Overview
The minor in Writing develops students’ skills across diverse writing contexts and genres through practical, hands-on coursework. Students begin with foundational study in public and professional writing, then choose from a wide range of specialized courses including digital media writing, social media writing, business and technical writing, journalism, creative writing, and grant writing. The curriculum emphasizes real-world application, preparing students to write effectively across multiple platforms and audiences. This minor pairs well with majors in communication studies, deaf studies, business, education, psychology, theatre, or any field where strong writing skills and clear communication are essential. Graduates are prepared for careers in journalism, content creation, marketing, grant writing, technical writing, creative writing, and professional communications.
Program at a Glance
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Online
Courses & Requirements
Requirements for Admission to an ODCP Minor in Writing
A grade of B or better in a writing course;
Recommendation from one English instructor;
One writing sample;
An unofficial transcript; and
A statement of interest in the writing minor.
To graduate in the program, writing minors must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better in their minor coursework. Writing minors are also expected to demonstrate academic and personal integrity in major coursework and interactions with faculty and peers, as specified in the University's and department's Academic and Personal Integrity Policies. Violations of either will result in probation for the remainder of the student's minor coursework, in addition to other penalties deemed appropriate by the instructor and/or Major/Minor Review Committee. Further violations will result in dismissal from the minor, in addition to other penalties deemed appropriate by the instructor and/or Major/Minor Review Committee. Students may appeal such decisions to the department chair and/or university Academic Integrity Committee.
Summary of Requirements
Required pre-minor courses 3 credits
Surveys genres and modalities of professional writing, including social media and writing for the web. Provides an overview of areas such as digital publishing, new media journalism, business and technical writing, and editing. Develops a rhetorical understanding of professional writing as the ability to write in response to elements including audience, purpose, medium, and design.
ENG 102 and permission of the instructor.
Required minor courses 15 credits
Choose five courses:
Study and intensive practice of writing in digital environments, with a focus on journalistic contexts. Examines technical and rhetorical features of online environments, including interactivity, hyperlinking, spatial orientation, and non-linear storytelling. Focuses on the writing conventions and standards of digital media, as well as editing techniques and competencies.
ENG 250 or permission of the instructor.
Study and intensive practice of composition in social media genres. Examines rhetorical conventions for digital communication and the dissemination of information through social media for professional purposes, including developing a social media content strategy and analytics. Integrates editing techniques and competencies. May also cover theoretical issues such as copyright and authorship, visual literacy, and moderation of collaborative online environments.
ENG 250 or permission of the instructor.
Study and intensive practices of inventing, shaping, producing, and delivering text, audio, video, and images aesthetically and purposefully. Examines various genres of and technical platforms for multimedia composition. Integrates editing techniques and competencies. May also cover theoretical issues relevant to digital media such as universal access and participatory culture.
ENG 250 or permission of the instructor.
Study of media literacy, including techniques and strategies used to analyze the use of diverse media to inform, entertain, and sell. Examines diverse media messages in advertisements, television, film, newspapers, magazines, and the Internet.
Study and intensive practice of professional writing skills and genres, such as resumes, letters of application, emails, memos, short proposals and reports.
permission of the instructor.
Study and intensive practice of professional writing skills and genres, with a focus on longer proposals and reports.
ENG 380 or permission of the instructor.
Study and intensive practice of professional writing skills and genres, with a focus on grant applications and reports, letters of introduction, and other fundraising materials.
ENG 380 or permission of the instructor.
This course will deal with these features: news, feature, and editorial writing; copy editing and fact checking; headline writing; and page layout, both in print and online. This course touches on the growing possibilities and ethical considerations for journalism in the digital age.
ENG 102
Surveys theories of composition and language acquisition, with the aim of providing a context for students interested in teaching professions. Examines current cognitive studies of how people learn and use language. Students will write compositions following the different approaches studied.
ENG 102
Introduction to the study and intensive practice of creative writing. The course will touch on fiction, drama, poetry, and other creative forms. Analysis and critique of students' writings in group and individual conferences. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credit hours if topics differ.
ENG 102
Intermediate study and intensive practice in creative writing in a specific genre or topic. Intended for intermediate level students with knowledge of and experience in the fundamentals of creative writing in the genre or topic of study (topics will vary by semester). Analysis and critique of students' writings in group and individual conferences. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credit hours if topics differ.
ENG 392 or permission of the instructor
Advanced study of English grammar, structure, and usage. Focuses on applying the principles of grammar in one's own writing and in the teaching of writing. Reinforces students' cognitive knowledge of English grammar. Also covers skills and technical aspects of editing.
ENG 250
permission of the instructor.
Individual work for juniors and seniors in an area of special interest; designed and carried out by the student in consultation with the instructor.
Permission of the instructor.
Admissions
Learn about Gallaudet’s admissions requirements, steps to apply, application deadlines and more at our Undergraduate Admissions page.
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Contact
- ODCP Minor in Writing
- dae-kun.kim@gallaudet.edu
