Writing and Editing: Structure and Organization

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/writing-editing-structure

Introduction

### Course Review: Writing and Editing: Structure and Organization **Overview:** “Writing and Editing: Structure and Organization” is the second course in the excellent “Good with Words: Writing and Editing” series offered on Coursera. Led by the knowledgeable instructor Patrick Barry, this course provides valuable insights into crafting effective structures for your writing. It deftly explores the nuances of how to balance the traditional writing adage of “Show, don’t tell” and teaches you how to strategically switch between showing and telling to enhance your writing. This course is designed not only to deepen your understanding of sentence and paragraph organization but also to introduce essential time management techniques such as “deep work” and “studio time,” which were introduced in the first course. This makes it a comprehensive follow-up that builds on your foundational skills developed previously. **Syllabus Highlights:** The course unfolds over several weeks, each focused on vital aspects of writing and editing: 1. **Sentence Flow:** In the first week, you’ll be welcomed into the course by instructor Patrick Barry, who will guide you through the intricacies of sentence flow and structure. This section provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce your learning from the first course with in-video questions designed to keep you engaged and reflective. 2. **Corresponding Ideas in Corresponding Form:** Week two pivots on the concept that structure is not just a container for content but a dynamic component that can generate new ideas. This segment tests your creativity and encourages innovative thinking in forming your writing. 3. **Show and Tell:** In this pivotal week, you will delve deeply into the duality of showing and telling in writing. By examining various writing examples and methodologies, you will learn precisely when to employ each technique to maximize engagement and clarity in your writing. 4. **Paragraphing:** The final week focuses on paragraph structure. Here, you’ll explore how to organize your thoughts cohesively and develop flow within paragraphs, which are essential for guiding your reader through your arguments and narratives effectively. **Course Experience:** The course engages learners through a combination of video lectures, interactive exercises, and thought-provoking questions. Patrick Barry’s teaching style is encouraging and accessible, making complex concepts easy to understand. The course encourages a collaborative learning environment with opportunities for peer feedback, fostering a community atmosphere among participants. **Recommendation:** I highly recommend “Writing and Editing: Structure and Organization” to anyone interested in refining their writing and editing skills. Whether you're a student, professional writer, or simply looking to enhance your communication abilities, this course will substantially uplifting your capabilities. The skills gained here can be applied to various contexts, from academic writing to professional correspondence. Moreover, if you've completed the first course in this series, this continuation will feel seamless and enrich your understanding. Each segment flows naturally into the next, establishing a solid foundation for effective writing. In conclusion, this course strikes an excellent balance between theory and practical application, leaving you with not only knowledge but also actionable skills. Enroll and unlock the architect of information that lies within you!

Syllabus

Sentence Flow

In this first week, you will be introduced to instructor Patrick Barry and begin to learn about sentence flow and structure. In-video questions will direct you to content previously covered in the first course of this specialization.

This week's content will focus on how structure can be used to generate content.