Catalog Course Descriptions
Spring 2008 Course Descriptions
RW 6304 Disciplinary
Issues in Rhetoric and Writing
Examination of the research questions and methods, theories, body of knowledge,
sites of practice, and forums of rhetoric, professional and technical writing,
and composition.
RW 6314 Classical Rhetoric in Written Communication
Study of major figures and concepts in classical rhetoric, with emphasis on applications
to written communication.
RW 6334 Rhetoric in Society
Study of the relationship of language and human action, with emphasis on how
rhetoric reflects and shapes social practices and how literate activity operates
in a complex society; emphasis on written communication.
RW 6344 Rhetoric in Digital Environments
Study of the uses of digital media in research, information development and sharing,
and advocacy regarding public issues.
RW 6364 Research Design in Rhetoric and Writing
Theory and practice of evaluating, designing, and conducting empirical research
projects in rhetoric and writing. Focus on critiquing studies, developing research
questions, selecting methods, and designing projects. Introduction to appropriate
statistical concepts and methods as well as qualitative and hybrid methodologies.
RW 6374 Field Methods of Research in Rhetoric and Writing
Examination of field methods and methodology in rhetoric and writing, including
case studies, ethnographies, qualitative interviews,
and field/participant observations.
RW 6514 Studies in Rhetoric
Studies in the history, topics, sites of practice, and major figures of rhetoric,
with application to written communication and English Studies. May be repeated
twice for a total of 9 hours credit when the topic varies.
Example 1: Medical Rhetoric
Example 2: Modern Rhetoric in Written Communication
Example 3: Rhetorical Foundations of English Studies
RW 6524 Theories of Written Communication
Studies in theories applied to written communication. May be repeated twice
for credit for a total of 9 hours when the topic varies.
Example 1: Genre Theory
Example 2: Knowledge Management
RW 6554 Composition Studies
Studies in the history, topics, sites of practice, and major figures of Composition.
May be repeated twice for credit for a total of 9 hours when the topic varies.
Example 1: History of Composition Studies
Example 2: The Politics of Writing Instruction
ENGL 5054 Composition Pedagogy
Study of the theory, research, and practice of teaching composition at the
university level, including the integration of written, oral, and visual literacies
and the uses of technology. Careful consideration of the epistemological and
cultural implications of writing instruction.
ENGL 5064 Topics in Language
Rotating topics in language study, exploring various theories of language and
their bearing on literary interpretation, rhetoric, and textual criticism.
Content will vary; may be repeated once for credit.
ENGL 5614 Visual Rhetoric and Document Design
Examination of the theories, research, and practices of visual rhetoric and
document design. Emphasis on ways in which images and other visual methods
of communication influence audiences.
ENGL 5624 Intercultural Communication
Examination of theoretical and practical issues pertaining to writing and designing
for intercultural and/or international audiences.
ENGL 5634 Writing and Publishing in Electronic Environments
Examination of the ongoing evolution of rhetoric and writing as a technology-supported
field. Prepares graduate students to analyze and solve design problems related
to rhetorical delivery and content management in digital and online contexts.
ENGL 5644 Genres of Professional Practice
Variable topics in genres of professional practice, such as reports, proposals,
manuals, and websites; includes study of the genre in use as well as development
of an example of the genre. May be repeated twice for credit when the topic
varies for a total of nine credits.
Example 1: Reports in Professional Contexts
Example 2: Grant Proposals in Professional Contexts
ENGL 5654 Professional Writing Pedagogy
Theoretical and practical aspects of designing and teaching an introductory
undergraduate course in technical or business communication in academic or
business settings. Students will investigate various methods and materials
used to teach written, oral, and visual communication appropriate for such
courses.
ENGL 5664 Rhetoric of Science and Technology
Analysis of the historical and philosophical development of the field of rhetoric
of science and technology through benchmark publications; examination of scientific
texts and technologies as objects of rhetorical criticism.