Writing 2 Overview

Writing 2 at a glance

Writing 2 courses build upon and continue the process-oriented practices introduced in Writing 1.

Writing 2 courses are divided up by wider fields or areas of study. For example, WRIT 240 – Scientific Writing compares arguments and evidence from the perspectives of physics, chemistry, and biology. Faculty are also redesigning an existing course into Writing 2: Social Welfare Policy (SOCW 251), which will examine social welfare policy from the perspectives of social work, sociology, and psychology.

Ideally, students will take the Writing 2 course within their wider area of study. For instance, an accounting major would likely take a Writing 2 course offered by the School of Business. Ideally, students will take a Writing 2 course during their sophomore year.

The course is structured around several essential questions:

How is knowledge constructed in the various disciplines represented in the division (humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, arts, theology, business, music, nursing, etc.)?

What kind of writing is done to create that knowledge in a particular division?

What are arguments that have led to knowledge creation in the discipline?

How are those arguments constructed? What is seen as persuasive in the field?

Writing 2 is a WRITING course. Students in Writing 2 will critically assess the rhetorical strategies of their larger field in order to begin to enter into it themselves. Writing 2 courses may offer some topical content from the field being studied, which the students will research and write about. But writing instruction should be the primary focus.

Purposes of Writing 2

Encourage critical thinking skills by having students engage with a range of complex writing and research within their disciplines and wider area of study
Assess the questions being asked in related fields and how researchers and scholars attempt to answer those questions
Build upon the writing skills gained in Writing 1: The Art and Craft of Writing by further encouraging recognition of rhetorical elements such as audience, message, and purpose, and how these elements shift depending on the discipline
Familiarize students with the academic writing styles of their individual fields

Necessary Components

Guidance of students’ writing processes through structured assignments, feedback, and multiple drafts. This is first and foremost a writing course. The priority needs to be teaching students how to write in the field being discussed.
Critical analysis instruction
At least thirty minutes of conferences with each student. Up to four classes may be cancelled for conferences.
Instruction in research practices and conventions. Instructors are encouraged to consult with a librarian.
Instruction in at least one documentation style

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to

Assess the questions and argument styles of at least two disciplines or sub-disciplines within the field.

Differentiate the writing styles and rhetorical strategies of at least two disciplines or sub-disciplines.

Evaluate and explain genres within one discipline. Students may choose a discipline within the larger field to focus one or more of their writing projects on. Students should be given options.

Interpret and apply the writing styles and rhetorical strategies of one discipline. Students may choose which discipline.

Construct an argument supported by specific evidence combined with critical thinking skills.

Writing 2 Courses for 2018–2019

WRIT 200 – Writing 2: Writing for Christian Practice

WRIT 201 – Writing 2: Philosophy of Math, Logic, and Language

WRIT 202 – Writing 2: Philosophical Writing in C.S. Lewis

WRIT 203 – Writing 2: Writing in Religious Studies & Visual Studies

WRIT 204 – Writing 2: Writing for the Humanities in Spanish

WRIT 210 – Writing 2: Writing in the Humanities

WRIT 220 – Writing 2: Film Analysis and Criticism

WRIT 221 – Writing 2: Writing for Visual Thinkers

WRIT 222 – Writing 2: Writing about Music

WRIT 240 – Writing 2: Scientific Writing

WRIT 241 – Writing 2: Physical Activity and Health Promotion

WRIT 242 – Writing 2: Entrepreneurial Tech Start-ups

WRIT 260 – Writing 2: Psychology Subdisciplines and Career Trajectories

WRIT 261 – Writing 2: Writing in Business

WRIT 262 – Writing 2: Criminal Justice Research Methods

WRIT 263 – Writing 2: Writing Ethnography in the Social Sciences

UNRS 306 – Writing 2: Theoretical Frameworks in Nursing

Ready to plan or create a Writing 2 Course? Start here.

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