What you will learn in Writing and Editing: Word Choice and Word Order Course
- Master precision in word selection for clear communication
- Apply principles of effective word arrangement
- Recognize and fix common word choice errors
- Develop strategies for concise writing
- Understand connotation vs. denotation
- Adapt vocabulary for different audiences
- Enhance readability through sentence structuring
Program Overview
Word Choice Fundamentals
⏱️ 1 weeks
- Covers denotative vs. connotative meaning, register appropriateness, and avoiding wordiness.
- Students analyze and rewrite sentences with problematic word choices.
Sentence Architecture
⏱️1 weeks
- Focuses on information flow, old-to-new principle, and emphasis positioning.
- Includes exercises restructuring sentences for maximum impact.
Common Pitfalls
⏱️ 1 weeks
- Identifies and corrects issues like jargon, clichés, and vague language.
- Students practice transforming bureaucratic writing into clear prose.
Style Adaptation
⏱️ 1 weeks
- Teaches audience analysis and purpose-driven word selection.
- Includes comparative analysis of different writing styles (academic, journalistic, business).
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Job Outlook
- Career impact: Top skill requested in 82% of writing-intensive jobs (NACE)
- Salary influence: Strong editors earn 30-50% more than average writers
- Professional value: Critical for content creators, marketers, and communicators
- Certification benefit: Recognized by publishing and media industries
Specification: Writing and Editing: Word Choice and Word Order
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FAQs
- You’ll explore how word choice can influence decisions, understanding how slight shifts in wording can change readers’ perceptions and actions.
- Discover how syntax and sentence structure shape meaning—learning to use grammar strategically to enhance clarity and impact.
- Practice crafting original sentences that stand out, moving beyond generic phrasing to develop authentic voice.
- Learn techniques for organizing complex information so it’s reader-friendly and easy to follow.
- The Michigan Online description adds value by offering curated reading resources, including digital libraries and monthly “Good Sentences” emails to help deepen your learning long-term.
- The course is divided into four thematic modules:
- The Words Under the Words—how word choice affects decisions
- The Infinite Power of Grammar—how word order influences meaning
- The Rule of Three—combining word choice with structure
- The Power of the Particular—adding compelling, specific detail
- It’s a beginner-level, self-paced online course, with no prior experience required.
- Duration expectation: about 2 weeks, running approximately 10 hours per week according to Coursera, while other sources suggest up to 4 weeks, depending on your pace.
- Another platform breakdown estimates around 18 hours total, spread unevenly per module (e.g., 6 hours for module 1, 3 for module 2, etc.).
- Expect to complete 28 interactive assignments (videos, readings, app tasks, discussions) to reinforce learning and practice skills.
- Yes! The course is explicitly marked Beginner level and designed for anyone, even without prior writing or editing experience.
- Its structured modules and clear explanations make it accessible to writers across backgrounds—students, professionals, or lifelong learners.
- Although some descriptions (like FutureLearn’s) note it’s especially relevant for law students and legal writers, they also emphasize broader applicability for anyone pursuing high-level writing clarity.
- The course’s engaging and supportive format—short exercises, quizzes, discussions—helps anchor learning even for those nervous about writing.
- Given its reputation and university backing, it’s a friendly introduction to writing craft without steep barriers to entry.
- You’ll learn from Patrick Barry, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Michigan Law School, recognized for his expertise in writing and editing.
- The course is part of the Good with Words: Writing and Editing specialization, offered by the University of Michigan, a top-tier, research-intensive institution.
- Learner satisfaction is high—rated approximately 4.7 out of 5 based on nearly 2,000 reviews, with 98% of learners recommending it.
- Students highlight the course’s practical focus and clarity: reviews mention it’s “extremely beneficial” even for non-specialists.
- Institutional depth is also impressive: learners get access to resource libraries, readings from real-world courses, and ongoing writing support.
- Yes—the course offers a shareable certificate of completion, ideal for LinkedIn profiles, resumes, or personal portfolios.
- Enrolling in this course also registers you for the broader specialization—so completing it helps you make progress toward a full career certificate.
- You can audit the course for free, gaining access to most materials; earning the certificate requires enrolling in the paid track.
- While Reddit discussions caution that certificates alone may not significantly impact resumes, the real value lies in the writing skills acquired, especially if you can demonstrate them concretely.
- Nonetheless, having a certificate from a well-regarded university like Michigan can lend credibility to your learning journey.
