Academic Catalog - Virginia Military Institute Admissions

Virginia Military Institute
12-13 Catalogue
their own fiction. A final writing project is required in lieu of a final examination. Cadets
cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 330.
WR 332. CREATIVE WRITING - POETRY 3—0—3
A seminar that introduces students to the writing of poetry. It requires students to analyze
the works of both established writers and classmates and to write and extensively revise
their own poetry. A final writing project is required in lieu of a final examination. Cadets
cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 332.
WR 334. CREATIVE WRITING - NONFICTION 3—0—3
A seminar that introduces students to nonfiction genres (e.g., biography, the memoir, the
personal essay) and requires them both to analyze the works of established writers and
classmates and to write and revise extensively their own nonfiction. A final project is required
in lieu of a final examination. Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 334.
WR 340. WRITING FOR THE PROFESSIONS 3—0—3
The chief purpose of this course is to improve the pre-professional candidate’s ability to
write clear, precise, effective, and grammatically accurate prose in the composition of critical
essays, letters, reports, memoranda, opinions, briefs, and/or research documents. Cadets
cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 340.
WR 342. TECHNICAL WRITING 3—0—3
A skills course that focuses on practical writing in the world of work. Emphasis will be given
to individual practice in business correspondence, report writing, and résumé preparation,
but the course also offers students a chance to tailor assignments to their specific writing
needs and interests. Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 342.
WR 345. JOURNALISM 3—0—3
A seminar that introduces students to writing news articles. It requires students to submit
balanced and accurate news articles based on personal interviews and research. In lieu
of a final examination, each student will submit a long feature article which demonstrates
a mastery of the journalistic skills and principles taught in this course (newsworthiness,
form, interviewing, balance, accuracy, attribution, liveliness, research, and use of multiple
and conflicting sources). Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 345.
WR 347. ADVANCED COMPOSITION 3—0—3
A seminar offering advanced practice in essay and research paper writing, with particular
emphasis on argumentation. The course emphasizes logic, the use of evidence, grammar
and usage, and the development of a mature appropriate style. Assignments may focus
on a single theme for the entire term, or students may be encouraged to explore topics of
individual interest. A substantial final research project is required in lieu of a final examination.
Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 347.
WR 349. PROFESSIONAL EDITING AND DESIGN 3—0—3
This course will focus on the principles of manuscript editing, editorial correspondence,
and document design. Emphasis will be placed on rhetorical analysis, collaborating with
authors, and developing strategies for successfully producing a print journal.
WR 468. SEMINAR IN RHETORIC AND WRITING 3—0—3
A focused, in-depth study of specific subjects in the fields of rhetoric and writing designed
to provide cadets with the opportunity to engage particular questions, controversies, or
issues. Seminars may be developed in the fields of rhetoric, composition, linguistics, creative
writing, technical writing, professional writing, or journalism. Topics may invite the study of
theoretical and practical concerns, historical moments, significant figures, or current events
among others. Prerequisite: appropriate rhetoric or writing course or permission of the
department head. The course number of the appropriate prerequisite will be included in the
preregistration materials. Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 468.
WR 470. INTERNSHIP IN WRITING 3—0—3
With a faculty sponsor, the cadet will arrange for work in written communication with a
local business or industry (5-10 hours per week). In addition to submitting work for periodic
evaluation by his or her supervisor, the cadet will prepare a portfolio of writing (in lieu of a
final examination) to be evaluated by the faculty sponsor at the conclusion of the internship.
Prerequisites: WR 340, 342, 345, or 347, agreement of the faculty sponsor; and permission
of department head. Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 470.
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