There aren't a lot of examples of nominalization from my course of study that come to mind but I've definitely experienced it in other courses here at OSU. The course that comes to mind most readily is the Sociology class I took freshman year. There, nominalization was common because the field itself is so new. They have are constantly having to create new words in order to better facilitate discussion of these relatively new topics. Many times the expression of the ideas behind these words already exist in an adjective or verb so sociologists can just nominalize them. Like the word "deskilling." This word originated with a noun (skill), transformed into a verb (to deskill) with special, particular meaning, and then nominalized using the gerund form of that verb (deskilling). I'm sure there are better examples in this field but that's the only one that came to mind.
This class has definitely impacted my writing. I NEVER used to proof-read my papers. Also, I think this class equips writers with a sort of magnifying glass to better examine their writing. It really allows you to hone in on the way that each sentence either helps or hinders the tone of your work and allows you not only to diagnose the hindrance but also teaches you how to remedy it both effectively and affectively.

Nominalization Response

I have definitely recognized the usage of nominalization within my major course books. There are times though where I think my professor(s) makes up his/her own words. I think it's hilarious. That's beside the point, however I have noticed my books and professors use nominalizations. Most of the time, they use them in order to dramatise a point. Oh gosh examples.... honestly I can't think of any right now. But I know they are in the books.

This class is affecting my writing because it has forced me to make a conscious effort about using correct sentence structure and the such. I will write a sentence and in the midst of it, stop, and think to myself about whether or not it is correct. Also, I have noticed that I am using what I have learned at my job. I am starting to feel comfortable enough to explain grammar to my student. Lastly, I am able to practice what I have learned in my own writings (i.e. using adjectives, deciding which pattern I am expressing, whether or not I am using the infinitive or a prepositional phrase, etc.). Also, I noticed that I am using my spell checker a lot less.

cinquain: A RA

Chewing
There
All alone
Under the tree
To eat my apple
Because I am tired of listening.

Revised Cinquain

Feelings
Yesterday
About us
On the brink
To destroy perfect lives
Never again will they be the same.