HWRIT-511-DL

Course Overview

This course focuses on English language grammar, usage, mechanics, and style for successful academic writing in the health professions. Students will learn how to use strategies to improve the quality, clarity, and structure of their writing at the sentence level primarily, with some attention to the paragraph and paper levels. The course introduces students to North American academic writing standards; it is ideal for multilingual or native English-speaking students looking to prepare for the rigors of graduate-level writing.

 

Note: This course is offered during an accelerated 6-week term.

TypeOnline, Self-Paced Lecture
FacultyNada Jovanovic, MFA
Credits1 undergraduate
OfferedFall, Spring, Summer
PrerequisitesNone
Cost$545.00 (Fees included)

 

Summer Registration Open

1/21/26-5/27/26


What to Expect in this Course

This course is fully asynchronous – there are no required meeting times.

Course activities are organized into modules that are usually 1 week in length. 

Our format allows flexibility so you can fit the learning activities into your own schedule. 

While instructors make regular course updates to enhance your experience as a learner, the table below provides a general idea of what you can expect from a typical week. 

Course Activity Hours Per Week

Self Directed Learning

  • Reading short book excerpts, articles
  • Watching mini-lectures, videos
1-2

Assignments

  • Content checks
  • Knowledge application
  • Quizzes
1-3
Total Time 2-5
  • Grammar/sentence structure: parts of speech/parts of a sentence, subject-verb agreement, run-on sentences, sentence fragments, parallelism, noun clusters, syntax, misplaced and dangling modifiers, avoiding shifts in voice, person, number, and verb tense  
  • Mechanics of style: punctuation, spelling, capitalization, italics, abbreviations, numbers 
  • Usage: word choice, tone/professionalism, bias-free language, avoiding colloquialisms 
  • Strategies and techniques to improve your writing: varying sentence structure, being concise, passive/active voice, guiding the reader, revision, cohesion, clarity, outlining, reading to learn 
  • North American academic writing standards: intro to community discourse, common paper formats, citations & references, plagiarism, APA & AMA styles 

Course Materials

MaterialUse in Course
D2LRequired
TextbookNot needed
Lab Kit / SuppliesNot needed
Web-Based Learning ApplicationNot needed
Standard word/ data processing capabilitiesRequired
Ability to video conferenceRecommended
Ability to upload images/videosNot needed

D2L: All of our online prerequisite courses use the learning platform software called Desire2Learn (D2L). D2L integrates text, video, and audio. You can check your system compatibility by reviewing the D2L system recommendations.

Textbook: If a textbook is required, every effort is made to choose high-quality, low-cost materials that students can buy and sell, rent and return, or buy and use again in future courses.

Lab Kit / Supplies: Lab kits/supplies allow students to conduct hands-on experiments at home. Information about ordering lab kits and/or supplies will be provided to registered students approximately 6 weeks before the start of the semester.

Web-Based Learning Application: Web-based applications often serve as an alternative to a traditional textbook or lab kit. Most require students to register for a separate application that will integrate seamlessly with the D2L platform.

Standard word and data processing: Technology that allows the student to create, edit, and save documents and files.

Ability to video conference: Technology that allows live, visual connection between individuals who are in different locations.

Ability to upload photos/videos: Technological capabilities through which a student could record a short video or still image and upload it to an online learning system.

Course Faculty

Nada Jovanovic in grey sweater

Program Manager, Career & Professional Development Office of Student Affairs & Services

a woman leans over to look at a laptop while a man talks to her about something

Does My Course Count?

Curious to know if a course you've taken elsewhere counts towards a specific program? Contact our Admissions Office by email or chat.

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