(in Polish) WRITING for IMPACT: Strategies for Persuasion and Clarity

foreign languages
general courses

The student should know English at the B1+ level according to the CEFR

Classroom

The course aims to develop the ability to write persuasive and clear texts in English that are useful in a variety of academic, professional and public contexts. Students will learn to use rhetorical tools, the study of linguistic pragmatics and persuasive strategies to create high-impact content. Classes include analysis of model texts, practical exercises and development of their own writing projects.

The goal of the course “Writing for Impact: Strategies for Persuasion and Clarity” is to lead students to master advanced writing skills that are both persuasive and clear, taking into account a variety of academic, professional and public contexts. Participants will learn the principles of rhetoric, including key persuasion techniques such as building credibility (ethos), influencing emotions (pathos) and arguing logically (logos). Through the analysis of model texts, students will understand how structure, style and language affect the reception of content by diverse audiences.

The course emphasizes the practical application of acquired knowledge, through workshop exercises and the creation of their own texts, such as essays, cover letters, opinion pieces and speeches. Students will learn to write content tailored to specific goals and audiences, as well as develop their editorial skills, which include improving the clarity, conciseness and effectiveness of their message. Learning the principles of linguistic pragmatics to adapt communication to cultural and situational contexts is also an important part of the course.

The class sensitizes participants to the ethical aspects of persuasion, emphasizing responsibility for the impact texts can have on society. Students will work on writing projects that will be discussed and revised as a group, enabling them to improve their writing skills. In this way, the course prepares participants to create high-impact content that stands out for its precision, strength of argument and ability to engage audiences in a responsible and professional manner.

Student workload:

Contact hours (in class) - 45 hrs – 1,5 ECTS

Preparation for classes - 45 hrs – 1,5 ECTS

Preparation for the final test - 30 hrs - 1 ECTS

Total: 120 hours - 4 ECTS

Basic:

1. Aristotle, The Art of Rhetoric, ‎ University of Chicago Press, 2019.

2. Perelman C., Olbrechts-Tyteca L., The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation, Univ of Notre Dam, 1969.

3. Pinker S., The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person's Guide to Writing in the 21st Century, New York, Penguin, 2014.

4. Evans V., Successful Writing, Preston, 2010

Complementary:

1. Cialdini R., Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, 2014.

2. Lakoff G., Johnson M., Metaphors We Live By, 1980.

3. Williams J., Bizup J., Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace, 2014.

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of the semester, the student:

knows and understands:

- the relationships of philological studies and their connections with other scientific disciplines,

- English language in speaking and writing in accordance with the requirements specified for the B1+ level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The student can:

- search, critically analyze and evaluate, select and use information regarding English,

- formulate and solve a research task in the field of English linguistics.

The student is ready to:

- critically evaluate the knowledge and content he receives,

- adhere to ethical principles, including the use of somebody’s scientific achievements.

Assesssment

1. Activity during classes (20%) - participation in workshops and discussions.

2. Homework (30%) - short essays and writing exercises.

3. Final project (50%) - creation and presentation of a persuasive text, such as an article, speech or communication strategy.

The evaluation criteria presented in the form of percentage thresholds:

99-100% - 5 ! (very good with an exclamation mark)

93- 98% - 5 (very good)

87-92% - 4+ (good plus)

77-86% - 4 (good )

70-76% - 3+ (sufficient plus)

60-69% - 3 (sufficient)