University of Chicago Writing Program Lecture Notes

Introduction to the Writing Program

• The University of Chicago's writing program adopts a top-down approach to writing.
• Most other writing programs focus on freshman composition, while Chicago serves a diverse range of students, including those in medical school.
• The program was established in the late 70s to help faculty rather than students, reflecting the belief that faculty often struggle more with writing.

Misconceptions About Writing

• Common belief: Writing is a basic skill taught in earlier education.
• This program challenges the idea that writing is solely a remedial skill.
• Writing is not about following rules; it is more about focusing on reader engagement.

Expert Writers vs. Novice Writers

• Expert Writers: Write about complex topics where they have knowledge.
• Writing serves as a thinking tool for experts, unlike novice writers, who may write for basic understanding.
• The challenge lies in translating complex thoughts into accessible writing for others.

Challenges of Expert Writing

• Problems arise when writers use language patterns that hinder reader understanding.
• Readers experience confusion, slow down, and may stop reading when faced with unclear writing.
• Writers need to consider how their writing impacts their readers' ability to understand and engage with the text.

The Importance of Value in Writing

• Writing must be valuable to the reader; clarity, organization, and persuasion matter only if the content is valuable.
• Faculty often seek help when their work is not being published, usually due to lack of perceived value.
• In the professional world, readers are not paid to care about the writer; they seek value in the content.

Understanding the Audience

• Writers must understand their specific audiences to write effectively.
• There is a difference between generic and specialized readers; writing must address the values and expectations of the intended audience.
• The writing must create a sense of importance and relevance to the reader's needs.

Writing with Purpose

• Writing is about changing readers' ideas, not just conveying the writer's thoughts.
• Writers must focus on the function of their writing in a professional context.
• Writers should avoid simply explaining their thoughts; instead, they should present arguments that challenge existing ideas in a way that authors with authority do.

The Role of Literature Reviews

• In academia, literature reviews serve a different purpose for teachers (to assess knowledge) than for professional readers (to enrich the problem).
• A literature review should highlight tensions and instabilities in existing research to demonstrate the relevance of new work.

Writing Techniques and Strategies

• Use language that creates tension or highlights instability to engage readers.
• Identify the costs and benefits of addressing these instabilities to appeal to the readers' interests.
• Avoid using the word "gap"; instead describe problems in existing research that need resolution.

Concluding Thoughts

• Writers must move away from the mindset of preserving their ideas indefinitely; the goal is to contribute to ongoing conversations in their fields.
• Writing is not just a reflection of personal thoughts; it's a tool for influencing and informing others.
• The writing program encourages direct engagement with readers' perceptions and needs, focusing on creating value and relevance.

Resources and Contact Information

• The director of the writing program, Larry McInerney, welcomes anyone interested in discussing writing to reach out via email: lmce@uchicago.
• Be prepared for possible delays in scheduling due to high demand.