Course Catalog

ENG423E Advanced Non-Fiction Writing (3 credits) 9636

No online component. Cost is $1,125.

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. Prerequisite: ENG313E Article Writing I, ENG314E Article Writing II, ENG323E Non-Fiction and Scriptwriting and ENG327E Introduction to Fiction Writing or permission of instructor.

LEARNING RESULTS
The learner will be able to:

1. Build on the objectives obtained in ENG323E Introduction to Non-Fiction Writing.
2. Facilitate advanced knowledge of the skills necessary for writing nonfiction books.
3. Develop the student’s understanding of current needs and guidelines of nonfiction book publishers.
4. Recognize book ideas, conduct adequate research, and apply the skills learned in the course to write effective nonfiction books.
5. 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 nonfiction books.
6. Think critically, analyze the information learned in the class, and be able to integrate it with excellent writing skills, resulting in clear and effective communication.

REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS - additional $250 fee
What’s Your Story? Journeyman Level: Nonfiction Emphasis. Les Stobbe, Editor-in-Chief and Vicki Hesterman. 2004. Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild: Colorado Springs, CO.

Other readings are from the following:
• Elements of Style by Strunk and White
• On Writing Well by William Zinsser
• The Best of Christian Writing 2004
• Write on Target: A Five-Phase Program for Nonfiction Writers by Dennis E. Hensley, Holly Miller
• The Writer and Writers Digest magazines
• Topical assignments of works of nonfiction

All required material obtained through Christian Writers Guild and bookstores.

INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING
The CWG writing courses are designed to integrate the core presuppositions of the Christian worldview with excellent writing abilities, and to learn to apply critical thinking skills to the process of writing from this perspective for both secular and Christian audiences.

The purpose of the program is to provide academic instruction in the principles of excellent research and writing, and require relevant reading assignments, so that students will be motivated and equipped to clearly, accurately, fairly and powerfully communicate with their audiences. The program emphasizes
professionalism in writing, high ethical standards, and the importance of a genuine spiritual commitment to Christianity.

This is designed as an email and online correspondence course with professors working individually with each student. Regular assignments include textbook and outside readings, graded writing assignments, papers measuring student comprehension, and topical assignments.

LEARNING DOCUMENTATION
From the CWG Journeyman Nonfiction course.
Note: Chapter titles below are not the same as in the Journeyman year-long course. To fit into a semester, some have been combined and others are read-only. Professor will provide specific due dates for readings and assignments.

1. Ethical Considerations as a Writer
2. Discovering Your Market Options
3. Corralling Your Idea
4. Making the Most of Research
5. Interview Techniques and Tactics &
the Tranforming Interview
6. Fiction Techniques for Nonfiction
7. Effective Dialogue
8. Using Your Stories & Using Other People’s
Stories
9. Turning Articles into Books & Turning Book
Chapters into Articles
10. Catching & Engaging the Book Reader
11. Building a Structure That Organizes Content
12. Action Please
13. The Role of a Co-author
14. Elective Lesson from text
15. Elective Lesson from text

LEARNING EVALUATION
The student works through the Journeyman Level: Nonfiction Emphasis of the “What’s Your Story?” course by submitting assignments given at the conclusion of each lesson. These lessons are graded by CWG mentor-professors, all
experienced writers and teachers. At the conclusion of the course, your grade will be forwarded to Taylor University for final confirmation and any necessary work evaluation. A final grade will be entered on an official Taylor University transcript.

*Note: Student is encouraged to read all lessons in the CWG Journeyman textbook, even those that are not specifically assigned in this course. To allow for more time between assignment and revision due dates, guest students may be granted one six-month extension if needed.

Registration is handled by TUFWO. Once you register, TUFWO will contact Christian Writers Guild and your course materials and instructor/mentor information will be sent to you by CWG.