Cmty Dev & Apld Econ: Strategic Writing for PCOM

Students learn to write standard messages and documents including e-mail, memos, letters to the editor, fundraising letters, news releases, brochures, and feature stories. Prerequisites: CDAE 1240, ENGL 1001, or ENGL 1740; Public Communication majors/minors only.

Prereqs enforced by the system: CDAE 1240 or ENGL 1001 or ENGL 1740; COM Majors/Minors & Consumer and Advertising Minors Only; Asynchronous online Open to degree and PACE students

Strategic writing is goal-oriented writing, whether you are using it to help an organization achieve its goals, or writing a persuasive cover letter to convince a recruiter to hire you. This course introduces the essential skills needed to write strategically, concisely and vibrantly in any format: Identifying and targeting messages and story ideas, planning and organizing a story, interviewing, writing feature stories and press releases, newsletters, blogs, advertising copy, and opinion pieces. We will also cover strategic writing for *you,* including cover letters and Linked In profiles.

This asynchronous online course includes daily online readings and assignments. Students can expect to spend 1-2 hours a week on coursework outside of class, and will be expected to turn in polished, professional work in a timely fashion. ***NOTE: Please don’t take this class if you have a full schedule, thinking you can just “squeeze it in” whenever you have time--there is work due every week.

Grades will be based on attendance (regularly logging in), completion of assignments, and professionalism.