Course ID: | JOUR 5590/7590. 3 hours. |
Course Title: | Critical Writing |
Course Description: | Hones fundamental opinion-writing and analysis skills. Students
will engage critically and creatively with art and
entertainment in various genres, including music, film,
theater, and books, and with American culture generally.
Students will write clear, cogent articles and reviews of
publishable quality, suitable for multiple platforms. |
Oasis Title: | Critical Writing |
Undergraduate Prerequisite: | (JOUR 3090 or JOUR 3190) and permission of department |
Graduate Prerequisite: | Permission of department |
Semester Course Offered: | Offered fall semester every year. |
Grading System: | A-F (Traditional) |
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Course Objectives: | In addition to developing and honing fundamental opinion-
writing skills, students will read a variety of film,
television, theater, book, and restaurant reviews to understand
the many forms a review can take. Over the course of the
semester, students will write a series of reviews and analysis
covering a wide range of topics and genres, including but not
limited to, music, film, books, dance, theater, and food.
Students will be challenged to think critically and creatively
and to write often and under deadline. Class sessions and
assignments will be devoted to nurturing the skills needed to
become a successful reviewer or critic. The class also will
include visits from several professional critics. |
Topical Outline: | The role of the critic in today’s fractured media landscape
Becoming a critical observer
Reporting, writing, and reviewing ethically and responsibly
Forming, owning, and trusting one’s own opinion
Constructing arguments
Selecting and employing persuasive evidence
Developing a personal writing style |