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Patrick Barry
This second course in the Good with Words: Writing and Editing series will help you become an effective architect of information, both with your sentences and with your paragraphs. You’ll learn that the traditional advice to “Show, don’t tell” is incomplete and that skilled writers actually switch back and forth between showing and telling.
Read more
This second course in the Good with Words: Writing and Editing series will help you become an effective architect of information, both with your sentences and with your paragraphs. You’ll learn that the traditional advice to “Show, don’t tell” is incomplete and that skilled writers actually switch back and forth between showing and telling.
Read more
This second course in the Good with Words: Writing and Editing series will help you become an effective architect of information, both with your sentences and with your paragraphs. You’ll learn that the traditional advice to “Show, don’t tell” is incomplete and that skilled writers actually switch back and forth between showing and telling.
You’ll also learn more about the menu of time management techniques introduced in the first course of the series, including “deep work,” “studio time,” and “the Animal Farm Principle.” And as with the other three courses in this series, you will 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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/hclfaa/writing
What's inside
Syllabus
Sentence Flow
In this first week, you will be introduced to instructor Patrick Barry and begin to learn about sentence flow and structure. In-video questions will direct you to content previously covered in the first course of this specialization.
Read more
Syllabus
Sentence Flow
In this first week, you will be introduced to instructor Patrick Barry and begin to learn about sentence flow and structure. In-video questions will direct you to content previously covered in the first course of this specialization.
Read more
Corresponding Ideas in Corresponding Form
This week's content will focus on how structure can be used to generate content.
Show and Tell
Paragraphing
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Focuses on helping students become better writers
Builds a foundational understanding of essential writing principles
Covers topics such as sentence flow, structure, and paragraphing
Offers practical exercises and examples to enhance learning
Provides access to a range of resources and materials for further exploration
Suitable for both beginners and experienced writers looking to improve their skills
Save this course
Save Writing and Editing: Structure and Organization to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Well-received course in writing structure and organization
Learners say this highly-rated course on Writing and Editing: Structure and Organization is engaging and well-structured. Students appreciate instructor Patrick Barry's clear teaching style and knowledgeable insights. The course covers foundational concepts and provides practical writing assignments to help learners improve their writing skills.
Informative and clear lectures
"Excellent class. Very clear and interesting instruction that is supported by videos and additional reading material."
"I am learning so much. And the optional or suggested readings are really good."
"well explained, i like how the video interacts is very helpful for my listening."
Well-structured assignments
"this course is a smooth continuation from the first, and the same merits apply; it's well-paced, succinct, and provides a diverse amount of resources for the student to pick and choose between."
"Great course! There's plenty of materials and opportunities for practice."
"This course was easy to follow and included fun and diverse activities."
Knowledgeable and engaging instructor
"Patrick Barry is a phenomenal teacher and guide. His passion for writing is infectious."
"Professor Barry is at once insightful and clear, providing nifty nuggets of information that have helped improve my writing tremendously."
"He is a gem."
Valuable course content
"Excellent and inspiring and at the same time very informative and beneficial."
"Excellent review of past learning with many ideas for improving communication through writing."
"Professor Barry excels in organizing and communicating ideas in ways that are engaging and revelatory."
Course videos are too short
"I felt they were often too short and needlessly broken into shorter videos."
"The information and skills learned were good and applicable to excellent writing.The only feature I didn't like were the YouTube videos that contained multiple distracting ads."
"The paragraphing reading material is not available."
Excessive readings
"More direct ten the course 1 of this specialization, lots to read from and get ideas and practice, but little teaching."
"expected something more than was given. moreover, nevertheless it is said you can do courses in any order there are too much references to the 1st course."
"I felt a bit overwhelmed with all the reading, not because of the content, but rather the number of options offered."
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: Structure and Organization with these
activities:
Review mechanics of sentence structure.
Show steps
Review the basics of sentence structure, including parts of speech and grammar rules, to strengthen your foundation in writing.
Browse courses on
Sentence Structure
Show steps
-
Review grammar rules using online resources or textbooks.
-
Practice identifying parts of speech in sample sentences.
-
Analyze sentence structure by diagramming or outlining.
Read 'On Writing Well' by William Zinsser
Show steps
Read William Zinsser's classic guide to writing for valuable insights and practical advice on sentence structure, clarity, and style.
View
Extraordinary Lives
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of 'On Writing Well' by William Zinsser.
-
Read the book, taking notes on key principles and techniques.
-
Apply the lessons learned to your own writing, experimenting with different approaches.
Sentence Flow Exercises
Show steps
Engage in sentence flow exercises to improve the smoothness and readability of your writing.
Browse courses on
Sentence Flow
Show steps
-
Identify and correct sentences with awkward or choppy phrasing.
-
Practice writing sentences with varying lengths and structures.
-
Use transition words and phrases to connect ideas within sentences and paragraphs.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Online Tutorials on Show and Tell Techniques
Show steps
Explore online tutorials to understand and implement effective show and tell techniques in your writing, making your writing more engaging and impactful.
Browse courses on
Writing Techniques
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online resources or platforms offering tutorials on show and tell techniques.
-
Watch and follow video or written tutorials, taking notes on key concepts and examples.
-
Practice applying the techniques in your own writing, experimenting with different approaches.
Paragraphing Exercises
Show steps
Engage in paragraphing exercises to develop your skills in structuring and organizing ideas effectively in your writing.
Browse courses on
Paragraphing
Show steps
-
Identify the main idea and supporting points of a topic.
-
Practice writing paragraphs that clearly and coherently develop these ideas.
-
Use topic sentences, transitions, and concluding sentences to ensure smooth flow and logical progression.
Sentence Flow Analysis of Sample Text
Show steps
Analyze a sample text, identifying areas where sentence flow could be improved, and provide suggestions to enhance readability and clarity.
Browse courses on
Sentence Flow
Show steps
-
Select a sample text relevant to the course material.
-
Read and analyze the text, paying attention to sentence structure, transitions, and overall flow.
-
Identify areas where sentence flow could be improved, and provide specific suggestions.
Write a Sample Essay
Show steps
Write a sample essay that showcases your understanding of sentence flow, paragraphing, and the effective use of show and tell techniques, incorporating feedback from your instructor and peers.
Show steps
-
Choose a topic that interests you and aligns with the course material.
-
Develop an outline and gather supporting evidence and examples.
-
Write the essay, paying attention to sentence flow, paragraphing, and using show and tell techniques.
-
Revise and edit your essay based on feedback from your instructor and peers.
Review mechanics of sentence structure.
Show steps
Review the basics of sentence structure, including parts of speech and grammar rules, to strengthen your foundation in writing.
Browse courses on
Sentence Structure
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review grammar rules using online resources or textbooks.
- Practice identifying parts of speech in sample sentences.
- Analyze sentence structure by diagramming or outlining.
Read 'On Writing Well' by William Zinsser
Show steps
Read William Zinsser's classic guide to writing for valuable insights and practical advice on sentence structure, clarity, and style.
View
Extraordinary Lives
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of 'On Writing Well' by William Zinsser.
- Read the book, taking notes on key principles and techniques.
- Apply the lessons learned to your own writing, experimenting with different approaches.
Sentence Flow Exercises
Show steps
Engage in sentence flow exercises to improve the smoothness and readability of your writing.
Browse courses on
Sentence Flow
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and correct sentences with awkward or choppy phrasing.
- Practice writing sentences with varying lengths and structures.
- Use transition words and phrases to connect ideas within sentences and paragraphs.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Online Tutorials on Show and Tell Techniques
Show steps
Explore online tutorials to understand and implement effective show and tell techniques in your writing, making your writing more engaging and impactful.
Browse courses on
Writing Techniques
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online resources or platforms offering tutorials on show and tell techniques.
- Watch and follow video or written tutorials, taking notes on key concepts and examples.
- Practice applying the techniques in your own writing, experimenting with different approaches.
Paragraphing Exercises
Show steps
Engage in paragraphing exercises to develop your skills in structuring and organizing ideas effectively in your writing.
Browse courses on
Paragraphing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the main idea and supporting points of a topic.
- Practice writing paragraphs that clearly and coherently develop these ideas.
- Use topic sentences, transitions, and concluding sentences to ensure smooth flow and logical progression.
Sentence Flow Analysis of Sample Text
Show steps
Analyze a sample text, identifying areas where sentence flow could be improved, and provide suggestions to enhance readability and clarity.
Browse courses on
Sentence Flow
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a sample text relevant to the course material.
- Read and analyze the text, paying attention to sentence structure, transitions, and overall flow.
- Identify areas where sentence flow could be improved, and provide specific suggestions.
Write a Sample Essay
Show steps
Write a sample essay that showcases your understanding of sentence flow, paragraphing, and the effective use of show and tell techniques, incorporating feedback from your instructor and peers.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic that interests you and aligns with the course material.
- Develop an outline and gather supporting evidence and examples.
- Write the essay, paying attention to sentence flow, paragraphing, and using show and tell techniques.
- Revise and edit your essay based on feedback from your instructor and peers.
Career center
Learners who complete Writing and Editing: Structure and Organization will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
User Experience Writer
User Experience Writer
User Experience Writers write and edit content for websites, apps, and other digital products. They focus on creating a positive user experience by making sure that the content is clear, concise, and easy to use. This course may be useful for User Experience Writers because it can help them improve their writing skills and learn how to effectively organize and structure their content.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. They may write press releases, speeches, and other materials. This course may be useful for Public Relations Specialists because it can help them improve their writing skills and learn how to effectively organize and structure their materials.
Professor
Professor
Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They may write books, articles, and other materials. This course may be useful for Professors because it can help them improve their writing skills and learn how to effectively organize and structure their materials.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers create and develop educational materials. They may work for schools, businesses, or other organizations. This course may be useful for Instructional Designers because it can help them learn how to effectively organize and structure their materials.
Poet
Poet
Poets write poems. They may work on their own or with a publisher. This course may be useful for Poets because it can help them improve their writing skills and learn how to effectively organize and structure their poems.
Novelist
Novelist
Novelists write fictional stories. They may work on their own or with a publisher. This course may be useful for Novelists because it can help them improve their writing skills and learn how to effectively organize and structure their stories.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns. They may write marketing materials, such as brochures, website content, and social media posts. This course may be useful for Marketing Managers because it can help them improve their writing skills and learn how to effectively organize and structure their materials.
Editor
Editor
Editors review, fact-check, and revise written material. They may work for publishers, magazines, newspapers, or marketing agencies. This course may be useful for Editors because it can help them build a foundation in sentence flow and structure, as well as paragraphing techniques.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers represent clients in court and provide legal advice. They may write legal documents, such as contracts, wills, and briefs. This course may be useful for Lawyers because it can help them improve their writing skills and learn how to effectively organize and structure their documents.
Technical Communicator
Technical Communicator
Technical Communicators write and edit technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. They may work for a variety of organizations, including software companies, hardware manufacturers, and government agencies. This course may be useful for Technical Communicators because it can help them improve their writing skills and learn how to effectively organize and structure their documents.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or television and radio stations. This course may be useful for Journalists because it can help them improve their writing skills and learn how to effectively organize and structure their articles.
Screenwriter
Screenwriter
Screenwriters write scripts for movies and television shows. They may work on their own or with a production company. This course may be useful for Screenwriters because it can help them improve their writing skills and learn how to effectively organize and structure their scripts.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create text that explains complex technical information for a particular audience. You may write user manuals, white papers, proposals, and other documents. This course may be useful for Technical Writers because it can help build a foundation in sentence flow and structure, as well as paragraphing techniques.
Content Writer
Content Writer
Content Writers focus on creating website or blog content. They may also write scripts, social media posts, or other digital material. This course may be useful because it can help Content Writers understand how to organize and structure their writing to be more effective.
Copywriter
Copywriter
Copywriters typically use engaging text to promote a product, service, or brand. This course may be helpful for Copywriters because it can improve their ability to craft compelling sentences and paragraphs that persuade readers to take action.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/hclfaa/writing
Reading list
We've selected 14 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: Structure and Organization.
This classic guide to writing provides clear and concise advice on grammar, punctuation, and style. It valuable reference for writers of all levels.
Offers practical advice on writing clearly and effectively. It good choice for writers who want to improve their style and voice.
Save
This handbook offers practical advice on writing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenplays. It good choice for writers who want to improve their creative writing skills.
This comprehensive guide to grammar, punctuation, and style valuable reference for writers of all levels. It good choice for writers who need a quick and easy reference.
Provides a step-by-step approach to writing clearly and concisely. It good choice for writers who want to improve their readability scores.
This comprehensive guide to grammar, punctuation, and style valuable reference for writers of all levels. It good choice for writers who need a comprehensive reference that covers a wide range of topics.
This comprehensive guide to style and grammar is the standard reference for writers in many fields. It valuable resource for writers who need to follow specific style guidelines.
This concise guide to grammar, punctuation, and style good choice for writers who need a quick and easy reference.
This concise guide to grammar, punctuation, and style good choice for writers who need a quick and easy reference.
This style guide is the standard reference for journalists and other writers who need to follow the Associated Press style.
Save
This style guide is the standard reference for writers in the social sciences. It provides detailed guidance on grammar, punctuation, and style.
Save
This style guide is the standard reference for writers in the humanities. It provides detailed guidance on grammar, punctuation, and style.
This style guide is the standard reference for writers in the medical and health sciences. It provides detailed guidance on grammar, punctuation, and style.
Save
This style guide is the standard reference for writers in the engineering and technology fields. It provides detailed guidance on grammar, punctuation, and style.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/hclfaa/writing
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Michigan
Instructor
Patrick Barry
Language
English
Transcripts
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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 (viewing)
- Writing and Editing: Word Choice and Word Order
- Writing and Editing: Revising
Good to know
Focuses on helping students become better writers
Builds a foundational understanding of essential writing principles
Covers topics such as sentence flow, structure, and paragraphing
Offers practical exercises and examples to enhance learning
Provides access to a range of resources and materials for further exploration
Suitable for both beginners and experienced writers looking to improve their skills
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