Welcome to the e-textbook Writing the Disciplines!
Writing the Disciplines is an interdisciplinary reference textbook focused on teaching students how to develop written documents as seen across diverse professions.
Best of all, the content is free as an open educational resource (OER)!
Textbook Chapters
Writing the Disciplines: An OER Textbook holds the Creative Commons License provided below. Please click on the license image for additional information.
Chapter One - Let's Get Personal: Writing Narrative Nonfiction
Chapter Two - The Critical Précis: A Foundation for Writing
Chapter Three - Writing a Research Report in Medical Sciences
Chapter Four - Writing a News Release: A Public Relations Staple
Chapter Five - Writing a Criminal Report & Legal Brief
Chapter Six - Scientific and Mathematics Research Paper Writing
Chapter Seven - How To Write An Argumentative Essay
Chapter Eight - Writing the Disciplines and OER Resources
How do I use the online textbook?
As an interdisciplinary reference text, each chapter is designed to stand alone. Students, teachers, and learners are encouraged to download chapters individually. Please check out the chapter links below.
How often will content be updated?
Since this OER project is a work in progress, new and updated chapters will be added each year. The goal of the project is to continue adding chapters and ancillary materials as new content is submitted, peer reviewed, edited, and published. All project contributors are volunteer professionals (writers, editors, peer reviewers, designers) dedicated to providing high quality educational resources. Depending on the type of submission (chapter or supplemental resource) and the availability of trained volunteers for each step in the process, the timeline for publication of new original content is 6-12 months. New editions of the book will be available in the fall of each year.
Can I download all the chapters in one file?
Most people will download chapters individually and as needed, but yes, a comprehensive download of current chapters will be available in the near future. Additionally, please make sure to check back regularly since new chapters may be added.
How do I cite the textbook content?
Please visit the “Citation Information” page of this website for information on how to cite in MLA and APA styles. Additional examples of other citation styles will be added over time and based on the disciplines represented within the textbook.
Textbook - Single Download
(Coming Soon)
Let’s Work Together: A Call for Field Experts
We are interested in expanding the textbook to include more chapters from a variety of diverse professions. Additionally, if you are interested in contributing related supplemental materials for chapters such as study guides, multimedia slides and assessments, please share your ideas.
Please visit the “About & CFP” page for more information and the call for proposals.
Made with Squarespace
Interested in joining the OER movement?
If you are a faculty member or a field expert and you would like to contribute a chapter or supporting materials, please send an email to share your idea or suggestion.
Please be aware that submissions go through an academic peer review process prior to editing and publication.
Editor Contact: caroline.fitzpatrick@alvernia.edu