The Writing Center offers four different workshops series: Academic and Professional Writing Workshops, General Writing Workshops, Grammar Hour, and Beyond the Classroom.

Academic and Professional Writing Workshops

The Academic and Professional Writing Workshops are designed to help you with writing issues you might encounter during your time as a student here at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Dissertation Boot Camp

Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013 - Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013
9 a.m. - noon
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

This three-day event will help graduate students cultivate the writing and time-management skills they need to finish a dissertation.

How to Plan and Write a Paper

Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

This workshop will discuss the fundamentals of the writing process.

How to Use APA

Friday, Sept. 20, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

Using APA format can be intimidating. This session will help you navigate the APA manual and other resources so that you can write and cite like a pro. One lucky student will win a free copy of the APA manual.

How to Craft an Argument

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

Though important, no amount of grammatical correctness can cover up a shoddy idea; a well-crafted argument is the basis of successful and persuasive writing. This workshop will address the fundamentals of analyzing and crafting arguments.

How to Write an Abstract

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

This session will help graduate students write the abstracts required for journal articles, conference papers, and fellowship applications. We will consider the elements of convincing abstracts in various disciplines. Then, students will assemble their own abstracts, piece by piece. If possible, students should bring a draft of their article or paper for this hands-on workshop.

How to Incorporate Sources

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013 
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

This workshop will help you learn the art of summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting your sources.

How to Write a Resume and Cover Letter

Wednesday Nov. 20, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

This workshop will offer suggestions for writing a successful resume and cover letter.

How to Give a Presentation

Monday, Dec. 9, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

This workshop will discuss strategies for creating and delivering engaging presentations.

General Writing Workshops

The General Writing Workshops cover essential writing skills that you can put to use anywhere.

You Can Has Grammar!

Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

Not sure if it is "you and I" or "you and me"? This workshop will provide you with a brief refresher on common grammatical mistakes so that you can write with confidence.

How to Brainstorm Ideas

Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

Few things are as intimidating as staring at a blank page, waiting for a good idea to arrive. This workshop will explore time-tested techniques for finding ideas and having something interesting to say about them.

How to Read Critically

Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 311

Most people can describe their writing process, but very few consider how they go about reading. This workshop will focus on strategies for improving reading speed and comprehension.

How to Overcome Writer's Block

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

This workshop will present strategies for productive writing sessions.

How to Revise and Self-Edit

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 223

This hands-on workshop will provide revision strategies for longer texts in addition to suggestions for improvement at the sentence level.  We will look at common problems like the overuse of weak verbs, passive voice, and nominalizations as well as offer specific tips to strengthen clarity, organization, and flow. Students should bring a hard copy of their work.

How to Outline

Friday, Nov. 15, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

Outlining is a vital skill when writing longer papers. This workshop will teach strategies for organizing papers before you write them.

Grammar Hour

Grammar Hour is an ongoing workshop series designed to help ESL students and scholars improve their mastery of the English language.

Introduction and Parts of Speech

Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

Verbs

Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

Nouns

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

Articles

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 223

Prepositions

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

Adjectives and Adverbs

Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

Idioms

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

Beyond the Classroom

There is more to writing than grammar and coursework. Workshops in the Beyond the Classroom series will help you gain a greater appreciation for writing and literature. 

How to Read a Novel

Friday, Nov. 22, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

Wish that you could get more out of your pleasure reading than just a plotline? This workshop will present strategies for approaching and appreciating literature.

How to Read a Poem

Friday, Dec. 13, 2013
1 - 2 p.m.
SMC Campus Center Rm 353

Poetry is an art form that rewards close reading. This workshop will present strategies for approaching and appreciating poems.

Other Events

Writing for Wellness: A Source of Renewal. A Path for Healing 

Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
SMC 223

Writing is a tool that can help us move through suffering by first exploring it. It's a way to let go of painful emotions and memories. Through writing we can search for meaning and explore new identities and pathways to wholeness. This four-week workshop series is presented by the Wellness Hub and the Center for Integrative Medicine. No writing experience is necessary. Registration is required. For more information or to register for the workshop series, visit the website.