Catalog 2024-2025

WRI - Writing

WRI 200 Introduction to Creative Writing

An introduction to the forms and techniques of creative writing, with opportunities to write poetry, fiction, or creative non-fiction.

Spartan Studies:

TBH

Credit Hours: 4

WRI 210 Writing as a Means of Self-Discovery

A beginning creative writing course that employs intensive exercises in self-discovery as preparation for writing stories, poems or plays that authentically convey emotion.

Credit Hours: 4

WRI 212 Memoir and Autobiography

In this course students both study and practice the literary genre of memoir/autobiography. Students will read and analyze outstanding examples of this genre, learn narrative writing techniques, and then write their own substantial autobiographical narratives.

Spartan Studies:

TBH

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

AWR 101 and AWR 201.

WRI 214 Writing for Social Change

This course explores how writing, broadly defined, promotes social change. Through the study and analysis of a range of multimedia texts, students will develop an understanding of how writing builds community, critiques dominant discourses, inspires people, and transforms cultures. Students will create a series of written and visual texts, at least some of which will be for a public audience. Specific course topics may include digital activism, environmental justice, countercultural writing, social movement rhetorics, nonprofit writing, and/or service-learning projects. The course is developed for all majors. 

Spartan Studies:

TBH

Credit Hours: 4

WRI 220 Digital Writing and Culture

The course examines the many types and uses of digital writing from a rhetorical (that is, audience- and purpose-oriented) perspective. Students will be asked to research, reflect on, and compose in multiple digital genres, including blogs, social networking environments, wikis, content management systems, and standalone websites.

Credit Hours: 4

WRI 230 Special Topics

A study of one or more specialized writing genres and/or techniques. Topics may include science fiction and fantasy writing, autobiography, persuasive writing, critical reviews, travel writing, science writing, photojournalism, unblocking writer's block and writing for the stage.

Spartan Studies:

TBH

Credit Hours: 1-4

WRI 240 Writing Drama

An introduction to the techniques of writing stage and television scripts. May be repeated for additional WRI credit with a change of instructor and with portfolio by permission of instructor.

Spartan Studies:

TBH

Credit Hours: 4

WRI 242 Introduction to Publication Editing and Design

This course introduces students to publication and editing techniques used in print and online publications. Course content will cover publication design, editing, following a style guide, use of images and text, ethical issues, publication management, and various technologies used in the publishing industry.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

AWR 101 and AWR 201.

WRI 245 Yearbook Publication

Yearbook design and production. Students will learn to write and edit copy, take and crop digital photographs, use software specific to yearbook production, and manage business aspects of publishing a yearbook. Not recommended for first-semester freshmen. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits. Up to 4 credits may be applied to the writing major.

Credit Hours: 2

WRI 247 Dramatic Writing for Radio and Alternative Performance

A writing workshop devoted to nontraditional dramatic works such as radio drama and spoken-word performance. Students listen to, read and critique monologues and dialogues, as well as write and perform.

Spartan Studies:

TBH

Credit Hours: 4

WRI 250 Poetry Writing I

Poetry writing and reading of related works. May be repeated for additional WRI credit with a change of instructor and with portfolio by permission of instructor.

Spartan Studies:

TBH

Credit Hours: 4

WRI 260 Fiction Writing I

Techniques of writing imaginative fiction. May be repeated for additional WRI credit with a change of instructor and with portfolio by permission of instructor.

Spartan Studies:

TBH

Credit Hours: 4

WRI 274 Creative Nonfiction

A workshop devoted to the writing and reading of creative (literary) nonfiction (i.e., literary journalism, memoir, the personal essay, travel writing, biography) - prose engaged in the rendering of fact, but employing the formal techniques and styles of fiction and other types of imaginative writing.

Spartan Studies:

TBH

Credit Hours: 4

WRI 281 Technical Writing

Involves guided practice in the major forms of technical communication (e.g., instructions, scientific descriptions, proposals, and reports) for successful writing on the job. The course may include opportunities to develop projects for clients or community partners.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

AWR 101.

WRI 350 Poetic Forms

This course is designed to introduce poets to questions of poetic form, the prime physical and emotional constituent of poetic meaning. We will build on our knowledge of basic elements of writing and reading poetry and enhance our understanding of poetry by studying forms in all its contexts. Students will engage in close readings of poems as well as critical analysis about poetics.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

AWR 101, AWR 201 and WRI 250.

WRI 351 Poetry Writing II

Advanced poetry writing and reading of related works. May be repeated for additional WRI credit with a change of instructor and with portfolio by permission of instructor.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

WRI 250 or WRI 350, or consent of instructor

WRI 352 Special Topics in Writing

Advanced study of one or more specialized writing genres and/or techniques. Topics may vary but may include new journalism, memoir and biography, advanced editorial practice, and other creative and professional writing topics.
Credit Hours: 1-4

Prerequisites

8 credit hours of WRI or consent of instructor.

WRI 361 Fiction Writing II

Advanced techniques for writing imaginative fiction. May be repeated for additional WRI credit with a change of instructor and with portfolio by permission of instructor.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

WRI 260, or consent of instructor.

WRI 362 Multigenre Creative Writing Seminar

A workshop/seminar for advanced creative writing students involving prose, poetry, and experimental forms; reading work aloud; and publication of work. May be repeated for additional WRI credit if content varies and with permission of instructor.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

One of the following: WRI 247, WRI 250, WRI 260 or WRI 274, or consent of instructor.

WRI 365 Fiction Forms

A studio writing course introducing students to a variety of recognized structural elements used in literary narrative, from classic and historical to contemporary. Readings include fiction, critical background, and commentary on the uses of forms for practical purposes. Students write an array of assignments in selected forms.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

AWR 101 and AWR 201 and either WRI 200 or WRI 260 or permission of the instructor.

WRI 374 Narrative Nonfiction

In this upper-level workshop students study and practice telling compelling true stories. (Writing about others is emphasized, rather than memoir.) Elements of this craft include reporting and research, as well as narrative techniques: creating scenes, rendering dimensional characters, writing with voice and vivid description, and choosing the right story structure. Readings, contemporary and classic, vary in length from magazine articles to books. Shorter writing assignments build to the final project: a substantial (25- to 30-page) nonfiction narrative.
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

AWR 101 and AWR 201 or permission of instructor.

WRI 376 Advanced Publication Practicum

In this class, students will design, lay out, and copyedit a publication for the University of Tampa Press.
Credit Hours: 4

WRI 381 Professional Editing

The purpose of this course is to introduce the principles of comprehensive editing and basic copy editing. The comprehensive editing level involves higher-order issues, such as reasoning and evidence, organization, visual design, style and use of illustrations. Basic copy editing is the final editing level, covering consistency, grammar and usage, and punctuation, for example.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

AWR 101 and AWR 201, or permission of instructor

WRI 385 Visual Rhetoric and Design

This course introduces students to a variety of approaches for designing print and digital texts through the application of rhetorical and design principles. This course consists of lessons in design philosophies and techniques, tutorials in using design software, and hands-on application while developing texts for public audiences. The course may include opportunities to develop creative projects for professional clients.
Credit Hours: 4

WRI 450 Seminar in Poetry Writing

Advanced training in poetry writing, as well as directed reading and discussion of modern poetry. May be repeated for additional WRI credit with a change of instructor and with portfolio by permission of instructor.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

One of WRI 250 or WRI 351, or consent of instructor.

WRI 456 Directed Poetry Writing

Individual advanced training and supervision of poetry writing.
Credit Hours: 1-4

Prerequisites

WRI 450 or consent of instructor.

WRI 460 Seminar in Fiction Writing

Involves advanced training in fiction writing, as well as directed reading and discussion of modern fiction. May be repeated for additional WRI credit with a change of instructor and with portfolio by permission of instructor.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

WRI 260 or WRI 361, or consent of instructor.

WRI 465 Directed Fiction Writing

Involves individual advanced training and supervision of fiction writing.
Credit Hours: 1-4

Prerequisites

WRI 460 or consent of instructor.

WRI 470 Topics in Nonfiction

This course will develop writing, editing, and reading skills. Students will hone the art of nonfiction narrative while minimalizing distortion or misrepresentation. Students will learn to identify strengths and weaknesses in their own writing and in other writing. Students will learn to recognize the importance of truth and reportorial techniques that characterize nonfiction.
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

One of the following: WRI 274, WRI 351, WRI 361, or WRI 362

WRI 485 Directed Professional Writing

Involves advanced training in professional writing on the job or for freelance markets, with emphases on flexibility and practicality of topic and style.
Credit Hours: 1-4

WRI 490 Writing Internship

Open only to juniors and seniors. An internship that involves closely supervised on-the-job training in career writing. May be repeated for a maximum of 10 semester hours of credit, four of which may count toward the writing major. Students must apply for the internship one semester in advance.

Credit Hours: 1-10

Prerequisites

3.0 GPA or higher and consent of faculty adviser and department chair.

WRI 499 Writing Thesis

Students will produce an advanced creative writing project in their chosen genre. 
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

LIT 120, WRI 200, ENG 305, and one WRI sequence.