Lecture: University of Chicago Writing Program

Key Points

Unique Approach

• Top-Down Approach: Different from most universities that focus on freshmen writing programs.
• Main Constituents: Faculty and graduate students rather than undergraduates.
• Origins: Program began in late 70s, early 80s focused on helping faculty with writing.

Writing Misconceptions

• Not Remedial: Writing help is not just for those who failed to learn the skill earlier.
• Non-Rule-Based: Emphasis is on understanding readers rather than following rules.
• Expert Writers: Faculty and graduate students need to write for their peers, not for basic learning.

Writing for Readers

• Function Over Form: Focus on changing reader’s ideas, not just conveying writer’s thoughts.
• Create Value: Writing must be valuable to the community, not just clear and persuasive.
• Reader’s Perspective: Understand and account for reader’s doubts and perceptions.
• Providing Importance: Use specific language that shows why the work is valuable.

Common Pitfalls

• Too Much Focus on Rules: Following rigid writing rules can impede sophisticated writing.
• Incorrect Use of Lit Reviews: Should enrich the problem and contribute to the field, not just list previous research.
• Misunderstanding Feedback: Avoid merely explaining when feedback indicates a lack of understanding.

Practical Advice

• Know the Community Codes: Identify and use the specific vocabulary of the academic community.
• Highlight Instability and Tension: Use language that emphasizes inconsistency and importance to engage the reader.
• Strategic Revisions: Regularly analyze and integrate community-valued terms into your work.

Writing Strategy

1. Start with a Problem: Identify an issue that readers care about.
2. Provide a Solution: Link your thesis to the identified problem.
3. Demonstrate Value: Show the immediate relevance of your work through specific, coded language.

Addressing Reader’s Demands

• Functional Writing: Different disciplines require presenting problems and solutions differently.
• Creating Value Quickly: Allocate first two paragraphs to establish the importance to the reader.
• Perception of Expertise: Move from explaining one's knowledge to changing reader’s thinking.

Introduction Components

1. Identify the Community: Clarify who you are addressing.
2. State the Problem: Outline the specific problem for that community.
3. Challenge with Data: Use evidence and data to show inconsistencies and articulate the issue.

Conclusion

• Important Connection: Ensure the writing connects with readers beyond academic obligation.
• Continuous Learning: Maintain an adaptive approach to know your readers and the community.
• Career Relevance: Focus on writing that supports professional success and recognition.