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Miami Writing Institute

Rethink what it means to be a good writer with this thought-provoking course offered through Miami's nationally known Howe Center for Writing Excellence. One look through this window, and you'll see writing in a whole new light.

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Quick Facts

Self-paced

12 month period

2-3 hrs/week

Time commitment

September 23

Next start date

Free ($11)*

Total cost - free for the first month; $11 after October 23

Debunk Common Writing Myths

You will explore four common myths about writing through questions like: What does it mean to write? Who is a writer? How do we define good writing? Along the way, you'll gain practical strategies to become a more effective communicator in the contexts that matter to you.

A colorful, mid-century themed graphic overviewing the myths of the Miami Writing Institute, including: Myth 1: Writing Is Just Words and Rhetoric is Empty Speech, Myth 2: Good Writing is Just Good Writing, Myth 3: Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones but Words Will Never Hurt Me, and Myth 4: Writing is Solitary and Some People are Just Born Good Writers.

Experience a New View of Writing

Learn from Miami faculty, working professionals, and Miami alumni through interactive activities and design. Analyze your own professional writing, and challenge your understanding of what writing is and how it works.

Elevate Your View

Step up to a completely new approach that goes beyond the mechanics of writing. Learn why good writing is more than correct, error-free, clear, or concise writing. The Howe Center for Writing Excellence faculty and staff will guide you through a journey that debunks common misconceptions about writing.

Get Curious

Each myth includes a variety of highly engaging elements designed to spark your curiosity. This course encourages you to get curious and explore the content, from visualizations and interactive content to case studies and side quests. Throughout, you'll hear from Miami faculty, Miami alumni, and working professionals.

Grow Professionally

Whether you're just starting your career or are a seasoned professional, this course will meet you where you are. You'll learn how to harness the concepts of rhetoric to communicate your ideas, expertise, and point-of-view more powerfully. This knowledge applies to every position in every field and aspect of life — from writing a text to developing a business proposal.

Claim Your Exclusive Rewards

Although becoming a more effective communicator is its own reward, Miami's Howe Center for Writing Excellence is offering an exclusive incentive for participants who complete the Miami Writing Institute. Beautifully packaged and practical, these cards will help you apply the principles you've learned in your daily life. Learners must complete the full course by August 1, 2022, to be eligible to receive this gift. Available while supplies last.

A mockup of a set of flashcards that describe principles from the Miami Writing Institute

Begin Your Journey Toward a New View on Writing

Continue learning about writing and engage with practice that helps you become a better writer.

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    The Roger & Joyce Howe Center for Writing Excellence

    Thanks to the generosity and vision of Roger and Joyce Howe (both '57), Miami established the nationally-recognized Howe Center for Writing Excellence in 1997. The HCWE serves as the hub for supporting and facilitating the teaching, learning, and study of writing on campus. The Howes' support has enabled Miami to develop innovative programs that infuse writing curriculum across disciplines and offer specialized services to help students achieve writing excellence.

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    Howe Writing Across the Curriculum

    Howe Writing Across the Curriculum (HWAC) is the faculty-focused arm of the Howe Center for Writing Excellence (HCWE). Its mission is to help faculty and graduate teaching assistants provide the most innovative, research-based writing instruction in the country. HWAC is committed to influencing writing-related research, practice, and policies at Miami and nationwide. By putting a spotlight on writing education at Miami, HWAC helps prepare students to be effective writers in academic, professional, and personal settings.

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    Howe Writing Center

    The Howe Writing Center (HWC) is the student-focused initiative of the Howe Center for Writing Excellence. The mission of the HWC is to ensure that both undergraduate and graduate student writers at Miami receive helpful feedback and support on their writing projects from well-trained peer-consultants, and are assisted in developing as effective writers in different contexts and genres. The HWC encourages writers to bring in writing produced for various purposes, whether professional, personal, or academic.

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