1999-2007, UniversalClass, UniversalClass.com List of Instructor-led, online courses in Writing Help . http://www.universalclass.com/i/subjects/writing-genre.htm Do you long to write but feel like you're too busy? Writing for children can be the answer. Children's stories are generally far shorter and simpler than stories for adults. You can draft an 800 word children's story during a couple of lunch hours or during your child's nap times. Many noted children's authors started writing in short bursts when their own young children were sleeping or playing nearby. Writing for children is by no means easy, however. Children's book and magazine editors expect well developed characters, engaging plots, and vivid description, all in a very small package. Good children's writers learn to make every word count. Communicating effectively with kids means using language they can understand but not talking down to them, and this is easier said than done. In this course, we will look at the elements that go into an effective children's story, from initial idea to finished manuscript. If you've always wanted to write but don't know where to start, we'll cover that too. And once you have a few good stories under your belt, you'll want to find publishing outlets for them. We'll go over the basics of submitting to publishers and even of publishing books yourself. Writing stories for children can be a fascinating hobby or a challenging career. You can write for your own kids, or publish stories and books that will reach thousands of eager readers. Either way, you will gain the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference in the lives of children who hear or read your words. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550284.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Basic Writing Skills We live in world where communication is paramount to survival. In a work environment where communication is equated with the professionalism and efficiency of an individual, would you jeopardize your career because of bad writing? Do you want the embarrassment of sending out a poorly written email to your peers? Can you risk sending out badly written communications to customers and putting your company's reputation on the line? Of course not, no one aspires to be a bad writer. No one wants to communicate badly. This crash course in business communication may help remedy your writing woes. From the basic do's and don'ts of business communication to the nitty-gritty of formatting, punctuation, tone and language--this course covers all the fundamentals. As a one stop guide to a professional's writing career, the class is ideal for assistants, secretaries, executives, managers, and senior managers of any company or organization. Learn about the common mistakes we make when writing a business letter. Learn how often people mistake 'affect' for 'effect', and 'except' for 'accept'. Learn about how to write business emails. This course will also give you insights into your reader's mind. Who are they? What do they want? How can you effectively reach out to them? So join us today! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550257.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Improvement ESL Technical writing is the art and science of translating technical information into readable, accessible writing usable by a wide audience. If you have ever read the user's manual for a piece of software or equipment you've purchased, you've seen technical writing in action. Creating manuals, help and technical support systems, online help systems, and instruction manuals are some of the main projects technical writers take on. Since nearly every business in every industry imaginable has at least an occasional need to bring technical information to its users and customers, technical writing is found in nearly every business, government agency, and non-profit organization. If you work in a high tech industry, technical writing may be a part of your job description and daily duties. If you love to write, enjoy learning, and have an interest in technology, technical writing can be an exciting, rewarding career in itself. Job opportunities in the field are expected to grow as technology continues to advance. Whether you are called upon to communicate technical information to clients and coworkers, or you are thinking of technical writing as a new and interesting career, this course is designed to help you get started. We'll talk more about the kinds of products technical writers get involved in, and discuss the kinds of skills that successful technical writing requires. We'll talk about ways to approach and organize a technical writing project, and look at the kinds of materials technical writers produce, from written manuals to video tutorials. For those looking at technical writing as a new career, we'll discuss ways of improving your skill set, getting training, making contacts, and breaking into the field. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550201.htm Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:50:51 GMT D. Mithaug Writing Tools Writing Improvement Basic Writing Skills It doesn't matter if you're a famous politician, suburban homemaker or someone in between, the fact of the matter is that everyone has a personal story worth telling. Whether you want to honor someone who's made a difference in your life, heal old wounds, document unique experiences or travels, record your family history, or leave a legacy to future generations, 'Journaling and Memoir Writing' is a comprehensive step-by-step guide that will demystify the process of finally putting your story on paper. No matter if you're a novice or a professional writer interested in the memoir form, 'Journaling and Memoir Writing' is designed to help you decide what story to tell and the best way in which to tell it. Whether you are interested in writing a memoir exploring your personal struggles such as addiction, abuse or divorce or a travelogue based on your experience backpacking through Europe, this course will help you narrow the focus of your life story and define the underlying theme that will connect you with an audience. You will also learn how to find your true voice that will make your story unique and authentic. Through varied and comprehensive writing exercises you will learn how to sharpen your instincts and hone your storytelling craft. 'Journaling and Memoir Writing' will also teach you how to dig deeper into your life and mine important memories that will enable you add incredible depth and richness to your story. In addition to the extensive writing lessons, you will learn what to do with your memoir once it is finished. Whether your goal is pass on your memoir as a family heirloom or to become a New York Times best seller, 'Journaling and Memoir Writing' will address the various publishing options available to you. Everyone has a story to tell. Let this online class help you write yours today. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550285.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Become a Skilled Proofreader or Copyeditor If you're looking for a new career path or if you're a writer who wants to improve your writing skills, learning how to proofread and copyedit with our easy to follow, in-depth course, may be just what you need. Learning these specialized skills will help improve your overall writing ability and may provide a career path that is both lucrative and in high demand. In today's world, proofreaders and copyeditors are sought after not only in the corporate environment and Internet-related ventures, but also by start-up companies, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. Freelance proofreading jobs are bountiful, and many companies offer work-from-home opportunities as an additional benefit. This online course will cover: Exactly what proofreading and copyediting will entail. The tools you need to be an efficient proofreader or copyeditor. The basic skills you need to learn, taught to you in an easy-to-understand manner. Step-by-step instruction on how to proofread or copyedit. How to apply your newly learned skills. Tips to make you a professional proofreader or copyeditor with just a little practice. How to proofread and copyedit different kinds of writing such as fiction, blogs and articles. How to proofread and copyedit your own work. How to secure employment as a proofreader or copyeditor. How to start your own proofreading or copyediting business upon completion of the course. Current salary information. Practice exercises to implement your new skills. This course is designed for everyone, regardless of education, experience, or background. No matter who you are or what you want to achieve in life, gaining proofreading and copyediting skills will improve your written communications, help you think more clearly, and perhaps start you on the road to a brand new career. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550008.htm Fri, 14 Dec 2007 10:10:43 GMT S. Patel Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing Creative Fiction Basic Writing Skills A pair of hands on the keyboard, a blank screen, and a single wish: You want to write the Great American Short Story! You've read many of them -- Poe's 'Black Cat,' Cheever's 'Enormous Radio,' Welty's 'The Worn Path' -- but have you come close to writing a tale that lingers with readers after the last page is turned? In this class, you will gain the inspiration and the discipline to write a short story of 1000 to 8000 words. We will use examples from all genres, exploring the techniques of plot, style, flow, voice and tone that will make your fiction sing. This close reading of master works is accompanied by tried and true methods for putting words on the page, revising, and handling criticism from others. One thing's for sure: Your stories are ready to tell themselves to you. And, if all goes well enough, they'll tell themselves to the world as well. So, are you ready to start writing? http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550279.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing Creative Fiction Literature We know that effective writing will help students in their coursework but it's equally important to write well in the workplace. If a job interviewer is considering two qualified candidates, the candidate who can write well will have the edge. If you're interested in improving your basic writing beyond correct grammar and punctuation, this course will help you. The more you write, the more confidence you will have in your abilities as a writer. The best grammar and punctuation in the world can still produce average or even poor writing if you don't know how to use the sentences properly or which type of sentence works best to get your point across. By the same token, if you can write lyrical sentences but you string them together into paragraphs that are a tangled mess, the sense and impact of each sentence is lost. This course is designed to give students the most flexibility and independence. You set your own schedule and learn at your convenience. Just because this course is online doesn't mean you're left on your own. The instructor will be reviewing and grading assignments and is always available to answer questions through email. This course assumes you have a high school reading and writing level in English, and that you understand sentence structure, grammar and punctuation. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550261.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction ESL Basic Writing Skills Writing an academic paper requires different skills than writing a letter to a friend or writing an article for a consumer magazine. Although there is a lot of information available on writing skills, a student still needs specific guidance through the process from choosing the topic to writing the reference list. This course is for students at all levels from high school to Ph. D. level. The lessons will help the students craft a thesis statement, provide information on how to use the library and the internet to search for sources, tips to improve writing skills for academic writing, and how to cite sources correctly. The course also directs the student to useful sites on the internet about researching and writing, thus saving the student the time and trouble of surfing the internet. If you have a term/research paper to write, this course will be an excellent opportunity for you to have someone walk you through it. The tutor will help you at each step so that you can revise, correct and re-write before handing in the final paper. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/2978.htm Tue, 26 Mar 2002 07:32:56 GMT M. Robb Today, knowing how to type fast is almost a necessity in the business world. More and more corporate-world employees are being asked to create reports, sales letters, business plans, blogs, web content, forecasts and more. Knowing how to type can save you hours of valuable work time, increasing your productivity. This course, Typing and Keyboarding for Business Professionals, is entirely self-teaching. Each lesson is short, simple and easy to master, with easy-to-understand text and custom-designed typing drills. Here are some features you will like about this course: 1. Cumulative Reviews: At the end of each lesson, you will be quizzed on the most important points to remember. This will help to reinforce your understanding of those keys before you go on to the new ones. 2. Accuracy and Speed-Building practice: Learning how to type faster means nothing without the accuracy that goes along with it. Weand#8217;ve created special practice drills that will help you master both. 3. Learn Business Correspondence Formats: This course helps you learn and understand the correct format and etiquette for the most common letters, documents and notes used when communicating in the business world. 4. Speed and Accuracy Tests: Weand#8217;ve provided tests that allow you to see how your words per minute (wpm) rate and your accuracy have improved over the course of the class. 5. Online Typing Aids: To help you continue to practice, weand#8217;ve provided links to several websites offering free typing games and tests. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550009.htm Wed, 6 Feb 2008 13:02:46 GMT S. Patel Writing Tools Writing Improvement Most of us learned spelling and grammar in elementary school and brushed up on the rules occasionally in junior high or middle school. Once we entered high school, it was assumed we knew and remembered all of the essentials -- and slowly we discovered that although there were some rules we just had to look up, we simply stopped worrying about 'the minor details.' It's time to relearn those 'minor details' that can help you write, and read more effectively. But it's hard to fix something unless you know how it works. This self-paced, stress-free course was developed not only for students wanting to improve their basic writing skills, but also for business writers, creative writers and office staff wanting to improve poor work related writing and avoid embarrassing their boss and themselves. Our innovative course is designed as a refresher course for those who need to brush up on their skills and a reference for anyone who wants to be able to look up the rules for confusing grammatical questions quickly and easily. After you've reviewed the basic rules of grammar and spelling, you can move on to the lessons on writing style for tips on improving your sentence and paragraph structure, how to polish your writing and how to avoid common errors. And because the course is online doesn't mean that you'll be left on your own. The instructor will be grading assignments and tests and is available through email to answer questions and provide guidance. Why not join us, learn at your own pace and your own schedule and reap the benefits? http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550258.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction ESL Basic Writing Skills From character and plot-conflict development to infusing a unique style and specialized writing techniques, the steps to writing a novel--while not utterly impossible--do require a dedicated, disciplined approach. By committing to the steps outlined within this course, aspiring (and even experienced) novelists can find the structure they need to create a well-crafted manuscript, one they will be proud to shop to potential agents and publishers. While some creative types may balk at the idea of adhering to a framework, the truth is that following such guidelines actually frees up writers to focus on the genesis and flow of ideas as opposed to be bogged down by the myriad of format and publishing style particulars. That is why we have provided you with insights into how, from start to finish, you can develop the varying elements of your novel: characters, plotlines, setting, tone, conflict, climax, and resolution/denouement. Labeled as dramatic construction, every novel ought to have a foundation in these basic principles. Plus, we will help take you one step further by offering you the specifics as to what is required to submit your completed work to potential agents and publishers. With an end goal in mind, this will help inspire you to actually finish your novel. Outfitted with both practical and creative writers' tools, there is no reason you can not successfully write a novel and get it published. If indeed you are truly committed and willing to invest the necessary time and effort to put your literary skills to the test, there should be nothing, absolutely nothing, stopping you from producing memorable prose. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550282.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Literature Basic Writing Skills Are you interested in building your vocabulary? Do you feel that your writing or your speaking vocabulary is below average? The purpose of ' Vocabulary Building ' is to beef up your everyday vocabulary with words that you could use in everyday conversation. A strong vocabulary will not only give you the tools to say and write exactly what you mean it can also help you on a job interview, communicate better with a doctor or your lawyer and certainly help you with school work. A good vocabulary makes you sound smarter, feel more assured and practically guarantees you'll be a better writer and speaker. The purpose of this vocabulary class is to beef up your everyday vocabulary with words that you could use in everyday conversation. The larger our vocabularies the more clearly we can communicate with others and understand what others are trying to communicate to us. This course will introduce some simple ways to learn new vocabulary words by practicing reading in context, by writing sentences using the words and by doing practice exercises and quizzes. The class is not a beginning or advanced vocabulary course. It's that 'in between' course where so many people's vocabulary skills fit. So if you're interested in expanding your vocabulary skills in a self-paced, no stress format where an instructor actually reviews and corrects your sentence writing, why not give it a try? Enrich your life by enriching your vocabulary. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550256.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Humor Writing There's no trick to being a humorist when you have the whole government working for you. (Will Rogers) Laughing- the salve of the soul. When we feel at our lowest sometimes the only thing that can turn our mood around and lift us up is a good hearty laugh. The comedy capers of some people can at times save our sanity. We envy those who can readily laugh and even more so those people that can make others laugh. This course will help you join this group, by covering things such as the advantages of keeping your humor in flow, how to guarantee laughs, the power of shock value, the importance of preparation and humor as a group effort -- and that's all just for starters! Writing- when we think back to the things that have moved us deeply, that have stirred us emotionally, many of those have been pieces of writing. It takes skill to create a piece of writing, one word after another, one sentence after another and put it together in such a way that people really want to read it. During this course you'll not only be given advice on how to write, but what not to write, how to market your material in a way that gives you the best possible chance of establishing a continuing comedy writing career and some tips you can utilize to assist you in writing good humor. This course is not like many others, in that it is not exercise after exercise and so-called hot tips guaranteeing to give you instant writing success, there is no such thing. What it will do for you is give you the best possible advice on how to build a solid foundation for your humor writing future, i.e. a career in writing that lasts! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550293.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Do you need a refresher course in basic punctuation and grammar? Is your business writing, school writing or personal writing a disaster and you're tired of stressing over mistakes? Improper grammar and punctuation is a sign for some people, right or wrong, that you may be less educated or less intelligent. Your writing reflects more about your personality than you realize: it reflects your attention to detail, your education and how you think. Even the most basic writing -- like thank-you notes and emails -- can be sabotaged by just one grammatical error. In the business world, this can give clients the impression that you aren't careful. If your work is as sloppy as your writing, you aren't the person they want to hire or promote. This self-paced course will help you learn what you need to polish your grammar and punctuation skills. Punctuation and Grammar 101 has over 13 lessons divided into two subjects which focus on grammar and punctuation topics. At the end of each lesson will be a brief quiz and/or assignment based on the lesson material. Your knowledgeable and caring instructor will review and grade all work and you can ask questions anytime. Isn't it time to finally master the critical writing skills of grammar and punctuation? So join us today. As always, you can attend this course at the times that fit your schedule. Our system requires no special software or hardware, so why not enroll today and become informed and inspired? http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550260.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction ESL Basic Writing Skills Do you use your Spell Check on your computer obsessively? Are you afraid to write anything without a dictionary or computer spelling program? Are you receiving low grades on schoolwork because of poor spelling? Are your business emails filled with embarrassing spelling errors? Well then, it sounds like you can use this online course! Spelling 101 will help improve your spelling abilities in American English. This course will teach you how to avoid misspellings by recognizing spelling errors quickly. We'll review not only the basic rules of spelling but also the most common spelling 'trouble spots' (commonly missed words and word patterns). We'll also discuss those tricky synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, suffixes and prefixes. This class is self-paced and practice exercises are reviewed by the instructor with feedback. You set your own learning schedule so there's no pressure. Why not learn to write error-free English, and improve your grades or help with the quality of your professional writing? So join us today, and let's improve your spelling skills. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550259.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction ESL Basic Writing Skills Do you hear stirring speeches that inspire to go out and take to heart what the speaker was talking about? Do you wonder how some people can sell nearly anything simply by how they talk? If you do, then chances are you are wondering about being persuasive. Being persuasive is one of the greatest skills you can have, because a true master of persuasion can convince people to do nearly anything. Every great politician, army general, business leader and community organizer have been experts at persuasion because they have to inspire you to follow them. You too can be an expert at persuasion. In fact, you can learn to be an expert in the most difficult type of persuasion: written persuasion . Being an expert at written persuasion means you have the ability to convince people not with your verbal skills, but with your written skills. Whether it is a business proposal, letter to the editor, advertisement, or even an essay, you will have the ability thanks to this comprehensive online course on how to persuade people with your written words. By utilizing the tools within this Persuasive Writing Techniques class, you will find everything in your life increases, from your potential pay as you begin impressing bosses with your persuasive writing, to purchasing cars because you will know the persuasion tricks before they happen to you. Learning persuasion techniques can be one of the best skills you ever develop for yourself. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550210.htm Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT C. Addington Writing Tools Writing Improvement Basic Writing Skills If you're a reader and thought you might like to try your hand at short story writing but just don't know how to get started, this course will help! We'll take you through the entire processand#8230;preparing your mind, getting ideas on paper, and help you through the editing and proofing process. You'll learn new skills, and find new ways to express yourself. As you advance through this course, you're going to learn the correct way to write a short story. More than that, you're going to learn the aspects of every good short story as well as learn how to create your own wonderful works! Amateur short story writers try to write their stories like miniature novels. Their stories read as either an excerpt or a condensed novel. Unfortunately, undisciplined writers do not write short stories that are complete. They overlook the fundamentals--such as--what sets the short story apart from a novel, and why one can never be substituted for the other. This course will show you how to write effectively and creatively. So join us today! And let's write some short stories that people will want to read! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550283.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Basic Writing Skills Speaking in front of a group of people is one of the most common fears people experience. In fact, it may be more feared than death...or even spiders . Yet being able to present ourselves, our companies, our ideas and products to others is one of the most essential skills to have in life. The ability to communicate our ideas effectively helps other people catch our enthusiasm--and without that enthusiasm and support of others, many great projects would never get off the ground. During the course of this training, we will discuss exactly what a presentation is and how improving your public speaking skills can positively influence many different aspects of your life. We will talk about understanding the situation at hand, knowing your audience, and believing in your subject matter. Then, we will present strategies for researching, organizing, and developing your presentation. We'll also discuss some techniques to help you deliver a confident presentation and review what you can do in the future to improve your presentations skills for the long-term, making each future presentation you do, easier on you and more rewarding for those attending. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550101.htm Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Basic Writing Skills 'Creative Energy-Flow and the Written Word' is an attempt to capture what cannot be held in hand or thought--the elusive riddle of human creativity as we find it in our writing. Here we look at various forms and genres (books, dramas and plays, poetry, essays, film-writing, stories in general, etc.) as they relate to the creative impulse. We also talk about the Writer's Voice and personality, writing as therapy, illusions about writing, legend and mythos, and other areas where a creative writer may find inspiration, advice or enlightening conjecture. This self-paced course is offered to writers everywhere with hat-in-hand, for what it may be worth. Test and review questions, and also lesson exercises are included at the end of each lesson to build mastery. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550281.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Literature Basic Writing Skills This self-paced online course will provide a review of the grammar and writing skills necessary when taking any high school or college test, or with your everyday work-related writing and correspondence. Divided up into twelve easy-to-understand lessons, this grammar course concentrates on usage, the mechanics of a sentence, spelling, and a general review of grammatical problem areas. Each lesson focuses on frequent errors, gives examples, suggests strategies, and offers further study guides. This course is ideal for all types of students who want to get an edge on taking a high school, college, or a job related English exam and anyone wishing to update their grammar skills. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550254.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing Creative Fiction ESL If you have ever dreamed of being a freelance writer this course is for you. Get started today learning about this exciting field and in no time you can be on your way to earning a living, extra income, and more, by doing something that you love and#8211; writing! Chock-full of all the inside information you need to understand the career field and be successful in it, this course can teach you what freelancing writing is, how much you can expect to make, how to find markets, creating successful queries, what to do once you get an assignment, and how to market your skills. You will also learn some of the tools of the trade that will help you be successful, such as how to build a portfolio, where to get ideas and topics from, common writing rules that are outdated, and various ways you can increase your earnings as a writer. This course will not only give you a look at everything you need to know to become a freelance writer, but when you finish, you will be ready to put what you learn into action to build a freelance writing career. Whether you would like to freelance on a full time basis, do it to supplement your current income, or learn freelance writing skills to get your product or service noticed, this is the place to start! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550289.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing Creative Fiction Communication is vital in today's society. It is not enough to merely be able to speak and understand spoken English. In the United States, writing English is often a necessary skill in many job industries and fields. In order to develop practical writing skills, one must understand the basics of English grammar and sentence structure. Learning essential vocabulary and continually expanding knowledge is one of the best ways to succeed, both in personal and professional lives. Learning how to write English may be difficult for many individuals, and takes much practice and patience. ESL students as well as native English speakers who wish to improve their writing skills need to have a basic understanding of grammar structure, tense usage, vocabulary, and how to commit thought processes and ideas onto paper. This ESL basic writing course will help you improve your writing skills through lesson plans and samples that explain many grammatical style rules and functions in easy-to-understand examples and skill-building usage. This course will also help students learn to write natural and clear sentences, as well as help in composing personal and business letters to better increase job skills and communication. In today's modern world, increasing proficiency and clarity of the written language is fundamental in all human communication. In order to write well, you must practice concepts that involve grammatical structure, voice, style, and vocabulary usage. This course will carefully guide you through the basic structures and rules of the English language and focus on improving skills that are necessary in order to write clearly and accurately. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550265.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Improvement ESL Basic Writing Skills Essays are a vital part of writing, both in academic circles and in many professions. Being able to write good essays is a rare ability and those that can demonstrate a mastery of this writing form will quickly distinguish themselves from those who write poorly. In school, this can be the difference between a good or bad grade; in industry, it can mean being passed over for a promotion, creating a safety hazard, or even limiting an applicant's prospective job pool. Learning to write good essays will boost academic performance in school and college, but will also be a valuable skill in today's increasingly competitive job market. Creating concise, informative, and compelling essays can form the basis of many careers, such as authoring non-fiction books, getting into print journalism, writing legal briefs, rendering judicial opinions, or just creating some persuasive advertising text for a business. The ability to write a good essay is a foundational block that can unlock numerous opportunities. This course will examine the nature, history, and structure of essays; the various types of essays; and provide a refresher course in English grammar, focusing on the parts of speech and rules for good syntax. Furthermore, examples will be provided of both good and poor writing, as well as common mistakes to avoid when creating an essay. When completed, this course will enable the student to better understand how good essays are written and how to go about writing them for academic or professional use. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550264.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Improvement Literature ESL Basic Writing Skills Getting a book published can be one of the most exciting things you will ever do. It can also be one of the most frustrating. Not only is the book industry incredibly specific about how they want you to go about approaching editors, literary agents, and other publishing professionals, but you have to compete with thousands of other aspiring authors. This course will explore what you need to do to transition from a completed manuscript or nonfiction book idea to book publication, including traditional avenues, options in self-publication, and even ebook applications. It includes everything you need to know about crafting the perfect query letter, creating a nonfiction book proposal, and even what to do in the face of rejection letters. With a comprehensive list of resources to top it all off, there is no better place to turn for learning how to get your book on the shelves and into the hands of readers. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550273.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Literature Did you realize that you are most probably an experienced grant writer already? 'NO' , you say, 'I've never written a grant in my life before' -- but you have. Most people out there have asked somebody, at some time, for something in writing (one way or another), so you have most likely followed some of the basic principles and procedures of putting a good case forward for something you want (and not necessarily for money). And basically that is what a grant proposal is all about. Okay, there's a little more to it than that--but the techniques you consciously (or unconsciously) learned when putting together those requests, when submitting them and SUCCEEDING, are a fabulous place to begin. BUT obviously you need to polish up that gem by building on the basics, learning the techniques, and following the requirements and conditions for writing successful grant proposals. And there is no better place to start than with this course. It doesn't supply all the answers, no one source does, but it's approach to the subject of grant writing is clear, straightforward, and easy to understand. It doesn't matter whether you are looking at grant writing just as a means of helping your child's school, or looking at it as a part or full-time career. You can and will be successful if you set your mind to it and invest a little of your time in carefully going through this course, researching sites suggested in it, and building from there. Join us today, and let's learn how to write a successful grant proposal! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550155.htm Thu, 5 Feb 2009 14:23:09 GMT D. Mithaug Writing Tools Have you ever been reading a newspaper or listening to a commentary and been confronted with a word you didn't know -- like for instance, plethora ? Over the years, you've seen and heard this word 20 times but you don't quite manage to remember the definition or use the word yourself when writing or speaking. You were supposed to have learned all this vocabulary stuff in high school or college but maybe you were absent that day? Well, It's never to late to fill in some of the gaps. Increase your vocabulary at your own pace! Memorize just 10 words a day - or a week - whatever works for your schedule. In some cases it's not really memory work - it's just 'refreshing'. Amaze your business associates, family, friends, and (more importantly) yourself by enhancing your conversational skills. Not only will you avoid the embarrassment of misusing or mispronouncing words, but also with the right vocabulary you may impress others with your dexterous and inventive handling of important concepts without being considered a show-off. Plus vocabulary enrichment does wonders for your self-esteem and certainly has the added benefits of helping with crossword puzzles and Trivial Pursuit. Through these interactive lessons, which have divided up ten different words in twenty lessons, you will learn interesting and relevant vocabulary. Words used frequently by 'experts' to describe various cultures, words used in restaurants, words used in economics and business, legal words, technology terms, psychological jargon and much more. You'll not only practice using the words in a sentence you create, you'll also be writing short paragraphs with some of the words. Although the course emphasis is on vocabulary building, you'll have the added bonus of receiving some general writing assistance. So join the class and retain some of those words you once learned and promptly forgot. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550253.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Literature Have you ever admired the rhythm and rhymes of famous poets such as Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson? Have you ever wanted to express your ideas in sharp, concise language? Have you ever wanted to express your feelings to friends or loved ones, or create a special poem for an event or gathering? If so, then this Poetry Writing Basics class is right for you. In this class, we will be looking at the basic tools of poetry, such as imagery, metaphor, concrete language, rhythm, and description, as well as different schools of contemporary poetry. We will be using assignment prompts and model poems to help you to write your own poetry and come up with ideas for future work. For this class, a basic interest in poetry and proficiency in English is required. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33593.htm Mon, 3 Dec 2007 16:33:06 GMT L. Trent Writing Tools Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Literature An introduction to the tools of poetry: imagery, metaphor, sound, rhythm, rhyme, and form. By the end of the course, students should have a clear understanding of what makes a poem a poem, as well as a handful of new poems that they have written. Through a series of six lessons, we will hit upon the essential tools for creating a poem: imagery, metaphor, sound, rhythm, rhyme, and form. Each lesson expands upon the previous lesson to show the interconnectivity of these essential tools, but each one also looks at the tool in and of itself. In the process, we will look at how these tools are used in various poems, by means of definitions, explanations, and examples. The focus is not on poetic terms, but on processes; while designed for the beginning poet, the course would also be a good brush-up for intermediate and even advanced poets. Lesson by lesson, you will then apply these tools to poems of your own creation through assignments. So that we can all learn from each other, these original poems will be posted and 'workshopped,' meaning not only will you write poems, but you will comment on others' poems. Similarly, you will receive feedback from others on your own poems. Think of the workshop aspect as one of 'constructive criticism,' a means of creative revision, of growing as a poet. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/4129.htm Thu, 6 Jun 2002 09:08:58 GMT S. Wiggerman Writing Tools Writing Poetry Literature This online course will prepare you to take the Language Arts, Writing Part 1 portion of the GED (General Educational Development) test. The testing format is explained and broken down to highlight just the content the Language Arts part of the exam will cover. The class will provide study resources for students including test strategies, practice tests, practical assignments and researched netlinks attached to many exam topics to be read at your own leisure. This course will also explain the role of usage, mechanics and organization in sentences, plus show you frequent sentence structure logic and typical spelling errors. This course will focus on the Language Arts, Writing, Part 1 of the GED exam. Other courses in this preparation series include: 10767 - GED Preparation for the Social Studies Exam 13887 - GED Preparation for the Science Exam 16033 - GED Preparation for the Math Exam 14175 - GED Preparation for the Essay -or the complete study of the GED exam- 5298 - GED Preparation http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30427.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT H. Bryant Writing Tools Literature This test prep course will focus on the basic skills necessary to successfully complete the GED essay (GED Language and Arts Writing Test Part 2). The majority of students preparing to take a GED test will often have the greatest problem with the essay exam. GED students often lack the confidence, the experience, and the skills required to write a passing essay. This course will provide each of these factors; and GED students will gain the confidence (because of course informational tips and strategies), and gain experience and skills (with the course writing essay practice and grammar review) to successfully tackle the GED essay test. This course will focus on the Essay portion of the GED exam. Other courses in this preparation series include: 10767 - GED Preparation for the Social Studies Exam 13887 - GED Preparation for the Science Exam 16033 - GED Preparation for the Math Exam 14355 - GED Preparation for the Language Arts, Writing, Part 1 -or the complete study of the GED exam- 5298 - GED Preparation http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30426.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT H. Bryant Writing Tools This course will teach you the best places to find book reviews online. It will also cover writing book reviews and marketing them to publications. The only requirements for the course are a love of reading and decent writing skills. Thanks to the popularity of the Internet and electronic books, book reviewers are needed more than ever before. So it's good skill to have if you want to be a writer, and even if you don't want to be a professional writer, learn how to write what you want to say about your favorite book, and wow them on Amazon.com reader reviews or in your book clubs. Remember book reviewers often get free books. The instructor Niki Taylor has degrees in English and Library Science and is a freelance writer/book reviewer who has written reviews for websites and magazines. You can work at your own pace with this course. There's no set class time. Let her take you from reader to reviewer. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/3830.htm Mon, 22 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT N. Taylor Writing Tools Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Literature Many people are acquainted with some elements of composition, but not the necessary skills to succeed in a college level course. Why waste $200.00 - $400.00 on a college composition course and fail because then you will have to pay again to retake the course for your degree. When you can take this course for a fraction of the cost and succeed in this course and in a college composition. The focus of this course is to provide the student with the necessary skills needed to accomplish writing effective college essays. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/13384.htm Tue, 15 Feb 2005 14:21:16 GMT C. Densmore, MA, ABD This is a basic, nuts-and-bolts course, for people who wish to write screenplays, but don't know much about it. Because screenwriting is demanding both technically and in the market for jobs and sales, 'Getting Into The Screenwriting Game to Win' attempts to go through each essential aspect needed for a beginner to get started, stick with it, and yes, make a sale or get a job. In this course you will learn basic rules and skills. There's no excuse for a poorly formatted script, you're really only wasting your time. Traditional three-act structure for film-stores can be debated endlessly, but it works, it's very functional, it's fairly easy to understand, and you can't neglect at least a passing familiarity with this mode of expression for your stories. Get in touch with the industry, the markets, what's selling, where to find opportunities, how to deal with people. Approach your work standards and work environment seriously, because you'll be spending a lot of time there. If you get a deal, don't get screwed for careless anticipation of the money involved, and if you get screwed, don't be surprised. And remember that if you can't make it to the top and win an Oscar for some super-big film you wrote, it's still a wonderful way to make a buck at your computer doing smaller gigs and 'for-hire' work. Screenwriting is also therapy. It's good for you, and your imagination and thoughts will develop wonderfully as you work through each visualization---but be sensitive to the audience, don't exploit our world with endless images of violence and gore (at least not without a reason), and don't hop in bed with unethical projects or money-sources just because you can. It's a wild world for films and film-makers---stay on the bright side and keep it safe and legal. The hope is that for the beginner, this course presents a working knowledge of what is needed to get started writing screenplays in a realistic and informed way. Beyond this, you're now free to roam where no screenwriter has gone before---and what a wonder it is to wonder. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550280.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Creative Fiction Whether you are learning English as a second language or are a native speaker striving to improve your English and writing skills, understanding proper grammar rules and guidelines are the essential building blocks to creating clear and understandable thought processes and ideas. This ESL basic grammar course will provide an introduction into the basics of English grammar. We'll cover many relevant topics, including sentence structure, writing basics, as well as review basic English structure in the form of nouns, verbs, prepositions, adjectives and adverbs. English grammar is essential to promoting communication, both verbally and in writing. It is a necessary aspect of many jobs and careers. Understanding the proper way to communicate helps to promote self-confidence, increase skill levels, and ensure job advancement and promotion. While many of us were taught the basics of English grammar in elementary school, very few adults in the 21st century understand the basic concepts of how to create cohesive and complete sentences--let alone complete term papers, thesis papers, or doctoral dissertations. Native English speakers as well as those learning English will benefit from the examples and reviews of basic English grammar structure and foundations presented throughout this course. Don't think of English grammar as boring, but as a building block to greater understanding, enhanced skill levels, and stepping stones to better jobs and greater earnings. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550267.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Improvement ESL Basic Writing Skills This course will provide the learner with a better understanding of the underlying concepts needed to improve the reading skills in children and adults. Through readings, lessons, quizzes and independent explorations, the learner will leave the course with more complete understanding of the development of reading skills from preschool through adulthood and begin to be able to think about specific strategies which could be utilized to increase the skills and development of anyone's reading. Websites are also provided to help the learner further explore the topics on his/her own. At the end of this unit, the learner will be able to describe some of the basic underlying principles of reading development, activities which can be incorporated to increase skill levels, and the importance of developing reading throughout life. Those undertaking this unit will also be able to demonstrate the following learning objectives: Students will be able to identify the purpose and value of improving reading skills. Students will be able to identify and define the major components of reading instruction Students will be able to apply strategies to improve reading skills in each of the major components of reading instruction. Students will be able to transfer knowledge learned about reading development into their own personal experiences or that of others to increase reading skills. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550266.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing for Children Basic Writing Skills Marketing a company's products and services to potential and existing customers is not only necessary, but a key ingredient to growing sales. Outreach marketing is the facet of marketing in which a company representative actively seeks out potential leads by meeting with local businesses or the public, speaking at local events, or getting involved with the local chamber of commerce. By networking and creating a lead base you are opening doors for your business and others. You need not spend an immense amount of money all the time to market your products and services, but by working smarter, and connecting with the right people you can generate business and that is priceless. Marketing in a sense is building relationships, and through those relationships you can gain viable resources that will contribute to your success. In this course you will learn how to increase business sales. Topics covered include: Outreach Marketing for Your Business Type, How Outreach Marketing Can Drive Sales, Approaching Outreach Marketing Contacts for the First Time, Follow Up and Maintaining a Rapport, Marketing and Advertising Working Together, Incorporating a Referral Program into Your Marketing Plan, Outreach Marketing Via Online Sources, Tracking Outreach Marketing Success, and Other Marketing Successes. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550171.htm Mon, 5 Jan 2009 13:44:20 GMT C. Addington Writing Tools Do you dream of writing poetry, short stories, or novels? Have you ever watched a movie or a play and felt the desire to write a script of your own? Or have you already done some writing but want to find ways to bring more creativity, more originality, to your writing? Have you ever read a so-so novel or seen a lousy movie and told yourself, 'I bet I could do better?' Do you find yourself excited and intrigued by words, and by their sounds and meanings? If you said yes to any of these questions, then this course is for you. A creative writer makes art just as a painter or sculptor does, but with different tools. Instead of brushes, canvas, and pigments, the writer uses words. While the painter produces a painting we can see in front of us, the writer makes magic of a different sort. With a simple palette of letters and punctuation - just lines and symbols scratched on paper or scattered on a computer screen - the writer can create pictures and even entire worlds within a reader's mind. There are many forms of creative writing, from fiction, to poetry, to stage play and screenplay. Within each form there are countless genres and flavors. As a writer, you can (and should) try your hand at as many forms as you like, or you can specialize in one. There are techniques and practices that are common to all forms of creative writing, and we will discuss those here. We will also touch on the challenges and techniques that make writing in the different forms unique. Throughout this course, you will find numerous exercises designed to get your brain - and your hand - moving. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550286.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction This ESL basic grammar and writing course will provide an introduction to the basics of American English grammar and writing. We'll be covering the following topics in detail: - review the basic English structure in the form of nouns, verbs, prepositions, adjectives and adverbs - review the proper use of pronouns, prepositions, and conjunctions - practice sentence structure and mastering subject-verb agreement - cover writing basics - improve reading comprehension - increase your vocabulary - learn how to write clearly and more effectively - learn how to organize your thoughts and write a personal or business letter Whether you are learning English as a second language or are a native speaker striving to improve your English and writing skills, using proper grammar rules and writing guidelines are essential building blocks to creating clear and understandable thought processes and ideas. Communication is vital in today's society. It is not enough to merely be able to speak and understand spoken English. In the United States, English writing and comprehension is a necessary job skill for nearly all job industries and career paths. In order to develop practical writing skills, you must understand the basics of English grammar and sentence structure. Knowing the proper way to communicate in a wide range of fields will help promote your self-confidence, increase your skill levels, and ensure your job advancement and promotion. This course will guide you through the basic grammar structures and rules as well as focus on improving the necessary skills leading to clear and accurate writing. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550269.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Improvement ESL Basic Writing Skills This poetry course is created for the lover of poetry who wants to learn how to appreciate the art even more. It is also for student poets who want to improve their craft. This course is thorough in teaching all students everything they need to know about reading, interpreting, and writing poetry. This course is a must-take for any budding poet out there who wants to hone their skills and learn to write high quality, great poetry that others will appreciate. Through various assignments and essays, each student will learn to do the following: Determine and understand the meanings of poems. Recognize and utilize the devices used in writing poetry. Understand the theory and history of poetry to strengthen their skills and appreciation. Write different types of poetry. Become a skilled, knowledgeable poet or lover of the art. Identify different types of poetry. Create a chapbook suitable for publication. And much more. Poetry is a verbal art form that requires both understanding and appreciation to master. Simply reading a few poems and having their meanings explained to you is not nearly enough to fully appreciate poetry and#8211; or to become a great poet. That is why this course will provide each student with a great deal of lessons, explanations, essays and assignments to deepen understanding and apply what has been learned. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550295.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing for Children Writing Creative Fiction Literature Basic Writing Skills There you are, cold-calling yet another sales prospect. Your verbal pitch is pure gold; your prospect is attentive--interested--and seems ready to buy. But just as you're about to close the deal, you hear that eternal refrain: ' Send me something in writing!' And the line goes dead. What do you do now? Oh, we're so glad you askedand#8230; This SALES, MARKETING and ADVERTISING WRITING course will demonstrate that virtually every sale depends on the written wordand#8230;ranging from a three-word caption in a movie poster, to a multi-page booklet that covers every conceivable aspect of a product. It will also demonstrate that when used properly, the written word can be your least expensive yet hardest-working employee, willing to work in any number of formats to bring in millions in revenue. When used improperlyand#8230; or not used at alland#8230;the written word can cost you millions. The ability to write all three subjects effectively is crucial to success in any businessand#8230;and, in fact, life itselfand#8230;for what is a resume if not an and#8216;advertisement' for oneself? While Sales, Marketing, and Advertising are often considered separate entities within the business world, they do in fact influence each other, and are dependent on each other. Without properly written Marketing materials, crucial time and resources are lost as a product or service is presented to the wrong consumersand#8230;.or the right consumers in the wrong manner. Without effective Advertising copy, consumers are oblivious to the product or service's existenceand#8230;or, worse, notice it in a negative light. A savvy sales professional may be able to initiate a sale through mere spoken words, but without well-written sales materials to back them up, such sales will be few, and the company and#8216;dies on the vine' for lack of income. Proper business writing can, and should, combine these three elements. But since these three crucial business elements tend to flow sequentially--a product or service is marketed, then advertised, then sold--the course will duplicate this and#8216;flow', with examples of marketing writing, advertising copy, and sales materials. We will define each element and its influence and dependence on the others, then demonstrate its place in the business cycle. We will show you the words to use, and as many formats as possible. Mastery of these three elements of business writing will ensure you're a creative employee that your company can't afford to lose, or will ensure that your own business soars to the top. It can also enhance your life in other ways--the properly written and#8216;personal ad' might just catch the attention of and#8216;Mr. or Ms. Right'! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550287.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement One of the most important and intimidating steps in the job search process is writing a solid resume that gets the attention you want and need. Unfortunately, many job seekers get overwhelmed before they even get started. The result is poorly-written resumes that are built on top of templates that don't do the job seeker any good. Today, resumes must appeal to potential employers while also being optimized for the electronic age. Whether you are handing a resume over in person or are emailing an electronic copy to be added to an online database, the words you use and the formatting you choose will make a big difference in whether or not you get that interview. This course teaches you not just what a resume should look like, but what it should say. It walks you step-by-step through the creation of the most common sections found on resumes in today's job market. In addition to helping you determine what information should be included, it also goes a step further to help you realize what pitfalls to avoid when creating this powerful, job-searching tool. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550211.htm Tue, 3 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT S. Patel Writing Tools Writing Improvement Basic Writing Skills The famous Ayn Rand once wrote, 'Like every human activity, writing requires practice and knowledge. But there is nothing mystical about it. Any person who can speak English grammatically can learn to write nonfiction.' This is as true today as when Ms. Rand first penned it, and you will find it true for you as well as you begin to venture into the world of writing. Nonfiction writing is the most common and broadly dispersed form of writing known to mankind. Nonfiction is based in truth, experience, events or in all of them. It is what the reporter reports; what the biographer writes; what the course writer explains. Everything that is not imagination and invented by the creative mind is nonfiction. This course is designed to take you beyond the basics and to guide you through the writing process to the finish line. In the course, you will learn how to think like an editor, how to choose your subject matter and examine your competition. You will learn how to structure your writing and what to do when you inevitably hit the infamous 'writer's block.' If you have basic writing skills and if you follow the course content, you should be ready to submit your writing by the end of the course material. You will know what to do with your article or book when you are finished and how to polish it for presentation to a publisher. Remember, 'Writers Write' and#8211; so get to writing! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550291.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Basic Writing Skills Writing a romance novel is the dream of many people all over the world. It's no wonder: as the most popular fiction genre in the United States for the past three decades, there are more opportunities in romantic fiction than ever before. What's unique about the romance genre is that it is a very specialized industry. There are standards for plot, characterization, novel length, and even formatting that are required before most literary agents or publishers will even consider turning your manuscript into a published novel. Most readers know exactly what they expect from a romance novel, and you have to meet these expectations in order to succeed. This course will take you through everything you need to know to write the kind of romance novel that gets noticed. From creating a hero and heroine that sizzle to understanding point-of-view and knowing where to go for more resources, you'll get access to insider information on making the most out of your manuscript. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550290.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Poetry Writing Improvement Writing Creative Fiction Basic Writing Skills Travel writing is a fun, interesting and fulfilling career. If your goal is to become a full-time travel writer who is able to live off your income from writing alone, it is important to understand that travel writing, like any other career, requires you to develop specific skills and to have perseverance in order to succeed. There is a lot of competition in the field of travel writing. Some highly successful writers in this genre have compared their climb to success with those who aspire to become actors, songwriters or musicians. In other words, most aspiring writers work at other jobs while they build a reputation strong enough to financially support themselves on payment for their writing alone. How long it takes you to achieve that goal is dependent upon how ambitious you are and how well you write, but the average is between three and six years. Alternatively, you may only wish to earn extra money as a travel writer and continue working in the field you are already in; perhaps you travel frequently for your current job and feel you have a lot to share with others about the places you visit. You can create a great additional source of income as a travel writer this way. Whether it is a full or part-time profession you desire, this course will help you get started, provide you with the necessary information you need to build a strong portfolio, as well as improve your overall skill set required to succeed in the travel writing industry. So join us today! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550222.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement This course is perfect for those who have an interest in either Creative Writing or the Mystery Genre . If you love to write and want to move into this popular genre, or you love to read a great mystery and have often thought you could do it, this course is for you. Taking you through the processes of creating your Mystery Novel, this course begins by looking at the mystery genre itself and examining this type of writing attribute. We'll then move on to helping you become inspired and motivated as you get started. We'll also focus on some of the important elements of a good mystery--the setting, the characters, the plot, etc.--and help you to become familiar with all the tools the mystery writer uses to create multi-layered, addictive mystery fiction that a reader just cannot put down. Our innovative writing exercises will get your creative juices flowing by bringing out the writer in you and sparking new ideas. Additionally, there are questions after each lesson which will allow you to recap what you have learned and test your knowledge. The entire course is designed to offer you great information in a way that will get you thinking about your own mystery and personal writing practices. Whatever your age, experience or level of ability, this course constantly challenges and informs you so that your writing can't fail to improve and you will learn how to stay motivated and inspired through the entire writing process. For new, aspiring writers--become the mystery writer you have always wanted to be! And for seasoned writers looking to expand their horizons--we'll help strengthen your writing abilities with this very informative course. So join us today! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550292.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT M. Merritt Writing Tools Writing Improvement Writing Creative Fiction Communication influences all factors of your life. From daily interactions with strangers on the street to the way you present yourself in the board room, the way you communicate is a reflection of who you are and the way you establish relationships with those around you. Although there are many sides to communication (including verbal interactions, nonverbal cues, and even using technology to maximize impact), there are a few basic fundamentals that span across the nation and around the globe. By understanding the way you communicate and increasing your knowledge of conflict resolution and negotiation, you can increase your probability for success with others. Whether you are working in the business community, strengthening your personal relationships, or simply seeking to increase your comfort in reaching out to others as a whole, effective communication is your bridge from potentially hazardous misunderstandings to personal--and professional--success. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550121.htm Sun, 25 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Basic Writing Skills It doesn't matter if you've never used MS Word before or you just want to familiarize yourself with MS Word 2003. This course teaches you all the basics of MS Word, from doing simply functions like typing in the text area to formatting text, to give the beginner all the instruction needed to be proficient. To make it even easier, screenshots are provided to help you navigate and see first-hand the many features of MS Word 2003. However, this course doesn't stop there. After explaining and reviewing the basics of MS Word 2003, it goes more in-depth and covers advanced tools and techniques. Learn how to: Navigate MS Word 2003 Format text Do simply editing tasks Proofread using MS Word 2003 Create charts, diagrams, and tables Create mailing lists Add security to documents And much more! If you're an experienced Word user, you will vastly improve your skills by learning new shortcuts and features in MS Word 2003. And if you're an amateur, don't worry about a thing! You're just 11 lessons away from being able to use MS Word 2003 like a pro! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550091.htm Sun, 6 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT S. Mellencamp Writing Tools Basic Writing Skills This Microsoft Word 2007 course is not only designed to give the experienced MS Word user a tour of the new version of Word, but to also introduce new MS Word users to a comprehensive look at the features and utilities that this word processing software offers. It doesn't matter if you're new to MS Word or an experienced user, this comprehensive course teaches the most basic features as well as focuses on the more advanced tools that all students will find useful. Additionally, this course introduces new features exclusive to MS Word 2007, as well as includes detailed instructions on how to use them. You'll learn: Your way around the toolbars and menus. Basic editing features. Comprehensive editing features. How to insert items into a document. How to create and edit tables. Macros. And much, much more! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550073.htm Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT S. Mellencamp Writing Tools Basic Writing Skills Most CPAs will tell you that the number one mistake people make in starting a new business is that they fail to write a business plan. Without a written set of plans and directions, a new business will struggle on many levels. You may start out doing well only to find yourself shipwrecked a year into your work. On the other hand, you may sit and struggle to ever get your business off of the ground and productive. You may find yourself struggling with small things that have simple solutions and for which the answers are easy to implement. But if your plan is not written, then you don't have a clear vision in a very literal sense of the word. A well written business plan takes time, patience, detail, research, and a right approach to presentation. This course will walk you through the process of writing your business plan. You will learn why certain details are vitally important, which parts of your business plan can make or break your finance query with investors, and how to sharpen your public presentation of your company and its business. You will also learn some writing tricks to help you create a polished written plan without necessarily having to hire someone to write it for you. At the end of this course, you should have enough information to make a well informed effort in writing your business plan. Happy planning! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550132.htm Sun, 8 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT C. Addington Writing Tools Basic Writing Skills Reading is the process of absorbing the written word. Whether in English or another language, reading is an essential part of communication between human beings. Reading comprehension is the ability to process, think through and connect ideas that are expressed on paper. Reading may be achieved through a variety of methods and techniques that best suit individual learners and students of all ages and levels. This reading basics course is designed to help students increase their reading speed as well as their ability to comprehend content, directions, and absorb materials for retention. Whether a student is taking this course to increase reading skills as a second or foreign language or by native English speakers wishing to increase their comprehension of a wide variety of materials, students will be introduced to different techniques and materials to do so. Whether a student needs to increase his or her comprehension for work environments, pleasure, or school, styles of approach, engagement, as well as the potential of using a wide variety of resources and tools are explored in this course. From learning the basics of reading comprehension such as decoding and retention to understanding how vocabulary is created and using the Internet to improve reading skills, this course offers students a basic and solid foundation in reading multiple types of materials for a wide range of daily living scenarios and needs. Understanding the difficulties that may face many students, as focused on helping students gain the most from their reading experiences, this reading basics course is designed to encourage students to excel in their reading adventures and endeavors. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550268.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing for Children Basic Writing Skills World War II was a conflict like no other in human history. Everything that had made the First World War such a monumental event was soon eclipsed by the colossal scale and impact of the next. World War II involved more nations and soldiers than any major war before or since. The technology was grander and more deadly. The villains were easily identifiable, worthy adversaries bent on global domination. The resistance to the Axis Powers; comprised of Germany, Japan, and Italy; was pushed to their limit in terms of providing soldiers and war materiel. The epic battles of World War II on land, through the air, and at sea were waged with ferocity unlike any other war--on two fronts. The political and economic fallout from the First World War and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles did not bring about the lasting peace that was hoped. Rather, the outcome of World War I left the German nation a major power in Europe--and bitter over their defeat. The worldwide effects of the Great Depression had a major impact on the United States, Great Britain, France, and Germany, but the effects were most notably felt in Germany. This discontent led to the rise of Adolf Hitler, his Nazi Party, and the creation of the Axis. Determined to re-establish Germany as the true superpower in Europe, the Germany military sprung into action, conquering large amounts of Western Europe before many of the neighboring countries could realize what had happened. At the same time, Italy invaded North Africa and Japan began to expand its influence by conquering many islands in the Pacific. The effects of World War II cannot be underestimated, as they still impact lives and nations to this very day. The political re-structuring that occurred following the defeat of the Axis Powers left the world a very different place: the creation and use of nuclear arms, the establishment of the nation-state of Israel, the division of much of Eastern Europe, the rapid expansion of Communism throughout much of Asia and Europe, the division of Germany, America's rise to superpower status, and far more. Clearly, the impact of this greatest of wars cannot be emphasized enough. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550052.htm Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT E. Mackerson Literature Do you feel totally clueless when it comes to Greek Mythology? Do you often say to yourself: 'It's all Greek to me'? You were supposed to learn this stuff in school but classical mythology isn't really taught anymore in elementary or secondary schools. This basic self-paced course can help. Greek Mythology will give you an overview of the huge collection of stories explaining the creation of the world and the lives of the gods, goddesses, heroes and heroines. The scope of the Greek myths is astounding. Starting with the birth of the world, through bloody wars like Troy and Thebes , heroic acts of Hercules and childish pranks by Hermes, and the touching stories of mother love in Demeter and Persephone. Greek myths have passionate love stories, adventure stories, superhuman tales, fairy tales, magical stories, tales of gods and monsters and beasts and stories of witchcraft and sorcery. We've inherited these myths in the form of art and literature. It's really entertaining to discover them. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/31958.htm Sun, 14 Jan 2007 16:20:13 GMT D. Kapoor Literature Reading and learning about American literature is synonymous with understanding the history and culture of a nation that has undergone dramatic social, economic, and cultural change in its relatively short history. This course is a reveiw of the literature of America and the people who made it, from earliest days to the present. Learn about the major literary movements; realism, romanticism and transcendentalism and the authors who have contributed significantly to the development of American literature in its different aspects. If you're looking for test prep or review for school or college or just interested in understanding the changes in American literature for your general educational enhancement, this course will meet your needs. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/31641.htm Tue, 28 Nov 2006 23:07:07 GMT A. Burlington Literature Unlike anything that had gone before it, the first great conflagration of the twentieth century was to set a precedent for all wars to follow. Involving nations from around the globe, the world had never seen a military conflict on this scale. This brutal struggle is known by many names: 'the Great War', 'The War to End All Wars', 'the First World War', and 'World War I'. Beginning in 1914 and lasting until 1918, this event would change the face of the world forever. Fought primarily in Europe, World War I claimed the lives of over nine million people and was one of the most deadly military conflicts in history. Much more than just an isolated incident in the history of humankind, the developing political climate in Europe had been brewing for a very long period of time. Alliances were formed, wars were fought over disputed territories, and bitter rivalries were established. What resulted was an epic-scale struggle for the domination of a continent and, perhaps, the world itself. For the first time in the history of warfare, aerial combat was used extensively. The trench-style warfare, complete with artillery fire, barbed wire, and chemical weapons, was unlike any conflict ever seen before. The aftermath of this brutal war would resolve little and, ultimately, pave the way for establishment of Nazi Germany and the next World War. In this course, the major issues and causes of the First World War will be discussed, along with a summary of the major battles, powers, and personalities (both military and political) that shaped the events and ultimate outcome of this epic struggle. This information should give the student a working understanding of the basic history of the war and how it helped set the stage for the next tragic global conflict. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550012.htm Wed, 6 Feb 2008 13:11:55 GMT E. Mackerson Literature Dream Interpretation 'A dream that is not interpreted is like a letter that has not been opened. ' ( The Talmud) Across cultures and over the ages -- since the beginning of history -- dreams and their interpretation have both intrigued and bewildered people. From the ancient Greeks and Egyptians (and the peoples before them), to the Sigmund Freud's and Carl Jung's of this world and beyond. That mysterious world we drift into and through, when we sleep, is bound by neither time nor space. It is a land where the impossible becomes possible, and the nonsensical appears completely plausible and practical. IT IS THE LAND OF DREAMS that has neither boundaries nor limitations -- a land where you can, and do, achieve whatever you aim for. BUT as with any other land you need to be able to understand, to be able to speak the language' and that is what this course is all about. We do not claim to cover everything you will want or need to know -- that would be impossible to do and misleading to claim. But after completing the course you will most certainly have the knowledge to make basic sense of your dreams and the ability to begin interpreting them correctly. Fluency will come to you with time, experience and a broadening of your skills. There is so much more we would have liked to include but the contents will most certainly ignite the torches within that will illuminate the way for you. You will learn how to become your own dream interpreter! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550125.htm Mon, 4 May 2009 15:05:24 GMT D. Mithaug Literature American History has been significantly shaped by two major wars: The Revolutionary War and The Civil War. This course will focus on both of these historical events. The American Revolution set the stage for the creation of one of the most powerful and influential countries in the history of the world. Key aspects of the war will be covered: such as the precipitous events that led up to the war, the shot heard around the world, the Battles of Lexington and Concord, portraits of American patriots and loyalists, the Battle of Long Island, portraits of Redcoat (British) generals and leaders, Valley Forge, the Battle of Yorktown, the Treaty of Paris, and more. The Civil War will present the major events and battles in chronological order, discuss the major political issues and philosophies that set the stage for the Civil War, sustained the conflict, and continue to linger on to this day in the hearts and minds of most Americans. A list of the major figures related to the Civil War will also be presented to highlight each notable person's contributions to the struggle itself and to the overall development of our nation. Both of these wars were grim, brutal, and utterly personal. The issues and concerns of both wars had great philosophical and emotional impact that continue to influence and inspire the hearts and minds of politicians, statesmen, combatants, and ordinary citizens even in modern times. No modern politician can ignore or discount the attitudes and mindsets the were forged in the American Revolution and The Civil War --for many of these central beliefs and attitudes continue to thrive in American society, culture, and debate. Each lesson will focus on particular aspects of the conflict, drawing to light important facts and other information relevant to the events at hand. This course is ideal for those seeking review of American History, extra tutoring, test prep, or the non-academic hobbyists and life-long learners. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550144.htm Sun, 1 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT E. Mackerson Literature More people every year are discovering the joy of scrapbooking to capture memories and create unique family and friend albums to keep and share. In this comprehensive guide to scrapbooking, the beginner will learn how to start her scrapbooking hobby without being overwhelmed. Everything from choosing the right supplies to get started to tips for journaling effectively is included in chapters that reflect the wide variety of scrapbooking styles and themes popular today. Scrapbooking 101 also includes a reference section with helpful advice on designing interesting lay-outs, developing an artistic eye and the story-telling aspects of scrapbooking. Original project suggestions are included as well as advice on how to make the time to enjoy your hobby properly. A resource guide with links to online scrapbooking sites that offer support, supplies and networking opportunities gives everyone from the beginner to the most advanced scrapbooker the opportunity to learn more. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550189.htm Sun, 7 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT S. Walker Literature This is a two-part class, the purpose of which is to provide you with the tools necessary to develop your own unit studies course for either homeschool or classroom purposes. Part 1 walks you through the process of building your own unit study course in general terms. Part 2 applies the concepts discussed previously to the topic of baseball and gives you a variety of suggestions for creating a unit study that covers all the major subject areas. During this course, you will learn the purpose of a unit study, how to pick a suitable topic, how to find resources to support it, how to apply your chosen topic across subject areas, and how to research and plan a unit study. These are strategies you can use to build a unit study using any topic you like. To help you apply these concepts more specifically, Part 2 uses all the principles learned in Part I to build a unit study on baseball. You will learn how to turn the sport of baseball into a way to teach U.S. History, race relations in the U.S., Economics, Comparative Social Studies, Art, Science, Music, Math, and Language Arts. You will also learn some helpful strategies for developing a capstone activity: the Field Trip. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550262.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing for Children Speed reading provides you with the tools and information you need to improve not only the speed that you read, but your comprehension and concentration as well. Speed reading will also provide you with effective tools that you can use when you're in a pressure reading situation. Throughout the course, you will find a number reading passages to test your words per minute reading rate as well as your comprehension abilities. A number of drills are also provided so that you can retrain your eyes and expand your vision, which is an essential skill for reading at a much faster rate. Far too many people still read at the same rate they were taught in elementary school and speed reading will help you to break your elementary reading habits. Additionally, you will learn how to break other bad habits that are slowing you down. This includes subvocalization, using your fingers while you read, and reading aloud or under your breath. These are bad habits that many people have developed from poor reading skills and never being taught more effective reading habits. When you learn to speed read, you are able to break these bad habits and improve your reading rate as well as your comprehension of the material. Many people believe that speed reading requires months of training and that you need to work with someone specialized in speed reading. However, with just a few minutes of practicing each day, you are able to improve your reading level, improve your reading rate and comprehension, all on your own. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550263.htm Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A. Raley Writing Tools Writing Improvement Whether you are seeking to raise funds for your non-profit group, a worthy charity, political or religious organization, your local school or to provide community specific aid, this detailed course will provide you with everything you need to know about the basics of fundraising. Although Fundraising 101 is geared towards the novice, even those with past fundraising experience will find useful ideas and the latest information. Fundraising is a fulfilling and worthwhile endeavor, it can also be overwhelming and confusing if you are not sure where to start or how to stay on track. With the magnitude of charities out there soliciting funds from givers it also becomes a difficult task to make your own group stand out from the others. Convincing potential contributors to rally to your cause requires the efforts of several dedicated individuals and substantial organization long before you ever ask that defining question--'Would you please help with your donation?' Making full use of this course in its entirety is the first step in turning the dreaded response ' I gave at the office,' into the much desired 'Sure, I can donate!' http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32862.htm Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT D. Mithaug Writing Tools