Our department is committed to teaching, research, and service in writing, rhetoric, and linguistics. The department provides instruction in, and encourages the development of, student competence in writing. Writing Studies faculty also teach in information design, journalism, linguistics, humanities, English, and related fields in the liberal arts.

In addition to Writ 1120 and a variety of 3000-level Advanced Writing courses, the department offers writing internships and independent study courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

As of Fall 2009, students may enroll in the Writing Studies B.A. program following either a track in professional writing or journalism. To celebrate the new major, the Department held an open house for faculty, staff, and students during spring semester 2009. If you weren't at the event, you can click here to see photos. You can also read more about the major and the open house in an article that was highlighted on the UMD homepage.

The Writing Studies Department also coordinates minors in Information Design, Journalism, Linguistics, and Professional Writing. We participate in the MA Program in English by offering graduate courses in the teaching of writing and in topics relevant to written discourse. Many of the MA students hold teaching assistantships in the Writing Studies Department.

More information about any of the Writing Studies Department's programs can be picked up on campus from the Writing Studies Department, located at 420 Humanities, or further details are available online through the links on the menu at the left side of this page.

News

• Join us for a Word Association Talk with Dr. Chongwon Park this Thursday, November 19 from 12:00-1:00 in KPlz 302

Dr. Chongwon Park will present a talk, "Obligatory Adjuncts," to kick off the 2009-2010 Word Association Talk series, which features research from faculty and students in the Writing Studies and English departments. These informal, lunch-time gatherings showcase work destined for upcoming conferences, pieces of articles in progress, or examples of recently published scholarship. Please feel free to bring your lunch and a beverage.

• Fall semester is the time to plan for summer internships

It may surprise you, but fall is when many employers start looking for interns, with many deadlines in late October and November. The American Society of Newspaper Editors has a web page with tips on internships and a list of available internships around the country. Visit the Internships link on the menu to the left for more information about requirements for internships at UMD and how to get started.