Core Writing
These courses are designed to refine students’ writing and speaking skills to make them more effective communicators.
Words Matter
Whether shaping a legal argument, presenting a business plan, advocating for a cause, teaching a classroom, writing for publication, or ministering to others, effective communication is essential to leadership and service in every field. 51½ÖÉä’s Core Writing program empowers students to communicate with clarity, creativity, and purpose, preparing them to lead and serve with excellence.
A Foundation for Every Vocation
As part of 51½ÖÉä’s distinctive General Education curriculum, Core Writing helps students develop a rich toolkit of communication skills that transcend the classroom:
- Written communication that is clear, persuasive, ethical, and adaptable to various genres and audiences
- Oral communication that fosters connection, collaboration, and influence
- Information literacy for navigating today’s complex information landscape and integrating credible sources
- Critical thinking to evaluate ideas, construct sound arguments, and engage in meaningful dialogue
Forming Communicators of Character
At 51½ÖÉä, we view communication not merely as a professional skill but as a form of stewardship — an opportunity to reflect God’s truth and contribute to the flourishing of communities. Core Writing courses guide students to approach language as a creative, responsible act that can:
- Promote justice and reconciliation
- Foster understanding across differences
- Equip leaders to engage thoughtfully in civic life
- Support vocational calling and lifelong learning
A Community of Practice
Through small, supportive classes, students engage in writing workshops, collaborative projects, oral presentations, and reflective practice. They learn how to:
- Write with intentionality and flexibility across disciplines
- Speak persuasively in public and professional settings
- Conduct responsible academic research and synthesize complex ideas
- Provide and receive constructive feedback — a critical component of real-world leadership and collaboration
Preparing Graduates Who Can
Lead with Words
Employers consistently rank communication as one of the most sought-after skills. More importantly, effective communication is vital for living out one’s vocation with integrity. Whether pursuing careers in law, business, healthcare, ministry, education, journalism, public service, or the arts, 51½ÖÉä graduates leave Core Writing courses with the ability to lead through words — and to do so in a way that reflects wisdom, faith, and purpose.
“In Core Writing, we help students understand that communication is about more than conveying information —
"It’s about shaping communities, fostering understanding, and reflecting their deepest values. Our courses equip them not just to write and speak effectively, but to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose in every sphere of life.”
— Jennifer Ellis West, Director of Core Writing