Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I minor in writing practices?

Having an understanding of how to craft the written word for a variety of audiences and purposes as well as the way that writing works to persuade and inform is more important now than it has ever been. Increasingly, our writing is broadcast to a wider audience than ever before and has become more important in a wider array of professional and civic action. There are many benefits to this minor. Having a writing minor on your transcript tells a prospective employer not only that you care about written communication, but that you have a practical expertise that sets you apart from other candidates. The courses you take during your writing minor will also help you in your other university courses by providing opportunities to gain extra feedback and instruction.   

Why is it called “writing practices”?

This minor is primarily a minor in nonfiction, practical writing. The courses are framed and selected to provide instruction for writing in the workplace, civic forums, and academic settings. Whether writing grants, proposals, memos, press releases, letters to the editor, or essays, our minor strongly emphasizes writing to persuade and inform. While our minor has some theoretical courses, these are meant to provide context and the inner workings for how writing works. We also have some creative writing options for those who are interested in fully exploring the art of sculpting the written word.    

What majors pair well with a writing minor?

Every major can benefit from a minor in writing practices. Whether you encounter writing in your major or not, it’s important to recognize that every graduate will have to write in their professional lives. From a chemist writing lab reports or instructions for procedure, or a trumpet player writing grants or contracts, or a marketer writing memos and pitches, having a diversity of practical experiences and a richer understanding of how writing works can give you a leg up. This says nothing of the greater fluency in writing that can lead to a more engaged civic life, whether you are writing against a local zoning issue for city council or a grant proposal at your local PTO.  

What if I’m not a very good writer?

These courses and the minor in general are designed for all students to learn and are not meant to just reward those who have exceptional skills already. Any student who wants to be a better writer will benefit from the minor regardless of his or her skills. 

What are the prerequisites for the Minor in Writing Practices?

The minor is open to all undergraduates who have successfully completed WRIT xx22 and xx33 and are interested in honing their writing, furthering their understanding of concepts and theories, and demonstrating their abilities to employers and others.

What kinds of classes are required?

There is a required introduction course (WRIT 2000) that is a balance of practical and theoretical approaches to writing studies and a capstone course (WRIT 3500) that you will take your junior or senior year. In between, you have to take at least one theory course, offered by a variety of disciplines, and at least two applied courses, which are more practical and are offered by a variety of disciplines. The menu of courses facilitates scheduling and interest. 

I’m an English/Communication major, and I noticed that some of the courses here are also required for my major. Can I count these courses twice?

No, DU doesn’t allow one course to serve as credit for two majors/minors. On your Degree Audit, you can only use a course for either your major or your minor, but not both.

What are the goals of the Minor in Writing Practices?

1. Students will learn writing techniques and strategies, and they will gain practical experience writing for different audiences and purposes and in different genres.

2. Students will understand differences in writing for creative, professional, academic, and civic situations.

3. Students will learn origins, contexts, assumptions, and implications of different theories of and approaches to writing.

4. Students will develop a portfolio of writings that will effectively represent their abilities to various constituencies.

When can I apply to the Minor in Writing?

As soon as you complete the WRIT 1122/1133 sequence, you can begin taking many of the courses in the minor. You should declare the minor as soon as possible so that you can chart your progress via pioneerweb and keep up to date with Writing Program events specifically for the Writing Practices Minor. To declare a minor, complete the form from Academic Advising here:

https://www.du.edu/sites/default/files/2023-09/MajorChangeForm.pdf

If you have any questions, the Minor coordinator, Richard Colby, richard.colby@du.edu, can answer them or meet with you in person.