Certificate in Writing & Communication
Overview
The Certificate in Writing & Communication provides an introduction to varied worldviews, patterns of perception, and intercultural complexities that impact effective communication within and across cultures. Students will analyze the relationship of writing to social change and stability, and practice effective processes and techniques for producing efficient, effective communication.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be equipped to:
- Write focused, organized, and cohesive essays, including impactful introductions, credible evidence, and memorable conclusions.
- Identify the roles played by purpose and audience in directing a writer’s choices, and make appropriate choices of tone, voice, and level of formality.
- Explain how culture shapes human perception, identity, communication and conflict styles, behaviors, and ways of thinking.
- Analyze benefits and challenges to competent communication through mindful, reflexive, and accountable practices, demonstrating socially just intercultural communication.
- Discuss literature critically and creatively, and articulate critical and creative positions in writing and in oral presentations.
- Employ the skills of close reading, interpretation, synthesis, and critical analysis to the reading of texts across multiple cultural and linguistic traditions, various historical periods, and multiple genres.
Admission Requirements
An online application must be submitted and accepted before a student begins their first course. All courses in the certificate must be completed or approved through ADP. Transfer credits are not permitted for this certificate.
Certificate Requirements
Certificate in Writing & Communication (9 credit hours)
Complete the following:
The certificate is successfully finished when all certificate courses are completed with grades of C- or better and a certificate GPA of 2.0 or above.
This course builds on student understanding of basic mechanics, sentence construction, intermediate composition, elements of prose, and research skills. Students will practice effective processes and techniques for producing efficient, effective writing, including focused consideration of purpose, audience, and appropriate formatting and citation.
This course provides an introduction to the varied worldviews, patterns of perception, and intercultural complexities that impact effective communication within and across cultures. Students will assess and apply intercultural communication theories as they explore the following topics: the nature of culture and cultural definitions; privilege, power, and oppression in historical and contemporary U.S. society; globalization, transnational conflict, and modern technological influences; representation of cultures and identities in popular media; and the relationship between language, power, and culture.
This course offers a selected study of literary masterpieces that reflect varying aspects of human identity throughout history. Students will study poetry, drama, and fiction in their historical and cultural contexts, analyzing the relationship of literature to social change and stability. The course is designed to offer students multiple perspectives of the people and cultures who share our globe.