Search results for 'tag:Commas tag:Creative writing' matching tags 'Commas' and 'Creative writing'

10 Universities Offering Free Writing Courses Online

Paultx — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:26:37 GMT

Universities Offering Free Writing Courses Online

Whether you are currently writing professionally or are looking to break into the field, formal writing courses can help you to hone your skills. If you don't have the money or the time for campus-based courses, there are plenty of universities offering free writing courses online.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (mit.edu)

MIT offers dozens of free writing courses online through its MIT OpenCourseWare initiative. Course topics include everything from writing fiction, poems and essays to analyzing all forms of literature. Lecture notes, videos, suggested reading lists and more will help you to become the writer you've always wanted to be. No registration is required.

2. Utah State University (usu.edu)

Utah State University's Department of English publishes three free courses devoted to the art of writing through the school's OpenCourseWare program. The courses are extensive and may take up to 16 weeks to complete if you study at the average pace. No registration is required.

3. Open University (open.ac.uk)

The UK's largest academic institution, Open University, offers a number of different writing courses through their OpenLearn website. The free curriculum includes both undergraduate and graduate level courses that are available to everyone regardless of country of origin. No registration is required.

4. University of Utah (utah.edu)

The University of Utah's English Department offers free courses to self-learners around the world. Currently, there are only two free writing courses. Both offer strong preparation in their topic and are built for beginners. No registration is required.

5. Western Governors University (wgu.edu)

Western Governors University has made free course materials available through an open content license. There are several free writing courses courtesy of the university's Liberal Arts Department. All courses are split into convenient self-study modules. No registration is required.

6. Purdue University (owl.english.purdue.edu)

Purdue University brought their writing lab to life online in 1994 to offer a writing resource to students no matter where they were located. Online Writing Lab (OWL) materials are now free to everyone regardless of location or student status. The OWL site offers writing instruction, grammar and usage information, individualized help from tutors and much more. No registration is required.

7. Steven Barnes' UCLA Writing Course (lifewrite.com)

9-Week Introduction to Screenwriting Course

Best selling author and screenwriter Steven Barnes offers a free version on his website of the writing class he has been teaching for many years at UCLA. The course offers in-depth instruction on writing, which is why Barnes suggests completing each part of the nine-week course one week at a time. Nevertheless, the course can be downloaded all at once. No registration is required.

8. News University (newsu.org)

News University has a solid e-learning program designed to providing training to journalists. Most of the courses offered at News U are free, especially those that are self-directed. Courses cover everything from writing and editing to reporting and ethics. News U also offers a newsletter, a blog and other great resources. Registration is required, but the course is free for everyone.

9. E-Zine University (ezineuniversity.com)

E-Zine University offers quite a few courses written by Internet publisher Kate Schultz and visiting professors. Although the courses offered at E-Zine University are designed mainly for web writers and e-zine writers, they would be helpful to almost any scribe. Courses are very short and don't take much time to complete. No registration is required.

10. Wikiversity (wikiversity.org)

Wikiversity is an active learning project that encourages people to create and benefit from online courses and tutorials. There are currently several different writing courses that can be found at Wikiversity. Although these courses vary in length and content, there's something for everyone. No registration is required.

Re: PinkNails Wants Help with Essay

anon1 — Thu, 25 Nov 2004 01:26:01 GMT

Whenever something bothers me, I write about it. [Who does this first sentence relate to the rest of your paragraph?] I am a literary explorer who has written for small entrepreneurial newspapers to a weather news channel. [I donât like this sentence now as much as I did last night before going to bed. Somehow it has to express a range.] I have known I wanted to be a writer at the age of eight. [Why? How?] My first journalistic experience occurred in 1996 as an active member of Torontoâs Metro Youth Council. I recorded the minutes of formal meetings and assisted facilitators with interactive youth programs addressing issues affecting youth, global concerns, crime, jobs, affordable education and various training programs. My notes formed the final proposal presented at the Conference of Major Metropolisâ in Tokyo, Japan, in 1996.

For the past twenty years I have spent my summerâs visiting my relatives in New York City and have developed an interest in going to school there. I am attracted to Columbia Universityâs magazine journalism program for its impressive alumni who have worked for major publications including GLAMOUR, Rolling Stones and The New York Times Magazine. Attending the Delacorte [?] lectures given by leading editors in the industry will provide me with the information I need to become a writer and editor in the magazine industry. I am particularly interested in the spring workshops where students get the chance to create their own magazine prototypes from start to finish. Enrollment in Columbiaâs graduate program will also make me eligible for a fellowship in the Columbia Journalism Review. [This paragraph seems scattered. You start by talking about visiting your relative in NYC, and you end your paragraph by talking about fellowship in Columbia Journalism Review.]

In the future, I plan to work towards creating my own magazine or assist major publications in providing more of a representative voice that blacks can relate to. [Why not state this at the front of you essay so that we know what your ultimate goal is?] I have found that there is a lack of homebred magazines in Canada, that give a face to important issues ranging from health and relationships to finance and business and other issues affecting African Americans and African Canadians today. In my opinion [as opposed to who else?], the Canadian and United States magazine, newspaper and television industries are very different. However, Americaâs media industry features far more diverse media outlets and opportunities for research. My goal is to work in a prestigious news, magazine or broadcast organization where I can bring both a Caribbean-Canadian and American perspective to my work. [Didnât you say you plan to work toward creating your own magazine? Something that blacks can relate to? Or is your goal to work for someone else? Or is your goalâ¦?]

Throughout my life, my education and work experiences have fuelled my desire to be involved in a professional media environment. My experience as a freelance writer for print and on-line magazines within Toronto has led to my interest in journalism. [But didnât you know at the age of 8 that you were predestined to become a writer?] In October of 2002, I joined Urban Vibez Magazine, a small urban hip-hop magazine in Toronto. As junior editor in chief I edited and directed the preparation of their materials for publication.

One of the things I loved most about that job was the occasional argument between my co-workers over an ambiguous statement or questionable comma in the work I edited. [You love arguments--that ought to go over well with the admissions committee.] The adrenaline of staying on top of deadlines and researching communication news for an upcoming issue is what I crave.[Maybe it is just me, but it leaves me with the impression of poor work habits.] Working with a small staff enabled me to work closely with their advertising, circulation and promotion departments, which helped me to understand the intricate details involved in publishing a monthly magazine. Overall, my time spent with Urban Vibez magazine helped me to realize the creative writing role I wanted to pursue in the magazine industry. [There seem to be a lot of times, places and experiences that have shaped your ultimate goal, no?]

My love for being in front of or behind the camera further propelled me to intern for The Weather Network in their Marketing and Communications department in 2004. One of my biggest accomplishments was designing, writing and releasing a seasonal newsletter to The Weather Networks Extreme Weather Team. The outcome of this piece received positive responses from Extreme Weather Team members.[awkward phrase] Aside from assisting with contests and advertising initiatives, my experience with the Weather Network has reinforced my goal of pursuing Masters degree in magazine journalism so that I may assist behind the lens by writing for media magazines.

In 2001, [why are talking about 2001 after having discussed 2004 in the prior paragraph?] I started a small job recruiting and resume consulting business in which I prepare my clients resumes and portfolios for todayâs job market. After graduating from high school, I stumbled into a five-week contract position with Ingram Micro, an information technology wholesaler, and quickly excelled to a full time marketing role. My experience at Ingram Micro enabled me to visualize how an Undergraduate degree could enhance my performance, communication skills and develop my craft of creative writing. It also helped in the development of my overall administrative skills. I eventually left Ingram Micro to pursue my Undergraduates degree in Communication Studies and Humanities at York University.

[stopped editing]

Aside from working part time and putting myself through school, my interests primarily involve freelance writing and the completion of my memoir. I have submitted several articles and opinion pages to print and on-line magazines, local newspapers and community bulletins within Toronto. The articles I have written address a variety of topics including health, relationships and child abuse issues as well cultural events and Internet piracy. I also enjoy reading and collecting magazines, acting and interior design. In addition, I have worked as an extra in the film and television industry in Toronto.

I consider my undergraduate education to be my greatest achievement. I paid for it, I struggled for it and I gave up a great deal of my life for it. I also realize that my educational path is not complete. As I approach the completion of my Undergraduate degree, I realize that in order to reach the level of success I have set for myself, I will need to further my education. That is why I am applying to Columbiaâs graduate program in Magazine journalism. My education, experiences and unique perspectives have prepared me for enrollment in Columbiaâs magazine journalism program. By attending Columbiaâs Masters of Journalism program, I will become more marketable as a journalist in Canada. This experience will enhance my understanding of the relationship between Canada and the United States by allowing a cross-cultural and balanced exchange of knowledge with those that I encounter.

PinkNails,

Your essay is weak and chaotic. I canât give you much help. These essays are supposed to be written by YOU. They want to see how well you write. They want to know can you organize your thoughts into a coherent series of arguments to present your story or case.

Columbia wants your BEST writing. Not my best, or our best, but YOUR BEST.

I think you need to think deeply about your essay and your career ambitions. If you are truly serious about Columbia, you have to kick it up several notches.

I have given you some comments to think about. What you do with those comments is up to you. You can provide another revision to the forum for review. But itâll likely be the last one we will look at. We canât afford to spend too much time on any one individual, especially when she is crafting an admissionâs essay that is supposed to be written by her alone.

The other thing is that Colombia could take a sentence from your essay, throw it into Google, and up comes this discussion. So much for your argument that this is solely your effort.

Anyway, something to think about.

MountainHiker

Re: PinkNails Wants Help with Essay

pinknails — Thu, 25 Nov 2004 00:20:55 GMT

Hi MountainHiker, I made a few changes...what do u think ?

Personal Statement1000 word limit
ESSAY A - Autobiographical Essay:

Give us your best writing. Tell us about yourself. You can include information on your family, significant persons, places and events in your life, what interests you, etc. You have some leeway with the writing format however overly dramatic or comedic writing including poetry or writing in the 3rd person is not encouraged. After reading your autobiographical essay the reader should be both informed and motivated to find out more about you.

Whenever something bothers me, I write about it. I am a literary explorer who has written for small entrepreneurial newspapers to a weather news channel. I have known I wanted to be a writer at the age of eight. My first journalistic experience occurred in 1996 as an active member of Torontoâs Metro Youth Council. I recorded the minutes of formal meetings and assisted facilitators with interactive youth programs addressing issues affecting youth, global concerns, crime, jobs, affordable education and various training programs. My notes formed the final proposal presented at the Conference of Major Metropolisâ in Tokyo, Japan, in 1996.

For the past twenty years I have spent my summerâs visiting my relatives in New York City and have developed an interest in going to school there. I am attracted to Columbia Universityâs magazine journalism program for its impressive alumni who have worked for major publications including GLAMOUR, Rolling Stones and The New York Times Magazine. Attending the Delacorte lectures given by leading editors in the industry will provide me with the information I need to become a writer and editor in the magazine industry. I am particularly interested in the spring workshops where students get the chance to create their own magazine prototypes from start to finish. Enrollment in Columbiaâs graduate program will also make me eligible for a fellowship in the Columbia Journalism Review.

In the future, I plan to work towards creating my own magazine or assist major publications in providing more of a representative voice that blacks can relate to. I have found that there is a lack of homebred magazines in Canada, that give a face to important issues ranging from health and relationships to finance and business and other issues affecting African Americans and African Canadians today. In my opinion, the Canadian and United States magazine, newspaper and television industries are very different. However, Americaâs media industry features far more diverse media outlets and opportunities for research. My goal is to work in a prestigious news, magazine or broadcast organization where I can bring both a Caribbean-Canadian and American perspective to my work.

Throughout my life, my education and work experiences have fuelled my desire to be involved in a professional media environment. My experience as a freelance writer for print and on-line magazines within Toronto has led to my interest in journalism. In October of 2002, I joined Urban Vibez Magazine, a small urban hip-hop magazine in Toronto. As junior editor in chief I edited and directed the preparation of a their materials for publication.
One of the things I loved most about that job was the occasional argument between my co-workers over an ambiguous statement or questionable comma in the work I edited. The adrenaline of staying on top of deadlines and researching communication news for an upcoming issue is what I crave. Working with a small staff enabled me to work closely with their advertising, circulation and promotion departments, which helped me to understand the intricate details involved in publishing a monthly magazine. Overall, my time spent with Urban Vibez magazine helped me to realize the creative writing role I wanted to pursue in the magazine industry.

My love for being in front of or behind the camera further propelled me to intern for The Weather Network in their Marketing and Communications department in 2004. One of my biggest accomplishments was designing, writing and releasing a seasonal newsletter to The Weather Networks Extreme Weather Team. The outcome of this piece received positive responses from Extreme Weather Team members. Aside from assisting with contests and advertising initiatives, my experience with the Weather Network has reinforced my goal of pursuing Masters degree in magazine journalism so that I may assist behind the lens by writing for media magazines.

In 2001, I started a small job recruiting and resume consulting business in which I prepare my clients resumes and portfolios for todayâs job market. After graduating from high school, I stumbled into a five-week contract position with Ingram Micro, an information technology wholesaler, and quickly excelled to a full time marketing role. My experience at Ingram Micro enabled me to visualize how an Undergraduate degree could enhance my performance, communication skills and develop my craft of creative writing. It also helped in the development of my overall administrative skills. I eventually left Ingram Micro to pursue my Undergraduates degree in Communication Studies and Humanities at York University.

Aside from working part time and putting myself through school, my interests primarily involve freelance writing and the completion of my memoir. I have submitted several articles and opinion pages to print and on-line magazines, local newspapers and community bulletins within Toronto. The articles I have written address a variety of topics including health, relationships and child abuse issues as well cultural events and Internet piracy. I also enjoy reading and collecting magazines, acting and interior design. In addition, I have worked as an extra in the film and television industry in Toronto.

I consider my undergraduate education to be my greatest achievement. I paid for it, I struggled for it and I gave up a great deal of my life for it. I also realize that my educational path is not complete. As I approach the completion of my Undergraduate degree, I realize that in order to reach the level of success I have set for myself, I will need to further my education. That is why I am applying to Columbiaâs graduate program in Magazine journalism. My education, experiences and unique perspectives have prepared me for enrollment in Columbiaâs magazine journalism program. By attending Columbiaâs Masters of Journalism program, I will become more marketable as a journalist in Canada. This experience will enhance my understanding of the relationship between Canada and the United States by allowing a cross-cultural and balanced exchange of knowledge with those that I encounter.

Re: I think it's to early. Please help me with this comma.

jbshakes — Fri, 31 Oct 2003 15:17:05 GMT

Hi,

Your sentence is grammatically correct without needing any further punctuation. It reads well and its rhythm flows naturally, although, I must concede, it is a little too long. It is the length of the sentence that makes you think you need to punctuate it further. I assure you are correct.

On the other hand, you can perfectly punctuate it to change its meaning or shift emphasis. Let me explain. As it stands now, what the sentence says is that "Excellent customer service"; "leadership skills"; "strong verbal skills"; and "written communication skills" are all noun phrases that are emphasised. They are all qualities that are very essentially required, according to the sentence.

However, if you punctuate the sentence thus:

'Excellent customer service and leadership skills, along with strong verbal and written communication skills, are required at all times'

the meaning of the sentence changes. Putting a comma before '...along...' and
after '...communication skills...' makes that whole phrase an adjunct. What this means is that all the noun phrases between the two commas ie 'strong verbal skills' and 'written communication skills' are just additional information which can be done away with. They are not the prerequiste skills needed, though it is good if one has them. They are de-emphasised.

Please note: any time you have a sentence that has the following structure: '...,together with...,' or '...,plus..., or similar syntax, the nouns within the commas indicated are de-emphasised. Thus the focus of the sentence is on the first grammatical element, which is first noun phrase.

Clearly, punctuation has a lot of impact on meaning and one has to be careful where one puts one's commas, colons and others. I am sorry if I have given an hour's lecture here, but I hope you find my explanation useful. Good luck.

jbshakes is a Senior Writer at Origin8 Advertising in Ghana, West Africa and taught English and Creative Writing at Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast, Ghana.