University of Chicago Writing Program Lecture Notes

Overview of the Writing Program

• Unique top-down approach to writing.
• Focus on helping faculty rather than freshmen.
• Faculty members are often the ones struggling with writing, not students.

Misconceptions about Writing

• Traditional view: writing is a basic skill learned early on.
• This program does not treat writing as a remedial issue.
• Writing is not just about rules but understanding readers.

Expert Writers vs. Student Writers

• Expert writers (faculty) write about complex subjects and use writing to think.
• High school students write to introduce basic concepts, while experts deal with sophisticated ideas.
• Writing becomes a tool for thinking rather than just communicating ideas.

Challenges in Writing

• Experts often write in ways that interfere with readers' understanding.
• Readers approach texts differently than writers; misunderstandings can occur.
• Effective writing must consider how experts read and process information.

Key Writing Principles

• Focus on value: Writing must be valuable to readers, not just clear or organized.
• The language used in writing should signal importance and relevance to the specific audience.
• Writing should not merely convey ideas; it should change the reader's perspective.

Importance of Understanding Readers

• Knowing the audience is crucial; writing should address their doubts and interests.
• Writing is often evaluated based on clarity and organization but should prioritize value.
• Use specific language that resonates with the target community.

Writing Techniques

• Identify key terms that create value in the text.
• Analyze articles in your field for effective language and structure.
• Avoid using generic language; instead, use specific vocabulary that communicates value.

The Role of Literature Reviews

• A literature review serves to establish credibility and define the problem.
• Good literature reviews enhance the reader's understanding of existing issues.
• Literature reviews should not just summarize past work but build on it to highlight tensions and inconsistencies.

Final Thoughts on Academic Writing

• Writing should facilitate a conversation rather than simply present information.
• Encourage active engagement with the subject and the audience in the writing process.
• Seek feedback and collaboration to enhance writing effectiveness.

Contact Information

• Larry McEnerney, Director of the Writing Program.
• Email: lmce@uchicago.
• Open to discussions and questions about writing.