If you're a current or prospective teacher and want to teach writing at the high school or college levels, DePaul University's Master of Arts in Writing Program may be for you. The program will be offered this fall at DePaul’s new Naperville Campus.

Primarily designed for those who want to specialize in teaching writing, the program will also benefit students seeking to enhance their professional standing by earning a master’s degree, students certified in other fields who wish to change disciplines and those who need training appropriate for teaching at the secondary or junior-college level.

"It's unique because primarily it's humanities-based," said program director Darsie Bowden. "We give students a solid grounding in history and theoretical perspectives of writing."

The core of the program consists of 12 courses from the departments of English and communication, including applied writing and the theoretical study of languages.

Students proceed through the curriculum as a group and take two courses each quarter on alternating weekends.

"Not only are the courses selected for their appropriateness to the degree, but they are deliberately paired to enhance the intellectual connections between the texts and concepts presented," Bowden said.

Another advantage of the program is that because students progress as a cohort, they get to know one another, form study groups, collaborate on projects outside of class and participate in computer conferencing with one another.

Prospective students can learn more about these and other academic programs offered at the Naperville Campus by attending one of the university's information sessions or open houses.

Information sessions are being held each Saturday through June 28, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at DePaul’s temporary Naperville location, 1804 Centre Point Drive.

Open houses will be held Saturdays: June 21 and July 19, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, 1837 Centre Point Circle, Naperville. An open house will also be held on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the new Naperville Campus, 150 W. Warrenville Road.

For more information call 312/362-5000. For specific information on DePaul’s writing program, call 773/325-7485.