Writing, Communication

Part of the Languages and Literature Division

Highlighted Undergraduate Research Projects:

Carolyn

Carolyn Lyden took a unique path for her Senior Study – through an interview with her mother. Read how this undergraduate’s mother was the inspiration behind Lyden’s focus on childbirth in literature.

Malinda Taylor

Malinda Taylor Malinda Taylor leaned toward creative writing with a historical bent for her Senior Study. Read how Taylor decided to explore the short-short genre and create a 78-page study, delving into intricacies of the short-short.

Kevin Wheatley

Kevin Wheatley joined Maryville College's Fighting Scots Football Team for his senior season as his Senior Study focused on an in-depth analysis of participatory journalism. Read more about Wheatley’s traditional research and physical preparation for such a project and about the support he received from the coach and team.


 

The Major in Writing/Communication is recommended for a variety of careers. The skills emphasized in organized thinking, writing, and research prepare the student not only for teaching and for the many branches of editing and publishing but also for other professions such as law, librarianship, and the ministry. These same skills are in demand in business and industry, where leadership positions go to those who can think logically and express themselves clearly.

Learning Outcomes

Students successfully completing the program of study will have achieved:

Knowledge

  1. Familiarity with major authors and works from all the major periods of Western literature
  2. Knowledge of Western literary history and the continuity of its traditions
  3. Familiarity with historical, cultural, political, and philosophical events and movements which have had a bearing on the development of those literatures and their interpretations
  4. Knowledge of various schools of literary criticism
  5. Knowledge of literary terminology
  6. Knowledge of the history of the English language and of basic linguistic principles
  7. Awareness of literary style and its development in various periods
  8. Writing or editing work experience gained through internships or practica

Skills

  1. Ability to read with discernment—to analyze and interpret form, structure and style in expository writing and in various genres of literature
  2. Ability to write with clarity, conciseness, appropriate organization, and a level of usage and style suitable for the intended audience
  3. Ability to carry on independent research
  4. Ability to show confident and articulate oral expression and to listen with discernment
  5. Proficiency in the use of layout and design software
  6. Proficiency in copy editing and proofreading of work other than one’s own, including knowledge of various style guides and the distinction between grammar and style (AP style, Chicago Manuel, MLA, APA, etc.)
  7. Ability to work efficiently and cooperatively within small groups or teams and within larger organizational structures
  8. Understanding of forms and expectations of business and technical writing

Attitudes

  1. Reverence for language, both written and oral, as the predominant medium for passage out of self and toward other; awareness of the significance of language as a key to entering other cultures
  2. Respect for literature as the indispensable means of recording feeling, perception, truth, opinion, and private experience
  3. Appreciation of the insights into human nature that literature provides
  4. Tolerance for a broad range of ideas and cultural diversity, as well as a willingness to engage that diversity intellectually
  5. A readiness to analyze written and oral expression and a willingness to question our own assumptions and responses
  6. Respect for cultural difference as it is manifested in literary style
  7. Respect for the conventions and traditions of form, theme, meaning and symbol as essential to literature
  8. Awareness of the feature that distinguish works of lasting value from the ephemeral
  9. Awareness of ethical considerations in business and technical writing

The Major in Writing/Communication consists of 46 hours, including 42 hours in English and 4 hours in Humanities. Required courses include:

    ENG 162: Interpreting Literature (3 hrs.)
    ENG 216: Publications (1 hr.) (3 hrs. required)
    ENG 217: Journalism (3 hrs.)
    ENG 311: History of the English Language (3 hrs.)
    Either of the following courses:
        ENG 337: Internship (9 hrs.)
        or
        ENG 343: Practicum (3 hrs.)
    ENG 351-352: Senior Thesis (6 hrs.)
    HUM 201: Perspectives in the Humanities (3 hrs.)
    HUM 347: Research and Professional Issues (1 hr.)
    Two courses from the following list:
        ENG 213: Creative Writing: Poetry (3 hrs.)
        ENG 214: Creative Writing: Fiction (3 hrs.)
        ENG 219: Advanced Rhetoric and Grammar (3 hrs.)
    Two courses from the following list:
        ENG 314: Creative Nonfiction (3 hrs.)
        ENG 315: Business and Technical Writing (3 hrs.)
        ENG 317: Public Relations Writing and Practice (3 hrs.)

Students pursuing the internship option take an additional 3 hours in English courses in literature while students pursuing the practicum option take an additional 9 hours in English courses in literature.

 All writing/communication majors are strongly encouraged to minor in an area that will give them a degree of expertise in a field other than English.

The Minor in Writing/Communication requires 15 hours in writing courses. Required courses include:

    ENG 216: Publications (1 hr.) (3 hrs. required
    Four courses chosen from the following list:
        ENG 213: Creative Writing: Poetry (3 hrs.)
        ENG 214: Creative Writing: Fiction (3 hrs.)
        ENG 217: Journalism (3 hrs.)
        ENG 219: Advanced Rhetoric and Grammar (3 hrs.)
        ENG 314: Creative Nonfiction (3 hrs.)
        ENG 315: Business and Technical Writing (3 hrs.)
        ENG 317: Public Relations Writing and Practice (3 hrs.)

Core Curriculum Requirements

Each student must satisfy the core requirements and requirements for individual programs of study.