This course will teach you how to use your written words to become more persuasive. You’ll learn creative ways to use syntax, effective techniques for telling stories, and a clever method for arranging a complex series of information. You’ll also get a chance to both professionalize your use of punctuation and add a bit of style and sophistication to how you craft everything from sentences to slogans.
This course is part of the Good with Words: Writing and Editing Specialization
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Good with Words: Writing and Editing SpecializationUniversity of MichiganAbout this Course
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Course 1 of 4 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 16 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
What you will learn
Learn how the words you choose can change the decisions people make
Use syntax strategically
Write with originality and produce sentences that nobody else can write
Arrange a complex set of information in a reader-friendly way
Skills you will gain
PersuasionCreativityWritingTime managementEditing
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 1 of 4 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 16 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
Offered by
University of Michigan
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
5 hours to complete
The Words Under the Words
In this first week, you will be introduced to instructor Patrick Barry. This week's course content will focus on how the words you choose can change the decisions that people make.
5 hours to complete
21 videos (Total 50 min), 12 readings, 5 quizzes
21 videos
Making You More Persuasive2m
Errors and Insights3m
Mechanics and Strategy4m
Map to a Decision3m
Saints vs. Jerks4m
Better at Getting Better3m
S.M.A.R.T. Goals and Stretch Goals2m
Résumé Review4m
6-60-63m
Technical and Tactical58s
Punctuation and Professionalism2m
Punctuation and Professionalism: Comma Splice3m
Notes on Nuance: "Un-"1m
Good Sentences3m
Reflection is a Team Sport2m
Student Takeaway: Words Under the Words22s
Student Takeaway: Better at Getting Better25s
Student Takeaway: T-Shaped25s
Student Takeaway: 6-60-636s
Student Takeaway: Writing as Mapping31s
12 readings
Teaching Style + Resources3m
Help Us Learn More About You!10m
Class Clips10m
Activity - Errors and Insights25m
Performing Under Pressure and Expressive Writing10m
Good with Words Chapter 1 ("The Words Under the Words")20m
Class Clips: "Writing as Mapping"15m
"A Note About Me"5m
Activity - S.M.A.R.T. Goals Self-Assessment45m
Activity - Résumé Review45m
Notes on Nuance: "Un-"3m
Activity—Good Sentences (Education)15m
5 practice exercises
Low-Stakes Practice4m
Low-Stakes Practice10m
Punctuation Practice: Comma Splices3m
Nuance Practice: "Un-"10m
Weekly Review (Graded)15m
3 hours to complete
The Infinite Power of Grammar
This week, we will focus on how the order of the words you choose can change the decisions people make.
3 hours to complete
12 videos (Total 25 min), 8 readings, 4 quizzes
12 videos
Previously On: The Words Under the Words2m
Previously On: Deliberate Practice2m
Previously On: Mechanics and Strategy1m
Writing as Redecorating2m
The Infinite Power of Grammar2m
The Animal Farm Priniciple1m
Punctuation and Professionalism: "However"5m
Notes on Nuance: "Almost" and "Even"1m
Takeaways1m
Student Takeaway: Passive on Purpose25s
Student Takeaways: Positive No16s
8 readings
Activity — Previously On15m
Good With Words Chapter 2 ("The Infinite Power of Grammar")20m
Class Clips15m
Positive No10m
Notes on Nuance: "Almost" and "Even"5m
Activity— Good Sentences (Entrepreneurship)15m
Resource Request3m
Activity - Takeaway Reflection5m
4 practice exercises
Low-Stakes Practice5m
Punctuation Practice: "However"5m
Nuance Practice: "Almost" and "Even"10m
Weekly Review (Graded)15m
4 hours to complete
The Rule of Three
In Week Three, we will focus on combining word choice with word order.
4 hours to complete
8 videos (Total 16 min), 9 readings, 6 quizzes
8 videos
Previously On: Syntax1m
Previously On: The Animal Farm Principle3m
The Rule of Three1m
Punctuation and Professionalism: Adverbial Conjunctions5m
Notes on Nuance: "To"1m
Takeaways1m
Student Takeaway: Rule of Three 29s
9 readings
Activity - Previously On10m
Class Clips10m
Good With Words Chapter 3 ("The Rule of Three")20m
Alliteration, Restraint, and a Mind at Work10m
Alliteration: Fan Favorite?2m
Student-->Teacher (Optional)20m
Notes on Nuance : "To"3m
Activity—Good Sentences (Criminal Law)15m
Activity - Takeaway Reflection5m
6 practice exercises
Low-Stakes Practice5m
Low-Stakes Practice5m
Alliteration30m
Punctuation Practice: Adverbial Conjunctions5m
Nuance Practice: "To"5m
Weekly Review (Graded)15m
4 hours to complete
The Power of the Particular
Our final week will focus on filling our writing with compelling details.
4 hours to complete
13 videos (Total 35 min), 11 readings, 5 quizzes
13 videos
Previously On: "Interleaving"5m
Previously On: "To"1m
The Power of the Particular1m
Sentences Nobody Else Can Write2m
Sentences Nobody Else WOULD Write1m
S-H-A-P-E2m
The S-H-A-P-E Framework: Class Clip12m
Punctuation and Professionalism (Coordinating Conjunctions)3m
Notes on Nuance: Chiasmus2m
Student Takeaway: Earn Your Generalizations26s
Student Takeaway: Sincerity Takes a Few Drafts28s
Next Course51s
11 readings
Activity - Previously On10m
Good with Words Chapter 5 ("The Power of the Particular")20m
Strive for Five Activity45m
"Pleasures of Hating" Activity20m
Class Clips10m
(Optional) Activity—What Happens If You Win?20m
Notes on Nuance: Chiasmus3m
Chiasmus: Fan Favorite?2m
Activity—Good Sentences (Food)15m
Book Recommendations3m
Course Feedback10m
5 practice exercises
Low-Stakes Practice5m
Low-Stakes Practice5m
Punctuation Practice (Coordinating Conjunctions)5m
Nuance Practice: Chiasmus5m
Weekly Review (Graded)15m
About the Good with Words: Writing and Editing Specialization
Perhaps the most important thing students and professionals of all kinds can do to improve their effectiveness is embrace the following advice: become good with words.
This series of courses targets the writing side of that recommendation. The skills it focuses on include everything from how to arrange a complex set of information in a reader-friendly way, to how to give and receive high-quality feedback, to how to consistently hit deadlines.
Part of Professor Barry’s proceeds from this course will be donated to the COVID-19 relief efforts of Ozone House, a shelter for homeless youth in Southeastern Michigan where he regularly conducts job-training workshops. These proceeds come from purchases of the version of the course that earns you a certificate. The course remains free for anyone who is simply auditing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.
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