Writing in Graduate School

• Clarity, Complexity, and Style

  Drs. Ben Minteer, Jamey Wetmore, Merlyna Lim, and  Clark Miller (from Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology) answer Dr. Jeanne Simpson's (ASU Writing Center) questions on what makes a piece of writing exemplary.  They focus on how style can make or break a piece of writing and on the tenuous relationship between clarity and complexity.  They also share how their graduate school mentors helped shape their writing skills.

  
  

• Structure and Simplicity

  Dr. Jeanne Simpson of the ASU Writing Center interviews Dr. Winslow Burleson from  Computer Science and Engineering on what makes a piece of writing exemplary.  They discuss the structure of good writing and the benefits and importance of simplicity in writing.

  
  

• Writing so your audience understands the "So What"

  Dr. Jeanne Simpson of the ASU Writing Center leads a discussion on good writing with Drs. Cassia Spohn, Nancy Rodriguez, and Scott Decker from the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.  These scholars highlight the importance of focus and clarity, understanding the audience, and identifying and explaining the "So What" of a piece of writing.

  
  

• Challenges of Good Writing

  Drs. Susan Gray and Anna Holian of the Department of History and Dr Tracy Fessenden of the Department of Religious Studies share with Dr Jeanne Simpson of the Writing Center their thoughts about exemplary writing in their fields. These scholars discuss a plethora of topics, including the value of choosing one's words, the importance of self knowledge and discipline in the writing process, and whether one should ask for feedback on drafts and much more. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

  
  

• Writers' Studios for Graduate Students

  Organization: ASU - Writing Center Website: http://studentsuccess.asu.edu/home/writing/gradstudios

  
  

• Strategies for Writing Productivity

  For more information and to register please go to:  http://www.asu.edu/gcregistration

  Organization: ASU - Graduate College Website: http://graduate.asu.edu/sfs/

  When: December 4, 2009 3:00 - 5:00 Where: Tempe Campus Memorial Union Room 223 (Yavapai)

  
  

• Writing for Fussy Professor Starbuck

  Fussy Professor Starbuck's Cookbook of Handy-Dandy Prescriptions for Ambitious Academic Authors or Why I Hate Passive Verbs and Love My Word Processor (1999). Dr. William H. Starbuck is professor-in-residence at the Lundquist College of Business of the University of Oregon and professor emeritus at New York University.

  Organization: New York University - Leonard N. Stern School of Business Website: http://pages.stern.nyu.edu/

  
  

• Common English Mistakes by Graduate Students

  The following link provides some great tips for avoiding many common writing mistakes made by graduate students.  The examples provided are from a math/science perspective, but can be applied to and are pertinent to all disciplines. Common English Mistakes by Graduate Students.

  Organization: Claremont McKenna College Website: http://www.claremontmckenna.edu/math/ALee/extra/English.html