help you.  (LW)

Reading 93 and Reading 94--Students eligible for these courses should choose one based on the descriptions below.

What is Reading 93? (Eligible scores on Reading CPT = 63-72) .  "Reading College Texts" is an in-depth three-credit course in textbook study and test-taking.  We practice textbook reading and study skills using a variety of textbook chapters that are similar to what you will see in your other courses at Inver Hills.  We also develop college-level vocabulary and explore the joys of reading for pleasure which is a sure way to increase your speed and enjoyment of reading, which in turn promotes better skills, too.

         Note:  This is an excellent course for pre-Nursing students and any other students who have concerns about large reading loads and high-pressure test-taking.  (LW)

What is Reading 94? (Eligible scores on Reading CPT = 63-72) .  "Reading Workshop" is a three-credit course that promotes development of a college-level vocabulary, reading rate, and background knowledge for reading in a variety of college subjects such as psychology, history, sociology, and the sciences.  This is the course for students who believe that they have some idea of the skills involved in reading, but just don’t like to read and haven’t had much practice with challenging texts.  Quite simply, this is a course for people who think that they could improve their reading if simply given the incentive to do it.

       Note:  This is the course for people who know they can improve their reading if they have an incentive.  Why do people join health clubs?  Because they believe the investment will cause them to stick with a program for improvement.  Think of this class as fitness and conditioning training for your brain.  (LW)

What is Reading 1100? (Eligible scores on Reading CPT = 73-82 or higher)   "Introduction to Critical Reading" is a three-credit course that addresses the skills of reading between the lines.  Understanding a writer’s message when it is not stated directly, deciding if the writer is qualified to write about his topic, and considering the quality of different types of sources are just some of the skills practiced in this course.  This is a course that focuses not on the obvious in a text passage, but on what is suggested or implied. 

         Any student with a CPT score of 73 or higher who wants to improve higher-level reading skills may take this course.  Reading 1100 will transfer as an elective.

         Note:  This course is an excellent preparation for the analytical reading skills required in courses such as ENG 1108, especially if you find the reading in ENG 99 challenging.  (LW)

What about study skills?   The Reading Department at Inver Hills also offers College Study Skills, STSK 0095.  This is a one-credit course that focuses on the academic study skills of textbook study, lecture note taking, and exam preparation.  Any student may choose to enroll in this course which is offered both fall and spring semesters.

         Note:  This course is frequently offered in a half-semester format, typically during the first half of each semester.  Instructors move through course content fairly quickly, but the result is often a good brush-up in study skills, particularly for returning adult students.  (LW)

Still Confused?   That’s okay.  Inver Hills counselors can answer questions about reading and study skills courses when you come to orientation sessions.

LITERATURE

LIST OF COURSES

What can I get out of a literature course?  You can get an understanding that literature plays a vital role in the make-up of who we are, both culturally and individually.  Literature courses will give you skills for approaching and exploring a variety of literary works, including poems, plays, fiction, and non-fiction, works that have changed the way people see and think, works that can change you.  Literature allows you to understand on an intimate level not made possible by newspapers, for example, what it means for someone quite different from you to live—to experience loss, joy, agony, humiliation, growth, and triumph--and that kind of understanding gives us a context for and a richer understanding of our own humanity.    (SF) 

Do I have to take a literature course? No, but if you are taking the group of courses called the "Minnesota Transfer Curriculum" (or the A.A. degree, which includes them), then you do need to take two courses within the fields of literature, humanities, and/or the fine arts.    (RJ) 

What kinds of literature courses are available, and are some harder than others?   At Inver Hills, we offer a variety of literature courses.  Our Introduction to Literature (ENG 1140) course is quite popular and offers a college-level introduction to the methods of exploring the major genres of literature.  We also offer courses that examine closely a particular genre, such as The Short Story (ENG 2237), The Novel (ENG 2252), Mythic Stories (ENG 2235), and Contemporary Fiction (ENG 2238).  Further, we offer many courses that explore works that reflect a particular author, culture, or theme, such as American Literature (ENG 1171), World Literature (ENG 2243), Images of Women in Literature (ENG 2243), African American Literature (ENG 2236), and Shakespeare (ENG 2253).  Faculty with interests in other fields will often offer Special Topics courses (ENG 2250) on a wide range of topics.  Check the current schedule for updated information on any such courses offered now.    (SF) 

HUMANITIES

LIST OF COURSES

Do I have to take a humanities course? No, but if you are taking the group of courses called the "Minnesota Transfer Curriculum" (or the A.A. degree, which includes them), then you do need to take two courses within literature, humanities, and/or the fine arts.    (RJ) 

What is a "humanities" course?  The discipline of the humanities is the study of ancient and modern culture and civilization.  It includes discussion of the fine arts, literature, philosophy, religion, society, and related subjects.  There are three main humanities courses currently taught every year: "Humanities I" is the study of Western (and Near Eastern) cultural development from the beginnings of human art and communication from Greek and Roman civilization through the middle ages and the renaissance.  Humanities II covers the post-renaissance period of Western civilization, from the baroque period through modern times.  "China--Literature & Arts" is an introduction to Chinese culture through the creative arts.  Any one of these courses can be taken as a stand-alone course.  Other humanities courses are offered from time to time--see the list of courses.  (RJ) 

What can I get out of a humanities course?  Humanities courses are wonderful introductions to the core values of the liberal arts and of the countries or regions on which they focus.  They also are excellent introductions to the study of civilization, its meanings, and its focuses.  In addition, people who wonder what the contents are of courses in literature, fine arts, history, philosophy, anthropology, and religion can explore all of these subjects in a humanities course to discover which of these courses to take next.  (RJ)   

JOURNALISM

LIST OF COURSES

What are the journalism courses like?  Introduction to Mass Media is a historical study of various mass media, such as books, newspapers, magazines, radio, movies, etc. Through case studies, readings, and projects, students will gain a better understanding of the role of media in their lives. Writing for the Media introduces students to styles and forms of writing for various media. Students will working on newspaper and magazine stories, TV and movie treatments, etc.  Journalism lab is designed to give students hands-on experience in producing a publication.    (DP) 

Will I get to work on the school newspaper for credit? Students who sign up for Journalism Lab earn 1 credit upon successful completion of their assignments for each issue. Students can also volunteer to help with the newspaper. (DP) 

Who should take a journalism course, and why?  Any students interested in going into advertising, communications, marketing or journalism could benefit from as many journalism courses as they can take.  Every career requires a lot of writing; even on-camera personalities have to do a lot of their own copy writing. Gaining experience can help give them a head start on any journalism career.  (DP) 

Is a journalism course useful if I don't plan on working as a journalist in the future?  Students who want to know what is going on around campus can certainly benefit from working on the school newspaper. Students who want to sharpen their writing skills might also want to think about taking Writing for the Media.  (DP) 

CREATIVE WRITING

LIST OF COURSES

What is the creative writing course like?  Is there only one?

The creative writing course differs depending on who is teaching it. Some instructors may concentrate on poetry and some on short fiction, while others will focus on developing creative strategies that allow a student to explore a variety of writing genres.  It would be a good idea to contact the instructor assigned to the course to get specific details. In some semesters, more than one Creative Writing course is offered, and often one of the courses will have a specific focus (e.g., screenwriting). Some instructors teach the course entirely online, some mix technology with the traditional classroom, and some instructors conduct the course without the use of technology. (CS)

Will I get to write anything I want?  

Each instructor teaches the course differently, but the general intent is to allow students to develop their own voices as writers. Specific assignments will most likely be required, thus offering students a chance to explore techniques, genres or styles which they might not otherwise think to try. (CS)

PROFESSIONAL AND    BUSINESS WRITING

LIST OF COURSES

Are the professional and business-writing courses very practical?   

The courses are very practical, focusing on improving your efficiency and effectiveness as a business writer when writing email, memos, letters, and short reports. We emphasizie being direct and using formatting to make your messages easy to read. (JM) 

If I want to learn better work-related writing, what courses can I take?   

In addition to Effective Writing in Organizations (INTS 1132) and Introduction to Technical Writing (INTS 1145), we also offer Writing for the Web (ENG 1116) and Technical Document Design and Editing and Portfolio Preparation (ENG 1118). All courses are part of new Professional Writing Certificate that will add value to your program or degree.  (JM)          

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Date this page was most recently revised: 21 Aug. 2007