Analysis and Critique: How to Engage and Write about Anything
For thousands of years, writing has been a powerful way for us to communicate with one another, to share our distinct thoughts and ideas through the power of words. Even in today’s technologically saturated 21st century, we still express ourselves in writing almost every single day. And oftentimes, we write to argue our viewpoints, persuade others that we’re right, and share our unique experiences and perspectives.
But all writing—whether it’s a powerful essay, a persuasive letter, a detailed business report, or an autobiographical story—is at its most effective and memorable when it’s built on the fundamental critical and analytical skills that transform your words from “good” writing to “great” writing. Regardless of your subject, your goal, or your occasion, these skills are the heart and soul of engaging and effective writing. They include the ability to
- organize your thoughts into a coherent piece that never leaves your reader behind;
- make a persuasive argument rooted in solid facts;
- draw on the styles and characteristics of various literary genres;
- make responsible use of research materials and outside resources; and
- avoid common grammar errors that could cost you your credibility.
Course Lecture Titles
24 Lectures – 30 minutes / lecture
- Lect.01 How to Write about Anything Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 33:32
- Lect.02 How to Be an Effective Reader Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 30:21
- Lect.03 How Literature Can Help Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 26:56
- Lect.04 Shaping Your Voice Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 29:41
- Lect.05 Knowing Your Reader Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 29:18
- Lect.06 The Art of the Essay-How to Start Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 29:16
- Lect.07 How to Organize an Argument Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 30:40
- Lect.08 Supporting Your Argument Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 30:12
- Lect.09 Finishing Strong Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 30:14
- Lect.10 The Uses of Poetry Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 30:07
- Lect.11 Poetic Diction and Syntax Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 29:21
- Lect.12 Drama-Writing Out Loud Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 29:07
- Lect.13 What You Can Learn from Autobiography Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 30:47
- Lect.14 Writing and Leadership Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 30:39
- Lect.15 The Rules of Rhetoric Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 30:09
- Lect.16 Invention and Arrangement Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 29:40
- Lect.17 Ethos and Pathos Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 32:57
- Lect.18 Finding What You Need Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 30:10
- Lect.19 Using What You Find Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 29:40
- Lect.20 Getting Started-Writing First Drafts Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 30:19
- Lect.21 Editing-Finding Whats Wrong Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 29:31
- Lect.22 Rewriting-Fixing Whats Wrong Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 29:23
- Lect.23 Avoiding Common Errors in Grammar and Usage Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 32:56
- Lect.24 The Power of Words Prof. Dorsey Armstrong 29:48
Here is the text – Analysis and Critique- How to Engage and Write about Anything
