English 5502 / Magazine Nonfiction

             This course stresses good writing:  We want to identify it, understand it, and do it.  The skills developed here will sharpen not only your nonfiction, but your fiction and poetry, as well.  Writing well means using language in ways that are vivid, concise, fresh.  You also will develop solid, professional skills in the mechanics, grammar, punctuation, style, syntax, and the structure of nonfiction writing.  Students will produce three dazzling magazine articles plus minor assignments.  In the process, the course will discuss language in practical and theoretical terms, research and investigation techniques for reporters and essayists, ways of getting into the business of magazine writing, the profession, legal issues—including copyright and libel—and more.  Books will likely include On Writing Well by William Zinsser, Elements of Style, The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Guide, plus an anthology.