Power of SUNY

Oswego Course Shows English Majors Where Words Can Lead

Senior English majors Anthony Catalano and James Paladino work on their projects for the new alternative English capstone course “Words in the World.”

In Fall 2010, a new capstone course option for SUNY Oswego English majors began partnering students with work placements. “Words in the World” brings to light the variety of uses, vocational opportunities and career possibilities for students of English, and gives them practical, hands-on experience putting their writing skills to use in a business setting.

Oswego County Opportunities, one of the project’s community partners, worked with student James Paladino in which he completed consolidating, redesigning and editing a 24-chapter policy and procedure manual that the organization will use for training new staff and as a reference for daily activities.

As the course commenced, students first composed, updated and critically revised resumes and cover letters. They then interviewed for writing positions with business partners on and off campus in a rapid-fire session. Each student was matched with a business partner to work as a writing professional for most of the semester. Assignments are critiqued and work-related issues are discussed in class workshops.