Writing programs and course collections can include all types of writing: business, technical, Internet writing, fiction, poetry, short stories, essays, academic writing and more. This list includes many of these writing forms, offering up a diverse but distinctive collection for all kinds of writers. Classes designed by MIT and The Open University include playwriting, expository writing, mass media, an essay workshop, narrative building and understanding the dynamics of the short story. Students will read existing works as references and training guides, as well as complete assignments that allow them to develop their own styles and practice for writing careers. Important themes to consider include memory, narrative, structure, dialogue voice, engaging the senses, plot and more. These courses help students enrolled in accredited writing programs, as well as writers who are finished with school or have little or no academic training.

Writers may pursue a variety of professions, but two of the most practical and profitable writing careers includes academic and technical writing. These jobs can be found in industries like business, engineering, health care, advertising, public relations, science, and Internet marketing. Just as students learning to develop their fiction writing abilities, students interested in writing nonfiction and technical assignments need to sharpen their research and editing skills, grammar, overall style, voice and more.

• Expository Writing: Analyzing Mass Media [MIT] – This class trains students to become academic writers by writing and revising essays.
• Writing What You Know [The Open University] – Topics covered in this class include “the everyday,” “the senses,” “memory and narrative” and more.
• Playwriting I [MIT] – Learn how to organize your thoughts and consider playwriting techniques like voice, dialogue, structure, events and more.
• Advanced Essay Workshop [MIT] – Experienced writing students will benefit from this course, which coaches them to communicate identity issues in various forms of prose.
• Writing and Reading Short Stories [MIT] – Learn how to dissect, plan for, and write short stories through writing exercises, reading short stories and more.