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Patrick Barry
This course will teach you how to use your written words to become more persuasive. You’ll learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for arranging a complex series of information. You’ll also get a chance to both professionalize your use of punctuation and add a bit of style and sophistication to how you craft everything from sentences to slogans.
Read more
This course will teach you how to use your written words to become more persuasive. You’ll learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for arranging a complex series of information. You’ll also get a chance to both professionalize your use of punctuation and add a bit of style and sophistication to how you craft everything from sentences to slogans.
Read more
This course will teach you how to use your written words to become more persuasive. You’ll learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for arranging a complex series of information. You’ll also get a chance to both professionalize your use of punctuation and add a bit of style and sophistication to how you craft everything from sentences to slogans.
In addition, you’ll get access to a wide range of books and other resources you can use even after you finish the course. These include (1) the readings and exercises provided to the students who have taken the in-person version of this course at the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago; (2) two digital libraries of excellent writing from a diverse collection of journalists, scientists, novelists, poets, historians, and entrepreneurs; and (3) a monthly “Good Sentences” email. Social media has only accelerated the ways in which we all must learn to use our writing to connect, compete, and create—sometimes all at once. So join us for this first course in a four-part series and experience the many benefits, both personal and professional, of becoming “good with words.”
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/fag5vn/writing
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What's inside
Syllabus
The Words Under the Words
In this first week, you will be introduced to instructor Patrick Barry. This week's course content will focus on how the words you choose can change the decisions that people make.
Read more
Syllabus
The Words Under the Words
In this first week, you will be introduced to instructor Patrick Barry. This week's course content will focus on how the words you choose can change the decisions that people make.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Designed to improve writing effectiveness in both personal and professional contexts
Suitable for learners with varying backgrounds and experience levels in writing
Patrick Barry, an experienced instructor, leads the course
Provides access to resources beyond the course duration, including readings, exercises, and email updates
Covers essential principles of effective writing, such as word choice, grammar, sentence structure, and detail
Emphasizes the practical application of writing skills in various contexts, including persuasion and communication
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Reviews summary
Mastering persuasive wordcraft
According to learners, this course is a highly engaging and transformative experience for improving written communication. Students particularly praise the instructor's captivating teaching style and ability to simplify complex ideas. The content, focusing on word choice and word order, is often described as immediately applicable for professional and personal writing, enhancing persuasive power. While many commend its strong foundational knowledge, some intermediate writers found it less focused on advanced editing techniques than expected, suggesting it's primarily a course on composition.
Additional materials enhance the learning experience significantly.
"I especially loved the 'Good Sentences' email – a brilliant touch."
"The resources provided are a treasure trove. The additional resources like the digital libraries are incredibly valuable."
"The access to the curated libraries is a fantastic bonus, and the 'Good Sentences' email is a superb ongoing resource."
Provides a solid foundation in persuasive writing principles.
"This course opened my eyes to the subtle power of language. The lectures were engaging and easy to follow."
"Good foundational course. It's a great start to improving writing."
"The concepts presented are powerful, especially the focus on how word order impacts meaning. A strong course for building a foundational understanding of persuasive writing."
The course offers strategies applicable to both personal and professional writing.
"The practical examples and exercises truly solidified my understanding. Highly recommend for anyone looking to refine their writing for impact."
"I learned practical strategies I could apply immediately to my professional documents."
"The practical application of the 'Rule of Three' and 'Power of the Particular' has been revolutionary for my content creation."
Instructor Patrick Barry makes complex topics clear and engaging.
"Absolutely transformative! Professor Barry's insights into word choice and order are unparalleled."
"Professor Barry is a master storyteller and teacher. His lectures are captivating, and he simplifies complex ideas without dumbing them down."
"I found the instructor engaging and very knowledgeable; his ability to break down complex grammatical concepts into understandable segments is exceptional."
Ideal for novices but may be too basic for advanced writers.
"An interesting course, but perhaps not as in-depth as I hoped for specific professional applications. It's a solid introduction for beginners."
"I think it's better suited for someone starting from scratch. I was looking for more hands-on editing practice."
"It feels more like a general writing course than one focused on 'editing' and for anyone with a background in writing, it feels like a review of basics."
Some learners found the 'editing' aspect less prominent than expected.
"This course is okay for absolute beginners, but it didn't meet my expectations for 'editing.' It's primarily about composition."
"Expected more on actual editing techniques. This is really about composition. The 'editing' in the title is misleading for me."
"While the instructor is engaging, I found some of the material repetitive, especially in later weeks. I was looking for more advanced editing strategies."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Writing and Editing: Word Choice and Word Order with these
activities:
Read 'On Writing Well' by William Zinsser
Show steps
Expand your understanding of writing principles and techniques by reading a classic guidebook on the subject.
View
Extraordinary Lives
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
-
Reflect on the insights and advice presented in the book.
-
Apply the principles you learn to your own writing.
Review grammar rules
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of the basics of English grammar, including parts of speech, sentence structure, and punctuation.
Browse courses on
Grammar
Show steps
-
Review the parts of speech and their functions.
-
Identify the different types of sentences and their structures.
-
Practice identifying and correcting common grammar errors.
Sentence structure exercises
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of sentence structure by completing exercises that focus on identifying and constructing sentences.
Browse courses on
Sentence Structure
Show steps
-
Identify the subject, verb, and object in a given sentence.
-
Rewrite sentences using different sentence structures.
-
Combine sentences to create more complex sentences.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join a writing group
Show steps
Engage in collaborative learning and receive feedback on your writing from peers.
Browse courses on
Writing
Show steps
-
Find a writing group that aligns with your interests.
-
Participate actively in the group discussions and activities.
-
Submit your work for feedback from other members.
-
Provide constructive feedback to other members.
Follow a writing workshop
Show steps
Gain structured guidance and feedback on your writing by participating in a writing workshop.
Browse courses on
Writing
Show steps
-
Find a reputable writing workshop that aligns with your interests.
-
Participate actively in the workshop exercises and discussions.
-
Submit your work for feedback from the instructor and other participants.
-
Use the feedback to revise and improve your writing skills.
Write a persuasive essay
Show steps
Apply the principles of persuasive writing to craft an essay that effectively argues a specific point of view.
Browse courses on
Persuasive Writing
Show steps
-
Choose a topic and develop a clear thesis statement.
-
Research and gather evidence to support your argument.
-
Organize your essay into an effective structure.
-
Write a compelling introduction and conclusion.
-
Proofread and edit your essay for clarity and persuasiveness.
Attend a writing retreat
Show steps
Immerse yourself in a dedicated writing space away from distractions, allowing you to focus on your writing and receive guidance from experienced writers.
Browse courses on
Writing
Show steps
-
Find a writing retreat that meets your needs.
-
Attend the retreat and participate fully in the activities.
-
Use the time and space to work on your writing projects.
Create a writing portfolio
Show steps
Organize and showcase your best writing pieces to demonstrate your skills and progress.
Browse courses on
Portfolio
Show steps
-
Select your strongest writing samples.
-
Create a portfolio website or document.
-
Present your portfolio in a professional and engaging manner.
Read 'On Writing Well' by William Zinsser
Show steps
Expand your understanding of writing principles and techniques by reading a classic guidebook on the subject.
View
Extraordinary Lives
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
- Reflect on the insights and advice presented in the book.
- Apply the principles you learn to your own writing.
Review grammar rules
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of the basics of English grammar, including parts of speech, sentence structure, and punctuation.
Browse courses on
Grammar
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the parts of speech and their functions.
- Identify the different types of sentences and their structures.
- Practice identifying and correcting common grammar errors.
Sentence structure exercises
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of sentence structure by completing exercises that focus on identifying and constructing sentences.
Browse courses on
Sentence Structure
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the subject, verb, and object in a given sentence.
- Rewrite sentences using different sentence structures.
- Combine sentences to create more complex sentences.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join a writing group
Show steps
Engage in collaborative learning and receive feedback on your writing from peers.
Browse courses on
Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a writing group that aligns with your interests.
- Participate actively in the group discussions and activities.
- Submit your work for feedback from other members.
- Provide constructive feedback to other members.
Follow a writing workshop
Show steps
Gain structured guidance and feedback on your writing by participating in a writing workshop.
Browse courses on
Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a reputable writing workshop that aligns with your interests.
- Participate actively in the workshop exercises and discussions.
- Submit your work for feedback from the instructor and other participants.
- Use the feedback to revise and improve your writing skills.
Write a persuasive essay
Show steps
Apply the principles of persuasive writing to craft an essay that effectively argues a specific point of view.
Browse courses on
Persuasive Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic and develop a clear thesis statement.
- Research and gather evidence to support your argument.
- Organize your essay into an effective structure.
- Write a compelling introduction and conclusion.
- Proofread and edit your essay for clarity and persuasiveness.
Attend a writing retreat
Show steps
Immerse yourself in a dedicated writing space away from distractions, allowing you to focus on your writing and receive guidance from experienced writers.
Browse courses on
Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a writing retreat that meets your needs.
- Attend the retreat and participate fully in the activities.
- Use the time and space to work on your writing projects.
Create a writing portfolio
Show steps
Organize and showcase your best writing pieces to demonstrate your skills and progress.
Browse courses on
Portfolio
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select your strongest writing samples.
- Create a portfolio website or document.
- Present your portfolio in a professional and engaging manner.
Career center
Learners who complete Writing and Editing: Word Choice and Word Order will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
As an Operations Manager, you manage the day-to-day operations of an organization. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to communicate effectively in writing with employees and other stakeholders. You will learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for organizing a complex series of information.
Editor
Editor
As an Editor, you oversee the creation and production of written content. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to use your written words to become more persuasive. You will learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for organizing a complex series of information.
Content Writer
Content Writer
As a Content Writer, you create written content for a variety of purposes, such as marketing, advertising, and social media. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to use your written words to become more persuasive. You will learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for organizing a complex series of information.
Copywriter
Copywriter
As a Copywriter, you write persuasive and engaging copy for a variety of purposes, such as advertising, marketing, and sales. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to use your written words to become more persuasive. You will learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for organizing a complex series of information.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
As a Technical Writer, you create written content that explains complex technical information to a non-technical audience. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to use your written words to become more persuasive. You will learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for organizing a complex series of information.
Grant Writer
Grant Writer
As a Grant Writer, you write proposals to secure funding for non-profit organizations and other entities. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to use your written words to become more persuasive. You will learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for organizing a complex series of information.
Speechwriter
Speechwriter
As a Speechwriter, you write speeches for public figures, such as politicians, business leaders, and celebrities. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to use your written words to become more persuasive. You will learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for organizing a complex series of information.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
As a Marketing Manager, you develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to use your written words to become more persuasive. You will learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for organizing a complex series of information.
Public relations manager
Public relations manager
As a Public Relations Manager, you manage the public image of organizations and individuals. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to use your written words to become more persuasive. You will learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for organizing a complex series of information.
Social Media Manager
Social Media Manager
As a Social Media Manager, you manage the social media presence of organizations and individuals. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to use your written words to become more persuasive. You will learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for organizing a complex series of information.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
As a Sales Manager, you lead and motivate a team of salespeople to achieve sales goals. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to use your written words to become more persuasive. You will learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for organizing a complex series of information.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
As a Business Analyst, you analyze business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to communicate your findings and recommendations effectively in writing. You will learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for organizing a complex series of information.
Project Manager
Project Manager
As a Project Manager, you plan, execute, and close projects. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to communicate effectively in writing with stakeholders. You will learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for organizing a complex series of information.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Manager
As a Human Resources Manager, you manage the human resources functions of an organization, such as recruiting, hiring, and training. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to communicate effectively in writing with employees and other stakeholders. You will learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for organizing a complex series of information.
Journalist
Journalist
As a Journalist, you research, write, and report on news and current events. This course may be useful to you because it can help you develop the writing skills you need to communicate effectively with your audience. You will learn how to use creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for organizing a complex series of information.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/fag5vn/writing
Reading list
We've selected 15 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Writing and Editing: Word Choice and Word Order.
This classic style guide provides clear and concise rules for writing effectively. It valuable reference for writers of all levels.
Save
This practical guide to writing offers advice on everything from choosing the right words to structuring your sentences. It great resource for writers who want to improve their craft.
Save
Explores the cognitive science behind why some writing is clear and effective while other writing is not. It fascinating read for anyone who wants to understand the art of writing.
Save
This witty and encouraging book offers practical advice on writing from a successful author.
Offers a clear and concise guide to writing effective explanations. It valuable resource for writers who want to make their writing more accessible.
Save
This comprehensive style guide is the standard for writing and editing in the United States. It must-have resource for writers of all levels.
This quick and easy guide to grammar and punctuation valuable resource for writers of all levels.
This guide to writing clear and concise prose valuable resource for writers of all levels. It is particularly useful for writers who need to write for an international audience.
This classic guide to copywriting valuable resource for writers who want to learn how to write effective advertising and marketing copy.
Save
Offers a comprehensive overview of writing techniques and strategies. It valuable resource for writers of all levels.
This comprehensive guide to writing fiction valuable resource for aspiring novelists and short story writers.
Save
This style guide for creative writers offers advice on everything from choosing the right words to structuring your sentences.
Explores the art of writing with style and eloquence. It fascinating read for anyone who wants to improve their writing.
This grammar and style guide comprehensive and entertaining resource for writers of all levels.
This comprehensive grammar and punctuation guide valuable resource for writers of all levels.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/fag5vn/writing
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Level
Introductory
Via
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Institution
University of Michigan
Instructor
Patrick Barry
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Good with Words: Writing and Editing. It's comprised of four courses:
- Writing and Editing: Drafting
- Writing and Editing: Structure and Organization
- Writing and Editing: Word Choice and Word Order (viewing)
- Writing and Editing: Revising
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