Writing

at a glance

Minor icon MINOR

The writing minor aims to elevate the clarity and power of your written communication—creatively, journalistically, and academically. Throughout these courses, you’ll gain an understanding of composition, rhetoric, language, poetics, and narration—and apply them to strengthen your writing.

Careers: Copywriter/Marketing Writer, Journalist, Content Writer, Editor,
Medical/Science Writer

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Embrace the Writing Life

Refine your rhetorical strategies. Learn the secrets of crisp, clean prose. Explore the possibilities of storytelling. You’ll be given detailed feedback on your compositions. You’ll compile a portfolio. You’ll receive guidance on how to professionally publish your writing.

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Skills you will gain with

a Writing Minor

Art of Rhetoric—Learn to delight, educate, and motivate readers in deliberate and hospitable ways. You’ll hone your versatility as a writer by analyzing genres, understanding audiences, and adapting your compositions with purpose.
Writing in the Public Sphere—You’ll receive feedback from professors and classmates. You’ll write online. You’ll reach readers both inside and outside of Ave Maria University. This exposure can strengthen your confidence as a writer who writes publicly.
Applying the Liberal Arts—Classical concepts, like the trivium and the cardinal virtues, can inform all writing tasks. You’ll apply these concepts to help you write effectively, efficiently, and ethically.

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ADMISSIONS

A look into the

writing DEPARTMENT

At least one class (4 credits) in rhetorical or literary theory:

  • COMM 230 Rhetoric
  • LIT 223 Studies in Genre I
  • LITR 224 Studies in Genre II

Four classes (16 Credits), chosen from the following:

  • COMM 230 Rhetoric
  • COMM 250 Public Speaking
  • COMM 300 Writing and Dialogue: Plato to Podcasts
  • COMM 320/LITR 320 Creative Writing
  • COMM 340 Writing for Journalism
  • BUS 200/COMM 205 Business Communication

Other courses may be considered with the approval of the director, Dr. Gavin Hurley, including additional theory courses and relevant special topics courses in communication (COMM 418) and special topics in literature (LIT 415)

GAVIN HURLEY, PH.D.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF COMPOSITION, DIRECTOR OF THE WRITING PROGRAM

Gavin HurleyEducation: B.A., Philosophy, Saint Joseph’s University; M.A., Writing Arts, Rowan University; Ph.D., University of Rhode Island, Writing & Rhetoric
Office: Henkels 2052
Email: gavin.hurley@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-1662

JOHN JASSO, PH.D.

CHAIR OF THE COMMUNICATIONS AND LITERATURE DEPARTMENT, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

John JassoEducation: B.A., Speech and Philosophy, Kansas State University; M.A., Communications, Kansas State University; M.A., Philosophy, University of Pittsburgh; Ph.D., Rhetoric and Communications, University of Pittsburgh
Office: Henkels 2054
Email: john.jasso@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7936

Deana Basile Kelly, PH.D.

Assistant Professor of Literature and Modern Languages (Italian)

Deana KellyEducation: B.A., Political Science & Italian Studies, University of New Hampshire; M.A., Literature & Culture, Boston College; Ph.D., Italian Literature & Linguistics, University of Toronto
Office: Canizaro Library 254
Email: deana.kelly@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7188

Kirsten Hall, PH.D.

Director of the Literature Program, Assistant Professor of Literature

Kirsten Hall optEducation: B.A., English, Hillsdale College; M.A., English, University of Texas at Austin; Ph.D., English, University of Texas at Austin
Office: Henkels 2047
Email: kirsten.hall@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7959

JUSTIN BONANNO, PH.D.

Assistant Professor of Communications, Internship Coordinator and A/v Studio Director

Justin BonannoEducation: B.S., Computer Science and Information Systems, University of Mount Union; B.A., Spanish, University of Mount Union; M.A., Rhetoric and Philosophy of Communications, Duquesne University; Ph.D., Rhetoric, Duquesne University
Office: Henkels 2018
Email: justin.bonanno@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7964

More to help you

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CAREER SERVICES

Career Services prides itself on providing students, alumni and employers with the opportunity to connect. No matter where you are in your career search, whether it’s deciding on a path, preparing for your first job interview or working on graduate school or fellowship applications, we can help.

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Catholic Culture

The spiritual life on campus is the beating heart of Ave. Whether it’s attending Mass, receiving the sacraments, participating in retreats or getting spiritual direction, you’ll find the spiritual support you need from the priests and staff of Campus Ministry.

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CORE CURRICULUM

With AMU’s core curriculum, you’ll not only achieve breadth of knowledge, but also depth of knowledge. You’ll encounter the truth about God and His creation more completely through the dynamic interplay of all of the liberal arts, including theology and natural science.

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Sunny skies, warm temperatures, a beautiful campus. What more could you want? How about a community-like atmosphere, quality instructors who care about your success, a wealth of spiritual activities, expert career guidance… and that’s only the beginning. Imagine your future at AMU. It all starts by filling out our free application today.

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