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K-State Today

Division of Communications and Marketing
Kansas State University
128 Dole Hall
1525 Mid-Campus Drive North
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-2535
vpcm@k-state.edu

October 26, 2023

Graduate students can earn credit for getting their writing done

Submitted by Karin Westman

ENGL 604

Graduate students across the disciplines can earn credit for working on their master's or doctoral level writing projects by enrolling in ENGL 604 for spring 2024.

The goal of this course is simple: to get writing done. There are no major writing assignments outside of students' own programmatic writing projects (theses, dissertations, etc.).

Under the guidance of a Writing Studies expert, students will learn strategies to develop (or strengthen) a regular writing practice, to write more consistently and effectively, and to revise and edit their work.

Students will experiment with multiple writing strategies; read short pieces on how to write; learn a bit about grammar, style, and academic conventions; practice effective workshopping strategies; and help each other meet writing goals. By the end of the course, students should have made consistent progress on their theses or dissertations.

The course is fully online (30% synchronous, 70% asynchronous) and will include weekly Zoom meetings and individual meetings with the instructor.

Past offerings of this course have garnered positive reviews, from both advanced and inexperienced writers. All are welcome.

Comments from previous students:
"This class has changed my mindset on what it is to be a writer. Before this course, I believed that I was not a good writer and that I was ill-prepared for my career as a research scientist. Not only has this course taught me the strategies for becoming a better writer, but it’s also given me the tools to continue to improve my writing in the future. This class is one of my all-time favorite courses. I have learned so much, and it has changed my mindset."

"I have never thought of taking a writing class in my whole life as a student; however, taking this class is one of the wisest choices I have ever made. Writing is important, not only to undergraduates but also to graduate students and even faculty. I really appreciate having this opportunity to learn and substantially increase my writing skills."

"I entered this course with the intent to learn what is writing style and how can I improve my style? I also brought a literature review project that was intended to expand my knowledge of my research subject. During the course I didn't just cover these basic goals, I also gained a new appreciation for writing as a process of thinking and reflecting. I have gained a new enthusiasm for writing, and have begun writing for fun in my spare time, something which I wouldn't have imagined myself ever doing."

Students who are interested in enrolling in ENGL 604 — cap of 15 — should email english@k-state.edu.