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. In addition, you’ll 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. Social media has only accelerated the ways in which we all must learn to use our writing to connect, compete, and create—sometimes all at once. So join us for this first course in a four-part series and experience the many benefits, both personal and professional, of becoming “good with words.”
AJ
Extremely helpful. Of course, I'm not a law student, but the pointers for better writing and practicing writing have been extremely beneficial. Looking forward to the rest of the courses!
DL
This was quite challenging. It changed my way of managing time; and how in every kind of writing, the writer should put in effort to make their message come across to the reader.
SA
For me, I felt the pace incredibly amazing and could be followed even during tough and busy days. The exercises were amazing. I and my peers have already sensed the difference in my writing.
DN
I definitely recommend this course to you - whether you are a professional or a high school student - who wants to feel more confident about your writing and your writing style.
ML
Mindblowing! Improved my writing and editing 100%. Found books and other useful resources I hadn't even considered before. The instructor is knowledgeable, down-to-earth, fun and engaging.
TL
This is a great course that exceeded most of my expectations. I'd recommend it to anyone, whether a new writer or someone who wants a well-structured revision on writing tools and fundamentals. 10/10
LE
If you want to become a more-polished writer, you need to take this course. Even if you have extensive experience in writing, you will learn new aspects about how to become a better writer.
SB
No matter what your profession, if you have to do any sort of writing for your job or even help with trying to get your resume chosen over someone else, this is going to help you be a better writer.
SG
I wholeheartedly loved this class! I look forward to taking the next one. I made a few attempts to leave a comments as to what I've learned (a lot!), but the info wouldn't save.
RW
The instructor really introduced new concepts in quite an interesting manner that successfully hooked me with the lessons. moreover, the course content seems to be phenomenally compiled.
PN
It is an excellent course that offers deep insights into the importance of words, it's usage in professional writing, and the impact it makes. I've learnt a lot from the course. Thank you Coursera.
AS
Professor Barry's videos are quite engaging and encouraging. A lot of interesting reference materials are provided and the assignments help you get started on improving your writing skills.
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For me, I felt the pace incredibly amazing and could be followed even during tough and busy days. The exercises were amazing. I and my peers have already sensed the difference in my writing.
This is not well put together. For a course on writing, it certainly lacks structure.
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! Excellent teaching and excellent material. Everyone can improve their professionalism by taking Professor Barry's writing on course, it's not just for lawyers.
Professor Barry's videos are quite engaging and encouraging. A lot of interesting reference materials are provided and the assignments help you get started on improving your writing skills.
It's fantastic course, particularly for Non-native speakers like me for whom English is tertiary language.
Faculty is very enthusiastic and putting in lot of efforts to make course interesting and engaging. And even though it is course in writing and mainly coming from law school faculty, it draws so much from psychology or behavior literature that I never felt alien in the class! Thanks for this.
Professor Barry is skilled and compassionate in teaching the writing course. He's very clear with how he discuss concepts and make learning easier. And he's got a good taste in good sentences.
If you want to become a more-polished writer, you need to take this course. Even if you have extensive experience in writing, you will learn new aspects about how to become a better writer.
This course is brilliant! I started this course, among all the other writing courses on writing available at Coursera, because for its Power of the Particular principle (which I learned during the course): the name of the specialization stands out. It is not like "English Writing" or "Advanced Writing", rather it is 'Good With Words'.
The professor, Patrick Barry is really an impressive instructor. He designed the course so really well! The course is more of a business communication course than just a writing course. The instructor guided on how to communicate better with writing.
This course succeeded in conveying key concepts, terms and approaches to enable me to improve my writing. It was well worth while.
Patrick Barry has put together and very interesting course, not only for law students. Take from someone who has always hated "English" classes. This course grabbed me from the very start. I've always known I needed to improve my writing. I now feel much more confident with my writing. I plan to continue with all the Good With Word courses.
Great course. I learned new concepts and some tips and tricks on how to make writing persuasive for the readers.
The format was a little confusing. There is a lot of content to cover here. This is my 16th course through Coursera, and this was one of the most challenging in terms of amount of content. I challenge anyone with a day job to get through this in 4 weeks - can't be done - unrealistic. I've been a lawyer for 42 years. When I saw that this course was designed for law school students, primarily, I thought surely, I already knew all of this. As a lawyer I have specialized in writing, but I learned a lot. Thanks, Dr. Barry!
Professor Barry is an excellent instructor, and this is an excellent course. As a professional writer, I aspire to keep learning and sharpening my skills. This course helped me do those things--and more!
One of the strongest, to-the-point courses I have taken to instantly make improvements to my writing
As someone who is very passionate about languages, literature, grammar, communication, and cultural knowledge, I had a most wonderful experience while doing this course. I was really excited about everything I was learning throughout the course... so much that I mentioned it to many of my friends. This course has afforded me a lot of new content by referencing so many books, authors, articles, and other resources online. There is no doubt in my mind that all these new ideas, concepts, and strategies have helped me advance my writing skills in a more conscious, rich, and purposeful way. Thank you so much for this course. This is probably the best MOOC I have taken on Coursera so far!
I am an aspiring writer expanding my knowledge base through a student's eyes. I found the presentation and course content taught by Prof. Barry outstanding. The weekly assignments include the amount of time it may take to complete them which helps when you also have a full-time job. I do not feel that I could have found a better learning environment than the Coursera program. Thank you.
I really enjoy the class because the class has variety of learning approaches that help to drive home the key concepts. I also like Professor Barry's reading list that helps student to appreciate good writings from various writers. As encouraged by this class, I will continue my next class in this serial.
This was a very helpful course. It zeroed in on various points that are important for good writing, and I found it very engaging and well presented. The readings were interesting and fun as well. Overall, this was a great course, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in improving their writing.
I like the way all the concepts were broken down and explained. Those will always be remembered.
I wish we had more exercises to do- writing wise for practice the concepts rather than just multiple choice
No matter what your profession, if you have to do any sort of writing for your job or even help with trying to get your resume chosen over someone else, this is going to help you be a better writer.