B.A. in English: Writing Major

Contact Person:
Richard Henry, Interim Department Chair
120 Morey, (315) 267-2043, henryrm@potsdam.edu

30-32 credit hours.

The Writing Major deepens capacity for thought and prepares students to reach audiences through artful and purposeful use of the written word. Courses focus on rhetoric, creativity, and professional practice while introducing students to common forms in a variety of contexts. This liberal arts program encourages students to read widely, to complete internships, and to consider a double major/minor. All graduating seniors submit a portfolio of polished pieces.

All courses are 3 credits unless noted. Credits are divided as follows:
Credits
Gateway Courses
8
COMP 201
 Writing Arguments (4 credits)
COMP 301
 Advanced Research Writing (4 credits)

Applied Writing: select three
9-12
COMP 304
 Technical Writing (4 credits)
COMP 305
 Editing and Revising (4 credits)
COMP 307
 Creative Nonfiction Workshop (4 credits)
  
COMP 311
 Writing in a Digital Age (4 credits)
  
COMP 316
 Magazine Article Writing (4 credits)
  
COMP 318
 Writing for the Arts (4 credits)
  
COMP 395, 495
 Special Topics (Applied Writing) (4 credits)
  
COMM 308
 Writing for Mass Communication
  
COMM 321
Form & Expressive Technique in Film
(with documentary film focus)
  

COMP 412 or
INTD 491
 Internship * (Applied Writing) (3+ credits)
  

*Note: Only one internship can count towards Applied Writing credit.

May substitute an upper-division creative writing course or a second theory elective with adviser permission for one applied writing course.

Language Course: select one
 3
LNGS 301 Language and Structure  
LNGS 302
 Language and Meaning
  
LNGS 309
 History of English Language
  
LNGS 310
 American English Grammar
  
LNGS 320
 Theories of Language
  
     
Elective: select one
 3
Literature course at the 300- or 400- level
  
Communication course at the 200-, 300- or 400- level
  
     
Theory Course: select one
  
COMP 402
 Theory of Composition
COMP 405
 Writing Center Theory
COMP 430
 Theory of Rhetoric
COMP 505
 Rhetorical Criticism
COMP 507
 Theory of Composition
COMP 530
 Theory of Rhetoric
   
Senior Writing Course (Required):
COMP 401
 Directed Professional Writing

In addition to formal instruction, each student in the Writing Major will be expected to present a portfolio of representative course papers prior to graduation, assist with professional/academic publications, read extensively in literature and in a variety of discourse communities.