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This third course in the “Good with Words: Writing and Editing” series will give you a number of strategies to help with what is often the most intimidating, even paralyzing part of the writing process: getting started.
You’ll learn about the “planning fallacy” and “temptation bundling.” You’ll get a chance to experiment with “freewriting” and “writing before you are ready.” And you’ll continue to benefit, through our ongoing “Good Sentences” and “Takeaways” segments, from the models and advice of a diverse set of writers.
As with the other three courses in this series, you will also get access to a wide range of books and other resources you can use even after you finish the course. These include: (1) the readings and exercises provided to the students who have taken the in-person version of this course at the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago; (2) two digital libraries of excellent writing from a diverse collection of journalists, scientists, novelists, poets, historians, and entrepreneurs; and (3) a monthly “Good Sentences” email.
Overview
Syllabus
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- The Fantasy of the Uninitiated
- In this first week, we will focus on the cost of perfectionism.
- The Planning Fallacy
- This week, we'll focus on "the planning fallacy" and ways to make sure you hit your deadlines.
- Write Before You Are Ready
- This week, we will focus on how drafting and researching intertwine.
- To Name is To Know and Remember
- This week, we will focus on the benefits of naming things, especially when trying to improve skills like writing and editing.
