•  This version of PRDV002: Professional Writing closed on February 19, 2024. You can find the most up-to-date versions of Saylor Academy's courses in the Course Catalog.

    • Course Introduction

      • Time: 4 hours
      • Free Certificate
      This course is designed to provide adult learners with the basic skills they need to write effective documents in the workplace. In this course, you will learn how to analyze your audience so that you can write prose that is both clear and persuasive. You will practice writing common business documents, such as emails, memos, proposals, and presentations. You will also learn how to effectively edit these documents for maximum impact.

    • Course Syllabus

      First, read the course syllabus. Then, enroll in the course by clicking "Enroll me". Click Unit 1 to read its introduction and learning outcomes. You will then see the learning materials and instructions on how to use them.

    • Unit 1: Know Your Audience and Purpose

      When you are writing in a professional context, it is essential to cultivate an awareness and respect for your audience. Before you begin writing, you must determine for whom you are writing and why. Your goal should be to make your meaning as clear as possible, so your audience does not have to struggle to understand what you are saying. In this unit, you will learn how to analyze your audience, to identify your purpose for writing, and to prepare an outline that will help you get your point across.

      Completing this unit should take you approximately 1.75 hours.

    • Unit 2: The Art of Persuasion

      Now that you have determined your audience, crafted your main point, and created an outline, it is time to draft your document. In this unit, you will learn how to craft a memo or email message that will reinforce your main point and persuade your audience. You will also learn how to eliminate common problems that may distract your reader from your main point.

      Completing this unit should take you approximately 1.25 hours.

    • Unit 3: Polishing Your Writing

      In this age of instant communication, we have become accustomed to writing rapidly and reading documents filled with typographical errors, slang or abbreviations, and other common errors. While this may be the standard practice when text-messaging, it is not standard practice in the business world. Every piece of writing, no matter how brief, must be edited. In this unit, you will learn how to revise your writing so that it commands respect and attention.

      Completing this unit should take you approximately 30 minutes.

    • Course Feedback Survey

      Please take a few minutes to give us feedback about this course. We appreciate your feedback, whether you completed the whole course or even just a few resources. Your feedback will help us make our courses better, and we use your feedback each time we make updates to our courses.

      If you come across any urgent problems, email contact@saylor.org.

    • Certificate Final Exam

      Take this exam if you want to earn a free Course Completion Certificate.

      To receive a free Course Completion Certificate, you will need to earn a grade of 70% or higher on this final exam. Your grade for the exam will be calculated as soon as you complete it. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can take it again as many times as you want, with a 7-day waiting period between each attempt.

      Once you pass this final exam, you will be awarded a free Course Completion Certificate.