Online Communication & Writing Courses

Course Description

Integrative communication explores and develops public, interpersonal, organizational, and small group communication skills.  Students will learn how to analyze and adapt to the needs of diverse audiences and contexts using verbal and nonverbal communication principles.

By the time you finish this course, you will:

• List, describe, and explain the five big ideas of communication and identify how they impact interpersonal, small group/team, work, culture, and presentational speaking contexts.
• Critically read, evaluate, and incorporate credible resources, properly citing them in oral and written format.
• Develop, organize and deliver an informative presentation appropriate for audience, context, and medium.
• Analyze and incorporate informative and persuasive characteristics in messages considering the impact of language, culture, visual and other nonverbal communication, medium, and context.
• Explain how communication principles relate to matters of faith and calling/career.

• Communication Pathways, 2nd Edition

This course consists of 13 reading quizzes, 12 lab assignments/reports, a midterm exam, final exam and pre/post assessment.

Total points for the course is 1000 - Reading quizzes and Lab assignments are each worth 5 points, the exams are each worth 50 points and the assessment worth 20 points.

Amy Bessin

• MS, University of Kentucky (2013)
• MA, Western Kentucky University (2009)
• BA, Taylor University (2007)

Course Description

The study of the complex process of intercultural communication. The course seeks to create an awareness of culture-bound assumptions and ways to communicate more effectively with persons from other cultures.

The student who successfully completes the course should be able to:

• Articulate the connection between communication and culture
• Explain the role of culture in shaping identity, perception, and judgment
• Articulate one’s own cultural standpoint and how it affects communication and worldview
• Consider how cultural dynamics shape a Christian’s understanding of scripture and engagement with others
• Identify challenges that arise from cultural differences and develop tools to adapt one’s communication in diverse cultural contexts

• Communicating Across Cultures
• Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Barrier to Better Understand the Bible

This course consists of 10 comprehensive assignments (10 @20 points each = 200 pts total), a personal cultural identity assignment (100 points), an intercultural development project and presentation (250 points), a book review (200 points), a midterm exam (100 points) and a final exam (150 points). 

Julie Borkin

• PhD, Speech Communication, Wayne State University
• BA, Communication, Oakland University

Course Description

The course provides practice in reading academic articles related to composing, writing clear and effective prose through expository modes including summaries, locating main points, responding to quotes with explanation, relating to quotes with specific personal illustrations, exploratory writing, a formal research paper, and reflections over course objectives and growth as a writer. A brief review of grammar and mechanics is provided via instructive comments in every graded assignment.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:

• Write clear and effective papers using several expository modes (e.g., exposition, narration, example) and that demonstrate a strong grasp of formal edited English.
• Write a formal research paper, demonstrating proficiency in all stages of the research process.
• Demonstrate strong analytical thinking in all assignments.
• Understand writing as an instrument for creating, interpreting, and evaluating ideas (one’s own ideas and the ideas of others).

All materials are free online resources. Microsoft Word is required.

This course consists of 9 annotations, 10 short annotations and assignments, three short essays, a research paper, and a reflection.

The assignments range from 10 to 100 points each plus a research paper worth 200 points, for a total of 1,000 points possible.

Carolyn Jones

• ABD PhD, Ball State University
• MA, Ball State University (2009)
• MS, University of Missouri at Columbia (1967)

Course Description

A survey of American literary tradition from its origin to the present, evaluating and comparing themes, ideas and styles.

Course Objectives
● Investigate the impact of rhetorical situation on the texts authors create.
● Differentiate between various forms of literary theory and criticism as well as literary
tools and utilize these to interpret, analyze, and critique texts.
● Discuss and reflect on how and why we read today and how to strengthen reading skills
to better engage as a college student and as a Christian.
● Reflect on the human experience and the way in which literature can help us better know
and thus love our neighbor.

Additional Goals
● To appreciate classic American literature.
● To assess the universal themes that appear in American writings.
● To identify and understand the historical context of the writings.
● To identify and understand biographical influences on writings.
● To develop skills of reading deeply and analyzing.
● To respond critically to writings.
● To incorporate reading and experience into writing.

• The Norton Anthology of American Literature Vol 1: Beginnings to 1865 & Vol 2: 1865 to the Present, shorter 10th edition

This course is divided into 6 modules covering different time periods in American literary history, and utilizing differing modes of criticism. Each module consists of several writing assignments and poetry readings.

Lisa Belcher

• MA, English, Ball State University (1997)
• BS, English, Taylor University (1992)
• BA, French, Taylor University (1992)

Course Description

Practice in the fundamentals of business communication. Students complete a variety of assignments exemplifying the types of writing routinely practiced in business settings—including letters, résumés, news releases, reports, proposals, instructions, and other forms of business communication. Emphasis on real world experience and application.

In the course of this class, you will:

• Refresh your understanding of basic writing and grammar skills by showing competency in practice grammar sheets, as well as worksheets on revising sentences and paragraphs.
• Understand the expectations and etiquette for a variety of business communications and be able to show competence in writing each type of communication; this includes memos, emails, business letters, direct mail letters, news releases, flyers, instructions, and a blog.
  • Professionalize your personal social media presence (such as Twitter and LinkedIn), then create a résumé and cover letter to (pretend) apply for a job or internship you will locate by searching various job-search engines. (OR if you are an older student and are already professionally employed, you will create an informal report—choosing a certain type and following the instructions in the book.)
• Complete two major projects according to all instructions: (a) a mock business website and (b) a formal proposal and PowerPoint/Prezi with a script.

• Writing that Works: Communicating Effectively on the Job

This course consists of quizzes, Blackboard essays, worksheets, samples of business correspondence, a website project, and a proposal project.

Each assignment is worth between 30 and 100 points, each quiz is worth 20 points, and the projects are each worth 100 points, for a total of 1,000 points in the course.

Linda Taylor

• MFA, Creative Writing (Creative Nonfiction), Ashland University (2017)
• MA, English, Ball State University (2013)
• BA, English & Writing, Houghton College (1980)

Course Description

Provides training in editing for copy in books, newspapers, magazines, and e-books.

Course objectives are to:

• Understand how a publishing house works—and how the roles of the various types of editors fit together.
• Learn the basics of editing—the 30,000-foot view of the manuscript.
• Learn the basics of copyediting—the 10,000-foot view of the manuscript.
• Learn the basics of proofreading—the 10-foot view of the manuscript.
• Review basic grammar and punctuation rules.
• Practice all of these phases, learning how to improve a sentence, a paragraph, a chapter, a manuscript.
• Learn how to edit both on hard copy and on screen with track changes mode.
• Help you determine your individual “sweet spot” when it comes to these varied roles.
• Give you useful and practical skills that will help you get in the door at a publishing house and sustain you as you move further in your career.

• Copyediting & Proofreading for Dummies

Be sure to order a book (and not an e-book) as there are exercises in the book itself that will be assigned.

This course consists of 7 quizzes as well as various worksheets and proofreading practice assignments.

The assignments range from 20 to 100 points each, for a total of 1,000 points possible.

Linda Taylor

• MFA, Creative Writing (Creative Nonfiction), Ashland University (2017)
• MA, English, Ball State University (2013)
• BA, English & Writing, Houghton College (1980)

Course Description

An introduction to writing from a Christian worldview and an overview of the different writing genres, with an emphasis on writing articles for publication. Stresses functional skills such as self-editing, interviewing techniques, developing vocabulary skills, and learning to cover news. Through readings and writing assignments, the student will follow a step-by-step process of learning the foundations of article writing. The course is taken through a partnership between the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild and Taylor University. No online component: Students receive the initial writing materials and submit work via email.

This course may transfer as an English course. Please check with your home institution to verify the transferability.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the writing craft.
• Gain an understanding of different styles of article writing.
• Be a competent self-editor.
• Understand important ethical writing standards.

All required material is obtained through the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild.

This course consists of 13 assignments and no exams.

The assignments are graded by JJWG mentor-professors who are experienced writers and teachers. The final grade will be sent to and transcripted by Taylor University.

Kim Peterson

• MA, Wheaton College (1988)
• BA, Grace College (1984)

Course Description

A course concentrating on finding, evaluating, researching and writing the various kinds of nonfiction articles. Self-editing, interviewing techniques and developing vocabulary skills are emphasized as students write humor, how-to, inspirational, investigative, opinion and other types of articles. Building on the foundational skills learned in PWR 313, students will learn the advanced specialty areas of article writing. Students are encouraged to submit their articles for publication. The course is taken through a partnership between the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild and Taylor University. No online component: Students receive the initial writing materials and submit work via email. Prerequisite: PWR313

This course may transfer as an English course. Please check with your home institution to verify the transferability.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Recognize different types of articles.
• Understand marketing and reading audiences.
• Be a competent self-editor.
• Write articles using various styles and techniques.

All required material is obtained through the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild.

This course consists of 13 assignments, and no exams.

Assignments are graded by JJWG mentor-professors who are experienced writers and teachers. The final grade is submitted to and transcripted by Taylor University.

Kim Peterson

• MA, Wheaton College (1988)
• BA, Grace College (1984)

Course Description

Introductory course and workshop in the instruction and practice of writing non-fiction and scriptwriting. The course is taken through a partnership between the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild and Taylor University. No online component: Students receive the initial writing materials and submit work via email. Prerequisite: PWR314

This course may transfer as an English course. Please check with your home institution to verify the transferability.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:

• Understand the writing craft as it pertains to writing works of non-fiction and screenplays.
• Gain an understanding of different styles and techniques of non-fiction writing and screenplays.
• Become a competent self-editor.

All required material is obtained through the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild.

This course consists of 11 assignments and no exams.

Assignments are graded by JJWG mentor-professors who are experienced writers and teachers. The final grade is submitted to and transcripted by Taylor University.

Kim Peterson

• MA, Wheaton College (1988)
• BA, Grace College (1984)

Course Description

An introductory course concentrating on the instruction and practice of writing fiction. The course is taken through a partnership between Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild and Taylor University. No online component: Students receive the initial writing materials and submit work via email. Prerequisite: PWR323

This course may transfer as an English course. Please check with your home institution to verify the transferability.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:

• Understand the writing craft as it pertains to writing works of fiction.
• Gain an understanding of different styles and techniques of fiction writing.
• Become a competent self-editor.

All required material is obtained through Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild.

This course consists of 13 assignments and no exams.

Assignments are graded by JJWG mentor-professors who are experienced writers and teachers. The final grade is submitted to and transcripted by Taylor University.

Kim Peterson

• MA, Wheaton College (1988)
• BA, Grace College (1984)

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to provide advanced academic instruction in applying ethical principles to the process of gathering, analyzing and integrating information into powerful nonfiction books. The ultimate goal is to seek out powerful stories reflecting a Christian worldview, and in all work to clearly and accurately communicate truth. The course is taught through a partnership between Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild and Taylor University. No online component: Students receive the initial writing materials and submit work via email. Prerequisite: PWR327

This course may transfer as an English course. Please check with your home institution to verify the transferability.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Build on the objectives obtained in PWR 323.
• Facilitate advanced knowledge of the skills necessary for writing non-fiction books.
• Understand the current needs and guidelines of non-fiction book publishers.
• Recognize book ideas, conduct adequate research, and apply the skills learned in the course to write effective non-fiction books.
• Engage in the study of current world and community affairs, be alert for and analyze the value of ideas based on true stories, and reflect a compassionate Christian worldview in writing about people and issues for non-fiction books.
• Think critically, analyze the information learned in class, and be able to integrate it with excellent writing skills, resulting in clear, and effective communication.

All required material is obtained through Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild and bookstores. Additional fee: $250

This course consists of 15 assignments and no exams.

Assignments are graded by JJWG mentor-professors who are experienced writers and teachers. The final grade is submitted to and transcripted by Taylor University.

Kim Peterson

• MA, Wheaton College (1988)
• BA, Grace College (1984)

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to provide academic instruction in reviewing classic and current prominent fiction written from a Christian perspective, analyzing current fiction and novels, and learning the basics of writing effective fiction. The ultimate goal is to clearly and accurately communicate themes that reflect a Christian worldview in an excellent and effective manner. The course is taught through a partnership with Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild and Taylor University. No online component: Students receive the initial writing materials and submit work via email. Prerequisite: PWR327

This course may transfer as an English course. Please check with your home institution to verify the transferability.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:

• Gain a working knowledge of the skills necessary for review, subject research and market analysis for fiction.
• Increase understanding of current needs and guidelines of fiction publishers.
• Recognize book ideas, conduct adequate research and apply the skills learned in the course to write effective fiction.
• Engage in the study of literature, be alert for and analyze the value of ideas for powerful fiction, and be able to effectively reflect a compassionate Christian worldview.
• Analyze the information learned in the class, and be able to integrate it with excellent writing skills, resulting in clear and effective communication.

All required material is obtained through Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild Guild and bookstores. Additional fee: $250

This course consists of 14 assignments and no exams.

Assignments are graded by JJWG mentor-professors who are experienced writers and teachers. The final grade is submitted to and transcripted by Taylor University.

Kim Peterson

• MA, Wheaton College (1988)
• BA, Grace College (1984)

Course Description

This class is designed to expose writers to the wide range of freelance writing options open to them, along with experimenting with numerous formats and venues of professional writing. Students will be expected to complete their assignments and submit some of them for publication consideration to online and print media.

In the course of this class, you will:

• Study examples of and write various types of articles—how-to, art-of-living, humor, roundup, seasonal, and profile. These articles will be 400–500 words.
• Study yourself, your passions, and your interests and apply that knowledge to the magazine marketplace.
• Determine appropriate publications for each type of article, write and actually send a query letter for at least two of those articles, and write and complete the assigned articles.
• Learn how to organize your freelancing efforts, make money, track expenses for tax purposes, and understand the business side of freelancing.

The long-term objective is for students to understand how to take their great ideas, locate a market for them, and then build a database of places for which they can write in the future. You’ll understand how to query and how to submit your articles.

• Word by Word: An Editor Guides Writers in the Self-Editing Process
• Writer’s Digest Handbook of Magazine Article Writing
• Writer’s Market

The Writer’s Market book must be current (the last year or so).

This course consists of 6 articles with accompanying query letters, 5 textbook reflections, an "Assess Yourself" questionnaire, and a magazine and submissions tracker (part 1 and 2).

Each article and query letter are worth 100 points, each textbook reflection is worth 40 points, the questionnaire is worth 50 points, part 1 of the magazine/submissions tracker is worth 50 points, and part 2 of the magazine/submissions tracker is worth 100 points, for a total of 1,000 points in the course.

Linda Taylor

• MFA, Creative Writing (Creative Nonfiction), Ashland University (2017)
• MA, English, Ball State University (2013)
• BA, English & Writing, Houghton College (1980)

Course Description

Purpose: To help students learn to use language correctly; to recognize news; to work under and respect deadlines; and to gather news and assemble it into accurate, readable stories.
This introductory course in media writing examines a variety of techniques and formats with an emphasis on news and telling the story. Emphasis is on improving writing, self-editing, and telling stories across different platforms, with the primary focus on learning to write in an accurate, compelling and precise manner.
It will introduce you to news writing and to the world of nonfiction story telling. This course provides an essential foundation for students interested in print, online and broadcast journalism, public relations, sports information careers, as well as for those interested as communication directors for ministries, nonprofits, business, industry and political office holders.

Through this course, students will:

• Use correct newspaper writing style, as spelled out in The Associated Press Stylebook.
• Develop news judgment by recognizing essential news values.
• Learn about legal and ethical issues in reporting.
• How a newspaper operates, produces the “daily wonder.”
• Learn how to gather information through observation, interviewing and documents.
• Organize information effectively and clearly for new stories.
• Demonstrate accuracy in handling information; use attribution, direct and indirect quotation.
• Learn news, human interest and opinion forms of writing.
• Learn how to do research on a story assignment prior to the interview.
• Learn how to combine listening and question asking skills on a story interview assignment.
• Introduction to basic skills of telling stories electronically via the use of mini-video cameras with audio.

None required

This course consists of 10 stories, 8 quizzes, 12 news article summaries, 13 lede re-writes and chapter summaries, and a final exam.

The assignments range from 15 to 100 points each. Of the final grade, the stories are worth 50%, quizzes 10%, news article summaries 10%, lede re-writes and chapter summaries 10%, and the final exam 20%.

Alan Blanchard

• PhD, Media & Information Studies, Michigan State University 
• BA, Journalism, Eastern New Mexico University