University Senate of Michigan Technological University Proposal 19-16

The University Senate of Michigan Technological University

Proposal 19-16
(Voting Units: Academic)

“Proposal for a Minor in Writing”

Department of Humanities
Contact: Michael Bowler

1. Introduction

The proposed minor in Writing, sponsored by the Humanities Department, offers Michigan Technological University students the opportunity to deepen their understanding and use of different writing genres, in different contexts, and for different audiences. The minor requires courses in technical and professional communication, journalism, composition, and/or creative writing. A writing minor will indicate to employers in a wide range of fields that a job candidate is prepared to address the written communication demands of current professional environments, making MTU students more competitive and qualified candidates.

2. Rationale

The Writing Minor is designed to recognize students who successfully complete the following prescribed set of courses, indicating their preparation for effective communication in a range of contexts, using a variety of media and genres, and addressing a multiplicity of audiences. The Writing Minor is intended for students in Humanities majors, as well as for students majoring in other academic units.

3. Details of Catalog Copy

3.1 Title of Minor
Writing

3.2 Catalog Description
This minor, sponsored by the Humanities Department, offers students the opportunity to deepen their understanding and use of different writing genres, in different contexts, and for different audiences through study and intensive practice. Learning goals include the following:

Students will be able to communicate effectively using a variety of genres and media
Students will be able to communicate effectively to diverse audiences with a range of needs

3.3 List of Courses
The minor requires a total of 18 credits. The following list ensures that students will take the majority of their coursework on the upper division level.

            Core Requirements — Select 4 courses for 12 total credits
            HU 3120 Technical and Professional Communication (3)

            HU 2510 Introduction to Creative Writing (3) or
            HU 3621 Introduction to Journalism (3)

HU 3015 Advanced Composition (3) or
HU 3606 Editing (3)

            HU 3693 Science Writing (3) or
            HU 3694 Grant Writing (3) or
            HU 4628 Usability and Instructions Writing (3)

            Additional Courses—Select 2 courses for 6 total credits
            HU 2130 Introduction to Rhetoric (3)
            HU 3151 Rhetoric of Everyday Texts (3)
            HU 3514 Creative Writing Workshop, Nonfiction (3)
            HU 3515 Creative Writing Workshop, Poetry (3)
            HU 3516 Creative Writing Workshop, Fiction (3)
            HU 3605 Grammar and Usage in Society (3)
            HU 3606 Editing (3)
            HU 3621 Introduction to Journalism (3)
            HU 3693 Science Writing (3)
            HU 3694 Grant Writing (3)
            HU 3695 Digital Writing and Rhetoric (3)
            HU 4625 Risk Communication (3)
            HU 4626 International Technical Communication (3)
            HU 4690 Special Topics in Technical and Professional Communication (3)

      Prerequisites for Core Requirements:
      HU 3120 (UN 1015 and ((UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher))
      HU 2510
      HU 3621 (UN 1015 and ((UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher))
      HU 3015 (UN 1015)
      HU 3606
      HU 3693 (UN 1015 and ((UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher))
      HU 3694 (UN 1015 and ((UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher))
      HU 4628 (UN 1015 and ((UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher))

      Prerequisites for Additional Courses:
      HU 2130
      HU 3151 (UN 1015 and ((UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher))
      HU 3514 (UN 1015 and ((UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher))
      HU 3515 (UN 1015 and ((UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher))
      HU 3516 (UN 1015 and ((UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher))
      HU 3605
      HU 3606
      HU 3621 (UN 1015 and ((UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher))
      HU 3693 ((UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher))
      HU 3694 ((UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher))
      HU 3695 (UN 1015 and ((UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher))
      HU 4625 (UN 1015 and ((UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher))
      HU 4626 (HU 2600)
      HU 4690

4. New Course Descriptions
None. No new courses required.

5. Estimated Costs
None. No additional faculty or resources required.

6. Planned Implementation Date
August 2016.

Introduced to Senate: March 2, 2016
Approved by Senate: March 23, 2016
Approved by Administration: April 6, 2016