What is Professional Writing?
Oppotunities for Involvement
The professional writing major prepares students to
Literary Society
write for business, industry, and government. In addition to English courses, students take options ranging from graphic design to desktop publishing. Professors with experience in the technical writing industry give students hands on training in professional settings with industry standard software and skills. Students who choose this minor should plan their programs with Dr. Kathleen Hunzer, Dr. Kenneth Price, or Dr. Mialisa Moline.
The Literary Society is an on-campus organization focused on meeting new colleagues who are interested in the English field. Club members are involved in discussing literature and different writing forms, attending plays, and watching movies. Prologue Prologue is a student run magazine that showcases writings and artwork from students, faculty, and alumni.
Why major in Professional Writing?
It is put together, edited, and advertised by the students in charge of the magazine. Late spring Prologue published for the public to pick up a copy.
According to the Center for Plain Language (2005), up to 40 percent of the cost of managing business and government positions due to poor communication. For this reason, employees who communicate well are rewarded. A survey by the Plan English Network (2002) found that 96 percent of the nation’s 1,000 largest employers say that employees must have good communication skills to get ahead. Almost 90 percent of more than over 800 business school graduates say that their writing skills help them advance more quickly. More than 80 percent of Fortune 400
Contact Information Marshall Toman English Department Chair Professor Office: 245 KFA (Kleinpell Fine Arts Building) Phone: (715) 425-3537 email: marshall.toman@uwrf.edu Mialisa Moline Assistant Professor Office: 249 Kleinpell Fine Arts Phone: (715) 425-3173 Email: mialisa.moline@uwrf.edu
companies have identified writing skills as their organizations’ greatest weakness. And in a recent survey, eight major companies including Nike, put
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communication skills at the top of the list of traits they
410 South Third Street
look for in employees (Markel 3).
River Falls, WI 54022
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Source: Markel, Mike. Technical Communication. 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/
FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO:
St, Martin’s, 22010
www.uwrf.edu/ENGL or call (715) 425-3537. Photo Credits: Kathy M Helgeson, Erin Aherns
Professional Writing
Professional Writing: Global. Innovative. Excellent. Translator
Global.
Paired with a minor in a foreign language, Professional Writing majors can take their experience and talents around the world as a translator.
Technical Writer
Coursework Expectations
New technological inventions and processes need documentation. Technical writers live on the cutting edge of design and manufacturing communications.
Professional Writing Emphasis: 36 Total Credits
Editor
Required Courses 24 credits • ENGL 251 Advanced Composition 3 cr. • ENGL 266 Business Writing 3 cr. • ENGL 270 Visual Rhetoric: Document Design and Graphics 3 cr. • ENGL 362 Introduction to Rhetorical Studies 3 cr.
Innovative.
Excellent.
The need for visual appeal and excellence are at an all time high. Professional Writing courses provide majors with a digital portfolio to set them apart in the industry.
• ENGL 367 Technical Writing 3 cr. • ENGL 374 Cyberliteracy and Writing on the Web 3 cr. • ENGL 387 Technical and Professional Editing 3 cr. • ENGL 389 Special Topics: Writing Seminar in Professional Writing 3 cr. Electives 24 credits • JOUR 269 Feature Writing • JOUR 360 Opinion Writing • ENGL 372 Practicum: Peer Tutoring & Writing Instruction • Many more interdisciplinary options available.
www.uwrf.edu/Catalog/DegreeRequirements/ENGL.cfm
“Professional Writing is what propelled me into my career. For five years, I have worked for a medical software tester as a technical writer and quality control specialist. I find my work challenging and meaningful, and I know the knowledge and skills gained at UWRF— analytical thinking, impeccable communication, work ethic—are things I use daily in my professional and personal life.” -Kelly Aherns, English Major; Professional Writing Minor