English Foundations in Written Communication (archived)
Ohio University’s founders believed that a strong democracy required educated citizens. While education today looks different than it did in 1804, we still believe that education is vital to democracy and that becoming an effective writer and thinker is essential to education.
The Composition Program’s range of courses and program activities serve everyone from K-12 students and teachers to OHIO’s undergraduates to advanced graduate students. These courses are united by our mission:
At OHIO, we believe that writing opens doors and creates opportunities. Our composition program guides students to think critically, communicate persuasively, and collaborate within vibrant contexts. We empower students to take control of their journeys, shaping their futures with confidence and purpose both at Ohio University and beyond.
Our Approach to AI: This mission grows from our research-backed understandings of what writing is and the power that writers can wield in the world. Writing is a way of making new knowledge, a way of understanding ourselves, a way to connect with others, and a way to create change in the world. Though it is certainly evolving with the advent of generative AI, writing continues to move the world; even AI texts require Robert Monarch’s “human in the loop” in order to be successful. Our approach to AI uses Dr. Paul Shovlin’s AI Literacy Framework and prepares interested students to use AI effectively to achieve their writing aims.
Composition at OHIO: The Composition Program encompasses:
- BRICKS Written Communication courses (ENG 1510, 2800, 2801, 2803, 2804, 2806, 2809)
- Writing Certificate
- Ohio University Appalachian Writing Project
- Rhetorics of Remembrance study abroad program
- Advanced Dissertation Writing (ENG/GRAD 7640) for graduate students.
Our Writing Courses: Our variety of writing courses help students choose the scholarly paths that will be most powerful for them so that they can "depart that daily thou mayest better serve thy fellowmen thy country and thy God."
We invite you to explore our course offerings and meet our Director of Composition, Dr. Talinn Phillips and our composition faculty.
- Learn about Writing & Rhetoric I (ENG 1510), our first-year writing course.
- Explore possibilities for meeting your BRICKS Advanced Writing requirement in English.
- View how the Writing Certificate can support your writing goals.
- Check out What We Believe About Writing to understand more about the research and theory underlying our program.