The (Not-Boring) Art of Academic Writing

Quarters
Winter Open
Location
Olympia
Class Standing
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Tara Hardy

Too often, academic writing is framed as boring—or worse, intimidating. But at its innermost core, it is neither of those things. Writing in an academic arena can be exciting, passionate, and even creative. It can open door after door in pursuit of aspirations and dreams. In this program, we will learn to portray original ideas in compelling, engaging, and eloquent ways. And we’ll do it in ways that are the opposite of intimidating. Using a structured, highly supportive framework, we’ll practice expository writing and build research skills. Designed specifically for students who are anxious about writing, the learning will be broken down into small, achievable steps that build, one upon the next. The result will be an accessible writing process that students can take with them into the rest of their academic careers.

The classroom will be designed to be extremely supportive and also focused on filling your toolbox with writing craft skills. We will read potent published work, study why it works, practice using those techniques, and apply those skills to our own writing. Students will leave with a collection of work that exhibits strengthened voice, skill, and versatility for academic settings and beyond.

To successfully participate in this program, students will need access to a computer and Internet. It’s best not to use a cell phone, if possible, as it makes activities, readings and assignments more difficult to navigate. Students can expect two remote class sessions per week via Zoom. In previous online programs with this instructor, students have frequently remarked, “I wasn’t sure about an online learning environment, but this one turned out to be great. It was engaging, and I always felt connected to the learning community.”

Registration

Academic Details

Creative writing, academic writing

8
25
Sophomore
Junior
Senior

Schedule

Winter
2025
Open
Remote (W)

See definition of Hybrid, Remote, and In-Person instruction

Evening
Schedule Details
Olympia