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Guide to Writing at Stetson University

This guide is designed for students and faculty to use as a resource for what “good college writing” looks like and how students can achieve it, and how faculty can encourage it.

Writing in the Disciplines and Student Writing Awards

Writing in the Disciplines
While the University's general education program emphasizes clear written communication tactics that are broadly applicable across the curriculum, disciplines and programs often have specific expectations that students must learn. Writing in Biology requires a different set of skills than writing in Accounting, which is different from writing in Philosophy or Political Science or Music. Instructors teach these skills to enhance student communication skills. As students move up in their degree programs, they acquire and deepen their understanding of the professional expectations they face in the field. 
 
Students in general may find it useful to browse specific expectations and study examples of student writing. Good examples can often be found in the Library archives as a result of a range of writing contests sponsored across the campus. One of the most important for first year students is the duPont-Ball Library’s Evans C Johnson Research Award, given annually to a first year student who has produced a research essay that demonstrates outstanding research skills. The R. Neil Scott Research Prize, also given by the duPont-Ball Library, is awarded for outstanding research skills in the area of business or economics.
 
Departments and programs often offer essay contests and awards. Check this list of the currently available student writing awards. 
 
During the senior capstone experience, students can archive their work with the Library. Check here for examples of senior level work. 

Discipline-specific Style Guides

Art
Short Guide to Writing About Art: Main Library Shelves, N7476 .B37 2008

Biological Sciences

Business

Business Writer's Handbook, Main Library Shelves, HF5718.3 .A47 2009

Chemistry

The ACS Style Guide: Effective Communication of Scientific Information Reference QD8.5 .A25 2006

Computer Science

Government Information

The Complete Guide to Citing Government Information Resources: A Manual for Social Science & Business Research:  
       Ready Reference (@ Circulation Desk) J9.5 .G37 2002

Health Sciences

Languages and Literature

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers:  Ready Reference (@ Circulation Desk) LB2369 .G53 2016

Law

Mathematics

Medicine

American Medical Association Manual of Style, 10th ed.: Ready Reference (@ Circulation Desk) R119 .A533 2007 

Philosophy

Physics

Political Science

Psychology

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association: Ready Reference (@ Circulation Desk) BF76.7 .P83

Sciences

  •   Scientific Style and Format: The CSE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers, 8th ed.: Reference T11 .S386 2014.

 

Sociology

  •   American Sociological Association Style Guide, 7th ed.: Reference items on Ready Ref HM569 .A54 2022
      Closely resembles APA style in formatting and use of parenthetical references.