(in Polish) WRITING for IMPACT: Strategies for Persuasion and Clarity 3222-ENGWFI-OG

The goal of the course “Writing for Impact: Strategies for Persuasion and Clarity” is to lead students to master advanced writing skills that are both persuasive and clear, taking into account a variety of academic, professional and public contexts. Participants will learn the principles of rhetoric, including key persuasion techniques such as building credibility (ethos), influencing emotions (pathos) and arguing logically (logos). Through the analysis of model texts, students will understand how structure, style and language affect the reception of content by diverse audiences.
The course emphasizes the practical application of acquired knowledge, through workshop exercises and the creation of their own texts, such as essays, cover letters, opinion pieces and speeches. Students will learn to write content tailored to specific goals and audiences, as well as develop their editorial skills, which include improving the clarity, conciseness and effectiveness of their message. Learning the principles of linguistic pragmatics to adapt communication to cultural and situational contexts is also an important part of the course.
The class sensitizes participants to the ethical aspects of persuasion, emphasizing responsibility for the impact texts can have on society. Students will work on writing projects that will be discussed and revised as a group, enabling them to improve their writing skills. In this way, the course prepares participants to create high-impact content that stands out for its precision, strength of argument and ability to engage audiences in a responsible and professional manner.

Student workload:
Contact hours (in class) - 45 hrs – 1,5 ECTS
Preparation for classes - 45 hrs – 1,5 ECTS
Preparation for the final test - 30 hrs - 1 ECTS
Total: 120 hours - 4 ECTS

Type of course

general courses
foreign languages

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

The student should know English at the B1+ level according to the CEFR

Course coordinators

Renata Botwina

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes:
Upon completion of the semester, the student:
knows and understands:
- the relationships of philological studies and their connections with other scientific disciplines,
- English language in speaking and writing in accordance with the requirements specified for the B1+ level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The student can:
- search, critically analyze and evaluate, select and use information regarding English,
- formulate and solve a research task in the field of English linguistics.

The student is ready to:
- critically evaluate the knowledge and content he receives,
- adhere to ethical principles, including the use of somebody’s scientific achievements.

Assessment criteria

Assesssment

1. Activity during classes (20%) - participation in workshops and discussions.
2. Homework (30%) - short essays and writing exercises.
3. Final project (50%) - creation and presentation of a persuasive text, such as an article, speech or communication strategy.

The evaluation criteria presented in the form of percentage thresholds:
99-100% - 5 ! (very good with an exclamation mark)
93- 98% - 5 (very good)
87-92% - 4+ (good plus)
77-86% - 4 (good )
70-76% - 3+ (sufficient plus)
60-69% - 3 (sufficient)

Bibliography

Basic:
1. Aristotle, The Art of Rhetoric, ‎ University of Chicago Press, 2019.
2. Perelman C., Olbrechts-Tyteca L., The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation, Univ of Notre Dam, 1969.
3. Pinker S., The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person's Guide to Writing in the 21st Century, New York, Penguin, 2014.
4. Evans V., Successful Writing, Preston, 2010

Complementary:
1. Cialdini R., Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, 2014.
2. Lakoff G., Johnson M., Metaphors We Live By, 1980.
3. Williams J., Bizup J., Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace, 2014.

Notes

Term 2024L:

Classes are held in the building at 55 Dobra Street.

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 3222-ENGWFI-OG in USOSweb