Tri Fold Brochure



English Writing

Do you enjoy finding solutions through language? Have you ever written a story, poem, or song lyric for fun? Are you intrigued by how writing can inform and influence?

If you said yes to any of these questions, you might want to look at how Northern's English Writing major can help you sharpen your abilities and prepare for a variety of career paths.

Fields of Study

The program consists of expertly taught courses in both writing and literature.

“They make you look at writing ... and what makes a good story,” said English Writing major Zoe Guettler. “They make you analyze different literary works, which helps you with your own writing. Towards a job, being able to analyze is good. Being able to think critically is a useful skill in any job.”

Within the writing component, students can:

• Gain the skills needed to master the short story and onwards in Fiction, or learn the art of telling stories with on-stage dialog and action through Drama

• Learn about the many forms of Poetry and develop their poetic voice

• Explore topics and craft reflective/personal essays and accounts through Nonfiction

• Discover how to use Technical Writing to design information in the worlds of science, industry, education, and government

• Hone their skills at investigating unique stories and subjects through Journalism or dive into broadcasting or public relations through Media writing

Each student takes courses from at least two of these seven concentration areas.

Course Work

Students take the following in addition to liberal studies courses and those in their minor.

Core

EN 493 Senior Seminar: The English Professional (2 cr.)

Literature Component

EN 282 Introduction to Literature (4 cr.)

Literature Electives (6-8 cr.)

Literary Surveys or Period Courses (6-8)

See website at bottom for list of courses to choose from.

Writing Component

EN 205 Introduction to Professional Writing (1 cr.)

Concentration (12-20 cr.)

Select from at least two of the following areas. At least 8 credit hours must be at the 400 level.

Journalism

Fiction

Nonfiction

Poetry

Technical Writing

Drama

Media Writing

See website at bottom for courses within each.

Cognates (0-8 cr.)

For further listings and requirements as well as detailed course descriptions, please see nmu.edu/bulletin.

Image of computer, pen, and notebook here

Skills and Competencies

In addition to the aforementioned critical thinking and analysis skills, English Writing also involves such skills as:

• Interpersonal Communication Whether selling a manuscript, interviewing subjects, or ascertaining client expectations, human interaction is a part of any writer's career.

• Organization While creativity doesn't have to be one's strongest suit, writers should be able to present clear, organized work.

• Motivation, Time Management, Self-Discipline Any writing project requires a strong degree of discipline and motivation.

Career Development

Students are encouraged to:

• Begin building up their resume early on.

• See the Academic Career and Advisement Center and Career Services for resources

• Seek out work experience/internships and look into local media university/English Department publications (EDEN, Passages North, The Lightkeeper, and The North Wind)

• Find out how to gain feedback on and publish your writing

For certain paths, the following points may help you plan:

• Many authors and free-lance writers also pursue a related career in publishing, media, education, technical industries, etc.

• Technical writing careers often require a strong background in a specific area such as business, fashion, law, or medicine.

• A teaching profession may require a further degree

1 Job Outlook

Starting salaries depend upon location as well as an applicant's work experience and initiative. They may range from $35,00o to $55,000 and increase as one gains expertise, the ability to specialize, or an additional degree.

Writing and related fields are expected to grow in the near future. Many areas are widening through continued use of online and dynamic content.

Potential Careers

NMU's English Writing Program prepares students for employment in the following careers:

• Author

• Broadcaster

• Columnist

• Copy Editor

• Copy Writer

• Creative Writer

• Editor

• Free-lance Writer

• Lyricist

• Poet

• Program Director

• Publicity and Promotion

• Reporter

• Script Writer

• Speech/Drama Coach

• Technical Writer

• University/College Relations

A Welcoming Community

English is one of NMU's most popular majors. The Department seeks to provide a safe, welcoming environment within one of the country's most friendly, naturally scenic areas.

Check out the English Department website (below) for recent events and the newsletter (EDEN). Come and meet the staff at the Writing Center and the Lydia Olson Library. Explore the community and local history. You never know how it might affect you as a writer and a professional.

Information and Resources

For Career Planning and Opportunities:

Academic and Career Advisement Center

3302 C.B. Hedgcock

906-227-2971

nmu.edu/acac

English Department

229 Gries

906-227-2711

nmu.edu/english

For Job Search, Resume, and Career Information:

Career Services

3502 C.B. Hedgcock

906-227-2800

nmu.edu/careers

Current as of Fall 2012

Provided by:

ACAC logo

Wildcat image here

English Writing

1

Image of people writing here

2

NMU logo here

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download