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Course 21W: Writing |
 | | | 21W.000-21W.749 | | | 21W.750-21W.999 plus Thesis, UROP | | |  |
First-Year Writing SubjectsFirst-year writing subjects provide a foundation for future communication-intensive subjects, and also function as a starting point for concentrating, minoring, or majoring in Writing. While the topical focus of writing assignments varies across these subjects, all first-year writing subjects develop students' understanding of genre, audience, argument, discourse, source use, and writing process. All written work goes through stages of drafting, peer review, and revision. Because these subjects are limited to 15 students per section, students receive detailed feedback at all stages of the writing process, and have many opportunities for individual conferences with instructors. Active class participation and short oral presentations are required. 21W.011 Writing and Rhetoric: Rhetoric and Contemporary Issues
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.012, 21W.013, 21W.014, 21W.015  Lecture: TR3-4.30 (8-119) or TR EVE (7-8.30 PM) (8-119)
Discusses rhetorical strategies that aim to increase public awareness of social and ethical issues and persuade readers of the value of particular positions or solutions. Explores perspectives on a range of issues including: poverty, homelessness, mental illness, racial and gender inequality, the politics of food, civic responsibility, and the role of mass media in society. Students analyze various classic and contemporary texts as well as the visual rhetoric of documentary photographs and films. Students also write personal essays, research papers, and grant proposals on topics of their choice. Limited to 15. Fall: A. Walsh Spring: A. Walsh No textbook information available 21W.012 Writing and Rhetoric: Food for Thought
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.011, 21W.013, 21W.014, 21W.015 Lecture: MW3-4.30 (E17-136)
Explores social and ethical issues (e.g., nutrition, sustainability, and justice) that surround food as both material fact and personal and cultural symbol. Assignments include a food memoir and a policy argument for MIT Dining, and involve brainstorming, drafting, peer review, and revision. Students learn rhetorical strategies for analyzing written and visual texts, developing persuasive arguments, and synthesizing information from primary sources. Limited to 15. L. Roldan No textbook information available 21W.013 Writing and Rhetoric: Introduction to Contemporary Rhetoric
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.011, 21W.012, 21W.014, 21W.015 Lecture: TR11-12.30 (24-115)
Considers how rhetoric shapes current events in politics, science, and society. Students study rhetoric as a theoretical framework for developing persuasive arguments, as a method of analyzing written, oral, and visual texts, and as a mode of human inquiry. Assignments include analytical, persuasive, and research-based essays, as well as oral presentations, group discussions, and debates. Readings drawn from political speeches, scientific arguments, and popular media. Limited to 15. L. Harrison-Lepera No textbook information available 21W.014 Writing and Rhetoric: Exploring Visual Media
() Not offered regularly; consult department Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.011, 21W.012, 21W.013, 21W.015
Explores the rhetoric of visual media and the meaning of the digital revolution. Students analyze readings and films and discuss the power of media in defining social issues and shaping ideas of self, family, and community. They also write essays that sharpen skills in analyzing visual rhetoric, developing and supporting arguments, and using sources. Limited to 18. Staff 21W.015 Writing and Rhetoric: Communication and Sports
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.011, 21W.012, 21W.013, 21W.014
Introduces students to core rhetorical concepts and frameworks through both academic and professional (authentic) genres of sports communication. Discussions are centered around current issues in sports, such as sports education and values; youth development; and athlete emotional and mental health, especially at the collegiate level. Particular emphasis is paid to the use of sources, visual rhetoric, and the process of feedback and revision. Limited to 15. K. Clavin 21W.016 Writing and Rhetoric: Community and Change in the World
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Lecture: TR2-3.30 (1-375)
Explores how communication and applied rhetoric can be used to make persuasive arguments, engage community, and effect change. Students identify and research social, institutional, and environmental issues that matter to them, define specific problems, and propose solutions. Past projects have addressed food waste on campus, public transit in rural areas, student-athlete mental health, the electoral college, and more. Provides instruction in analyzing written, spoken, and visual texts; researching meaningful topics; public speaking; understanding rhetorical concepts and deploying them effectively; and drafting and revising policy proposals. Limited to 15. J. Stickgold-Sarah No textbook information available 21W.021 Writing and Experience: MIT Inside, Live
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.022, 21W.023, 21W.024 Lecture: TR10-11.30 (56-169)
Acting as participant-observers, students investigate MIT's history and culture through visiting the Institute's archives and the MIT Museum and evaluating depictions of MIT in popular culture. Students hone narrative and argumentative skills, working collaboratively and individually to examine inflection points in Institute history. Presents strategies for constructing arguments and presentations, culminating in a public slideshow on a historical aspect of student life at MIT. Limited to 15. J. Graziano No textbook information available 21W.022 Writing and Experience: Reading and Writing Autobiography
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.021, 21W.023, 21W.024 Lecture: TR2-3.30 (56-169)
Explores how writers establish their voice and use the story and essay forms to telegraph consciousness, lived experience, the historical moment, and a sense of place. Investigates various modes of writing (narrative, analytical, investigative, argumentative) and their suitability for different purposes and audiences. Drawing from a range of autobiographical writing as examples to analyze, students write essays about their experiences and the interaction of self and society. Emphasizes clarity, specificity, and structure. Features opportunities for students to improve their oral communication skills through class discussion, oral presentations, and peer review workshops. Limited to 15. Fall: N. Jackson Spring: L. Harrison Lepera, A. Walsh No textbook information available 21W.023 Writing and Experience: Autobiography and Society
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.021, 21W.022, 21W.024 Lecture: MW1-2.30 (E17-136)
Draws on a range of autobiographical writing, including hybrid first-person genres, such as food, travel, and nature memoirs, as examples for students to analyze. Students write essays about their life experiences with careful attention to authenticity, precision, and the expectations of their audiences. Specific attention is given to the social contexts and utility of the different genres of life writing. Aims to build students' confidence in their oral communication skills through frequent class discussions, peer review, and a sustained book review and research project with final oral presentation. Limited to 15. Fall: L. Harrison-Lepera Spring: L. Harrison-Lepera No textbook information available 21W.024 Writing and Experience: Autobiographical Storytelling
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.021, 21W.022, 21W.023 Lecture: MW9.30-11 (E17-136)
Drawing from a range of autobiographical writing as examples to analyze, students compose original work including a writing portfolio and collaborative multimedia project like a zine, podcast, or comic. Emphasizes clarity, specificity, and structure; investigates various modes of writing (narrative, analytical, expository) and their suitability for different purposes. Readings focus on memory and imagination, the multiplicity of identity, development of voice, and creation of story from experience through reflection and revision. In-class activities include discussion, freewriting, and workshops. Limited to 15. Fall: C. Beimford Spring: C. Beimford No textbook information available 21W.031 Science Writing and New Media: Explorations in Communicating about Science and Technology
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.034, 21W.035, 21W.036 Lecture: TR2-3.30 (E17-136) or TR3-4.30 (56-162)
Examines principles of good writing, focusing on those associated with scientific and technical writing. Considers the effects of new media as an avenue for communicating about science. Students discuss scientific articles and essays and work in small groups to critique each other's writing. Assignments include a critical review, a science essay for the general public, and a research or service project proposal. Students choose topics that reflect their background and interests. Formal and informal presentations and group discussions develop oral communication skills. Limited to 15. Fall: M. Trice, J. Melvold Spring: J. Melvold No textbook information available 21W.034 Science Writing and New Media: Perspectives on Public Health
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.031, 21W.035, 21W.036
Instruction provided in effective communication about public health and in conveying specialized knowledge to a general audience. Through writing and revision, students explore concepts of genre, audience, and purpose and how to structure their arguments. Students discuss alternative viewpoints, analyze written texts, give talks, and peer review each other's work. By communicating in class and in assignments, students are encouraged to envision creative solutions to some of the most pressing issues in public health. Topics for discussion include climate change, urban housing, agricultural practices, and emerging infectious disease. Limited to 18. K. Pepper 21W.035 Science Writing and New Media: Elements of Science Writing for the Public
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.031, 21W.034, 21W.036 Lecture: MW9.30-11 (56-180) or MW2-3.30 (56-180) or TR11-12.30 (56-180)
Introduces ways of communicating scientific information meaningfully to public audiences, and teaches features that distinguish science writing for the public from scientific writing aimed at experts. Discussions analyze various forms of popular science communication to identify rhetorical strategies that engage and educate readers of varying backgrounds and identities. Students write about topics they are genuinely interested in related to science, medicine, technology, and/or engineering. Assignments incorporate primary and secondary background research, drafting, presentations, peer review, and revision. Limited to 15. Fall: A. Carleton, M. Trice, J. Melvold Spring: E. Kallestinova No textbook information available 21W.036 Science Writing and New Media: Writing and the Environment
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.031, 21W.034, 21W.035
Develops written and oral communication skills through the study and practice of environmental science writing. Covers a wide range of genres, including such standard forms as the scientific literature review. Students adapt the content of their papers and oral presentations to the distinctive needs of specific audiences. Assignments provide thematic coherence and a basis for independent student research. Limited to 15. Staff 21W.041[J] Writing About Literature
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(Same subject as 21L.000[J]) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9
Intensive focus on the reading and writing skills used to analyze literary texts such as poems by Emily Dickinson, Shakespeare or Langston Hughes; short stories by Chekhov, Joyce, or Alice Walker; and a short novel by Melville or Toni Morrison. Designed not only to prepare students for further work in writing and literary and media study, but also to provide increased confidence and pleasure in their reading, writing, and analytical skills. Students write or revise essays weekly. Enrollment limited. N. Jackson 21W.042[J] Writing with Shakespeare
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(Same subject as 21L.010[J]) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 URL: https://lit.mit.edu/21l-010j-writing-with-shakespeare/
Focuses on writing and speaking using Shakespeare as a model and means for mastery of English language skills. Emphasizes the development of students' ability to write clearly and effectively in a range of genres with an awareness of audience. Designed to increase students' confidence and pleasure in verbal communication and analysis of language. Students write frequently, give and receive feedback, improve their work through revision, and participate actively in class discussions and presentations. Enrollment limited. D. Henderson 21W.051 Emotional Intelligence and Team Communication
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Lecture: TR3.30-5 (E17-136)
Examines the role of emotional intelligence in both our individual lives and our collaborations. Considers a broad range of topics and communication strategies, including self-awareness, listening, trust, habit formation, conflict, negotiation, and constructive dialogue. High-quality writing and video presentations serve as the focus for the class discussion and as models for student essays and presentations. Students produce both individual and collaborative work. Limited to 15. J. Abbott No textbook information available English Language Studies (ELS)21W.217 Workshop in Strategies for Effective Teaching (ELS)
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Prereq: None Units: 1-0-2 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.218
A mini-module for international teaching assistants. Covers special problems in teaching when English is a second language and the US a second culture. Videotaping of practice sessions for feedback. Individualized programs to meet different needs. Graduate TAs have priority. Limited to 18. A. C. Kemp 21W.218 Workshop in Strategies for Effective Teaching (ELS)
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Prereq: None Units: 1-0-2 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.217
A mini-module for international teaching assistants. Covers special problems in teaching when English is a second language and the US a second culture. Videotaping of practice sessions for feedback. Individualized programs to meet different needs. Limited to 18. A. C. Kemp 21W.219 Foundations of Academic and Professional Writing (ELS)
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(Subject meets with 21W.220) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Lecture: TR3.30-5 (66-154)
For high-intermediate bilingual students who wish or need to improve accuracy, structure, style, and word choice in their academic and professional writing. Through short weekly writing assignments such as problem-solution texts, process descriptions, and data commentaries, students practice accurate grammar and punctuation, effective sentence and paragraph structure, and appropriate word choice, with extensive revisions. Discusses the use of generative AI in writing and learning. Students are encouraged to use their own research and other coursework for writing assignments. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. Undergraduates by placement only. No listeners. Limited to 18. Fall: O.Szabo Spring: O. Szabo No textbook information available 21W.220 Foundations of Academic and Professional Writing (ELS)
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(Subject meets with 21W.219) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Lecture: TR3.30-5 (66-154)
For high-intermediate bilingual students who wish or need to improve accuracy, structure, style, and word choice in their academic and professional writing. Through short weekly writing assignments such as problem-solution texts, process descriptions, and data commentaries, students practice accurate grammar and punctuation, effective sentence and paragraph structure, and appropriate word choice, with extensive revisions. Discusses the use of generative AI in writing and learning. Students are encouraged to use their own research and other coursework for writing assignments. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. No listeners. Limited to 18. Fall: O. Szabo Spring: O. Szabo No textbook information available 21W.221 Communicating in American Culture (ELS)
()  Not offered regularly; consult department Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9
Designed for international students who wish to refine their academic communication skills through the study of mainstream American culture. Using a variety of materials in different media, students explore how the country's history, geography, institutions, traditions and values have shaped contemporary communication styles and responses to critical events in the world. Students examine and practice principles of effective communication in genres common to the humanities and social sciences. Explores how discourse practices vary within and across cultures. Assignments include an educational memoir, project proposal, annotated bibliography, research-based cultural analysis of a current event of choice, and presentation. Limited to 18. Staff 21W.222 Expository Writing for Bilingual Students
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Lecture: TR2-3.30 (66-154) or TR3.30-5 (1-135, 5-217)
Focuses on the skills necessary for bilingual students to write successful academic papers in English. Reviews key principles of American rhetoric and academic writing style with attention to accurate grammar and vocabulary usage. Teaches clear development, organization, and presentation of ideas as well as effective outside research and citation. Utilizes analysis of professional and student writing to generate discussion and understand the most effective ways to communicate. Frequent critique and revision. Discusses the use of generative AI in writing and learning. Assignments include three papers and an oral project. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. Limited to 15; undergraduates only. Fall: O. Szabo, E. Grunwald, AC Kemp Spring: O. Szabo No textbook information available 21W.223 Listening, Speaking, and Pronunciation (ELS)
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(Subject meets with 21W.224) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Lecture: MW12.30-2 (14N-325)
For high-intermediate bilingual students who wish or need to increase listening comprehension and speaking skills for success in academic and professional settings. Students complete short assignments with extensive practice in comprehension, pronunciation, stress and intonation, and expression of ideas, culminating in short presentations such as explaining data or solving a problem. Frequent audio and video recording for feedback and self-analysis. Discusses the use of generative AI in speaking and learning. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. No listeners. Limited to 18 per section. Fall: AC Kemp Spring: AC Kemp No textbook information available 21W.224 Listening, Speaking, and Pronunciation (ELS)
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(Subject meets with 21W.223) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Lecture: MW12.30-2 (14N-325) or TR EVE (5.30-7 PM) (5-217)
For high-intermediate bilingual students who wish or need to increase listening comprehension and speaking skills for success in academic and professional settings. Students complete short speaking and listening assignments with extensive practice in comprehension, pronunciation, stress and intonation, and expression of ideas, culminating in short presentations such as explaining data or solving a problem. Frequent audio and video recording for feedback and self-analysis. Discusses the use of generative AI in speaking and learning. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. No listeners. Limited to 18 per section. Fall: AC Kemp Spring: AC Kemp No textbook information available 21W.225 Advanced Workshop in Writing for Science and Engineering (ELS)
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(Subject meets with 21W.226) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Lecture: TR12-1.30 (1-375)
For advanced bilingual students who wish to build confidence and skills in writing in various contexts of academic and professional life. Short assignments include writing for a general audience, proposals, data commentaries, and cover letters and personal statements, leading to a written term project such as part of a thesis or journal article. Students encouraged to use their research as material for written assignments. Discusses the use of generative AI in writing and learning. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. Limited to 15 per section. Listeners not permitted.
21W.226 Advanced Workshop in Writing for Science and Engineering (ELS)
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(Subject meets with 21W.225) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Lecture: TR12-1.30 (1-375)
For advanced bilingual students who wish to build confidence and skills in writing in various contexts of academic and professional life. Short assignments include writing for a general audience, proposals, data commentaries, cover letters, and personal statements, leading to a written term project such as part of a thesis or journal article. Students encouraged to use their research as material for written assignments. Discusses the use of generative AI in writing and learning. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. Limited to 15 per section. Listeners not permitted.
21W.227 Advanced Workshop in Writing for Social Sciences and Architecture (ELS)
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(Subject meets with 21W.228) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9
For advanced bilingual students who wish to build confidence and skills in academic writing in English. Focuses on the types of texts used in academic and professional life in English. Short assignments include professional correspondence and proposals that lead toward a written term project. Also provides instruction in oral presentations for thesis proposals. Topics, materials, and assignments vary from term to term. Students encouraged to use their research as material for written assignments. Discusses the use of generative AI in writing and learning. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. No listeners. Limited to 15 per section. Staff 21W.228 Advanced Workshop in Writing for Social Sciences and Architecture (ELS)
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(Subject meets with 21W.227) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9
For advanced bilingual students who wish to build confidence and skills in academic writing in English. Focuses on the types of texts used in academic and professional life in English. Short assignments include professional correspondence and proposals that lead toward a written term project. Also provides instruction in oral presentations for thesis proposals. Topics, materials, and assignments vary from term to term. Students encouraged to use their research as material for written assignments. Discusses the use of generative AI in writing and learning. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. No listeners. Limited to 15. Staff 21W.232 Advanced Speaking and Critical Listening Skills (ELS)
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(Subject meets with 21W.233) Prereq: None Units: 3-3-6 Lecture: TR9.30-11 (1-135)
For advanced bilingual students who wish to build confidence and skills in presenting and understanding material in a variety of academic and professional contexts: group discussions, classroom teaching and interactions, theses/research proposals, and conference talks. Includes frequent video and audio recording for analysis and feedback. Develops effective speaking and listening skills for academic and professional contexts. Students are encouraged to use their research as material for written assignments. Discusses the use of generative AI in writing and learning. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. Limited to 15 per section. Fall: O. Szabo Spring: A. C. Kemp No textbook information available 21W.233 Advanced Speaking and Critical Listening Skills (ELS)
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(Subject meets with 21W.232) Prereq: None Units: 3-3-6 Lecture: TR9.30-11 (1-135)
For advanced bilingual students who wish to build confidence and skills in presenting and understanding material in a variety of academic and professional contexts: group discussions, classroom teaching and interactions, theses/research proposals, and conference talks. Includes frequent video and audio recording for analysis and feedback. Develops effective speaking and listening skills for academic and professional contexts. Students are encouraged to use their research as material for written assignments. Discusses the use of generative AI in writing and learning. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. Limited to 15 per section. Fall: O. Szabo Spring: A. C. Kemp No textbook information available 21W.237 MIT Out Loud: Public Speaking for Bilingual Students
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9
Develops oral communication skills for bilingual students through the lens of the MIT experience. Speaking assignments in informative and persuasive speech forms draw on examples of popular culture and MIT touchstones, such as campus tours, MIT 100K pitches, and TED talks. Explores the role of voice and body language through improvisation and impromptus. Focuses on spoken accuracy and vocabulary through oral exercises designed for bilingual students. Frequent video-recording will be used for self-evaluation. Limited to 15. A. C. Kemp 21W.238 Professional Communication in the Digital Realm: Social Media and Artificial Intelligence for Bilingual Students (ELS)
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(Subject meets with 21W.239) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9
Explores the opportunities and risks of social media and generative AI, especially for those communicating in a second language. Provides opportunities for advanced bilingual students to build confidence and skills in using social media in English-speaking contexts and in using generative AI effectively and ethically. Assignments include written analyses of social media across disciplines and cultures, tests of chatbots' abilities and limitations, comparisons of their output with students' own writing, and short in-class presentations. Culminates in the creation of a long-term social media plan for students' careers. No listeners. Limited to 15 total for versions meeting together. E. Grunwald 21W.239 Professional Communication in the Digital Realm: Social Media and Artificial Intelligence for Bilingual Students (ELS)
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(Subject meets with 21W.238) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9
Explores the opportunities and risks of social media and generative AI, especially for those communicating in a second language. Provides opportunities for advanced bilingual students to build confidence and skills in using social media in English-speaking contexts and in using generative AI effectively and ethically. Assignments include written analyses of social media across disciplines and cultures, tests of chatbots' abilities and limitations, comparisons of their output with students' own writing, and short in-class presentations. Culminates in the creation of a long-term social media plan for students' careers. No listeners. Limited to 15 total for versions meeting together. Staff 21W.240 Imagining English: Creative Writing for Bilingual Students (ELS)
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Prereq: 21W.222 or other CI-H/CI-HW subject Units: 3-0-9
Guides advanced bilingual students in the art of writing short stories (fiction) and poetry in English as well as refining advanced grammar and vocabulary. Discusses published examples from classic and well-known American, British, and non-native writers. Reviews the basic elements of craft and technique such as (for fiction) plot, character, and setting and (for poetry) form, meter, and sonic instruments as well as figurative language and meaning for both. Discusses differences between academic and non-academic tone and style and the role of generative AI in the creative process. Also includes one small translation project from students' native language. Limited to 15; undergraduates only. E. Grunwald Undergraduate Subjects21W.725[J] Gender, Myth, and Magic
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| | | 21W.000-21W.749 | | | 21W.750-21W.999 plus Thesis, UROP | | | |
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