May 01, 2024  
2019-20 University Catalog 
    
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2019-20 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

Course Numbering System

Courses are numbered as follows to indicate levels of difficulty and degrees of specialization:

  1000 series courses, for the most part, cover a wide range of material and serve as introductions to a particular discipline. Generally appropriate for first-year students.
  2000 series courses are more specific in focus than 1000 series; they may require some previous knowledge of a subject. Generally appropriate for sophomores.
  3000 series courses are clearly upper-level courses that require significant background in a field and may have specific prerequisites. Generally appropriate for juniors and seniors.
  4000 series courses require extensive background in a field and usually have prerequisites. Generally appropriate for juniors and seniors.
 

Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication
  

  • WRC 2004 - Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication Practicum

    1 Course Unit(s)
    Instruction and practice in writing, rhetoric, and communication. Specific content of the practicum will depend on the course designation and student need. Possible examples include Writing Center consultant training in pedagogical theory, publications instruction, and mass media involvement May accumulate up to 1 unit of credit in practicum experiences.

    General Education Requirement(s):
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor or department chair
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 2012 - Writing Center Theory and Practice

    1/2 Course Unit(s)
    Writing Center theory draws upon movements in rhetoric, composition studies, digital literacy, education, social science (especially sociology and psychology), philosophy, gender studies and literary theory. Although an important goal of this class is to help prepare students to serve as peer-based writing consultants, its primary goal is to help participants develop a working knowledge of writing history, theory and pedagogy—a field of study that can be applied to both academic and professional environments. Participants will use readings, group activities and observations to help develop a sense of their own writing process. There is no overload fee for enrollment in this course.

    General Education Requirement(s):
    Prerequisite(s): Suggested FYS 1004  and FYS 1104  Instructor consent required
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 2014 - Oral Interpretation of Literature

    1 Course Unit(s)
    A study of the way writers communicate meaning through action, character, figurative language, period, and setting, and the methods by which an oral interpreter might express those elements vocally and visually in a performance program unified by an original theme. Literary analysis and performance technique is practiced with selections in poetry, prose, drama, and various combinations.

    General Education Requirement(s):
    Prerequisite(s): Any WRC or ENG course Participation in a Speech Meet is required
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 2054 - Intercultural Communication

    1 Course Unit(s)
    The study of the ways both macro-culture and micro-culture shape us as communicators and the methods for enhancing interaction across these differences. Analysis of both verbal and nonverbal communication styles, with an interest in interpersonal, organizational, and governmental interactions.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV; V
    Prerequisite(s):  FYS 1104 
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 2064 - Non-Fiction Workshop

    1 Course Unit(s)
    An introductory study of the conventions that shape literary non-fiction with extensive practice in using these conventions. Conducted as a workshop, the course will involve regular writing and discussion of the work produced by student writers themselves. Students wishing to enroll must present satisfactory evidence of motivation and serious interest in creative writing. May be repeated for credit as long as the topic is different. Standard or CR/NC grading.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV
    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 2074 - Fiction Workshop

    1 Course Unit(s)
    Also listed as ENG 2074 .
    An introductory study of the conventions that shape fiction combined with extensive practice in using these conventions. Conducted as a workshop, the course will involve regular writing and discussion of the work produced by the student writers themselves. Students wishing to enroll must present satisfactory evidence of motivation and serious interest in creative writing. May be repeated for credit as long as the topic is different. Standard or CR/NC grading.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV
    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 2084 - Poetry Workshop

    1 Course Unit(s)
    Also listed as ENG 2084 .
    An introductory study of the conventions that shape lyric poetry combined with extensive practice in using these conventions. Conducted as a workshop, the course will involve regular writing and discussion of the work produced by the student writers themselves. Students wishing to enroll must present satisfactory evidence of motivation and serious interest in creative writing. May be repeated for credit as long as the topic is different. Standard or CR/NC grading.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV
    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 2094 - Play Reading for Play Writing

    1 Course Unit(s)
    reading and analyzing well-written scripts and applying aspects of those texts to student-written plays. The course examines how various plays structure plot, develop character, and communicate ideas verbally and visually, all of which is then used for individualized writing of original scenes. Time is divided between recognizing the rhetorical elements of the scripts we read and adapting such elements to the student’s own creative playwriting.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV
    Prerequisite(s): Any WRC course or permission of instructor
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 2114 - Interpersonal Communication

    1 Course Unit(s)
    A study of the kind of contact that occurs when the people communicating with each other talk and listen in ways that increase and enhance personal understanding. Topics to be considered include the importance of, and methods for, enhancing one’s perceptions, listening skills, emotional awareness, identity and impression management, verbal and nonverbal expression, conflict management and resolution, and building relationships within and across cultures.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV
    Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing or with permission of the instructor
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 2214 - Business Writing

    1 Course Unit(s)
    Designed to help students develop skills in writing, especially for business and industry, where writing is important and inevitable. Students will read about and research current topics in business writing, view and analyze sample business documents, and produce many types of texts (including email, memo, resume, cover letter, reports, etc.) using various media (oral, print, and online) for a variety of purposes and audiences common in business writing.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV; V
    Prerequisite(s): FYS 1104 
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 2264 - Non-Fiction Workshop

    1 Course Unit(s)
    Also listed as ENG 2264 .
    An introductory study of the conventions that shape literary non-fiction with extensive practice in using these conventions. Conducted as a workshop, the course will involve regular writing and discussion of the work produced by student writers themselves. Students wishing to enroll must present satisfactory evidence of motivation and serious interest in creative writing. May be repeated for credit as long as the topic is different. Standard or CR/NC grading.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV
    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 2294 - Special Topics in Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication

    1 Course Unit(s)
    Introduction to selected topics in communication focusing on concepts and methods used by communication scholars. Potential topics include listening, communication and gender, cross-cultural communication, and rhetorical theory. May be repeated for credit as long as the topic is different.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV
    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 2314 - Writing for Writing’s Sake

    1 Course Unit(s)
    Brings writers together for the pleasure of reading and talking about writing (not to mention the joy of actually devoting time to doing it). This course examines the writing life and offers writers a chance to do what they love to do. Students will write and share, and will polish a portion of their writing for the purpose of compiling an end-of-term collection of the workshop’s best and most interesting efforts.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV
    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 2334 - Rhetoric of Resistance

    1 Course Unit(s)
    After a brief overview of some key rhetorical principles, this course will examine the practices and strategies used by individuals, groups and movements who have challenged and are challenging concentrated interests of power. Examines a wide variety of rhetorical texts, including but not limited to newspaper articles, underground pamphlets, songs, films, autobiographies, photographs, human rights reports, performances, speeches, and books. In addition to reading/viewing these texts, this course will consist of short writing assignments, presentations, and a final project. Interdisciplinary course appropriate for those interested in the fields of rhetoric, composition, communication, political science, history, philosophy, and women’s studies.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV
    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 2354 - Introduction to Classical Rhetoric

    1 Course Unit(s)
    An introduction to the art of rhetoric—a discipline concerned, as Aristotle writes, with “observing in any case the available means of persuasion.” Via close reading, short response papers, group discussions, and a project that employs both a written and spoken component, participants will not only develop a working vocabulary of some of the terms and techniques associated with classical rhetoric but also have ample opportunities to see how such elements function in contemporary texts. Helpful for anyone interested in writing successful arguments regardless of academic discipline.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV; V
    Prerequisite(s): FYS 1004  and FYS 1104 
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 3024 - Nonverbal Communication

    1 Course Unit(s)
    The study of the way we communicate without and beyond words. The various types of nonverbal behavior, including body language, gestures, paralanguage, and space utilization, etc. will be examined in order to increase understanding of intracultural and cross-cultural communication.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV; V
    Prerequisite(s): WRC 1004  or permission of instructor and FYS 1104 
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 3034 - Organizational Communication

    1 Course Unit(s)
    The study of the ways in which communication affects organizations. Uses Organizational Theory to focus on concepts of group work, leadership, motivation, formal and informal systems, external and internal audiences, organizational technologies, and interpersonal communication in organizations. Students complete practical application through analysis of a particular organization.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV; V
    Prerequisite(s): WGS 1004  or permission of instructor and FYS 1104  
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 3044 - Gender and Communication

    1 Course Unit(s)
    Also listed as WGS 3044 .
    The study of the role communication plays in the socialization of gender and the role gender plays in communication. Focus on relational interaction in interpersonal, educational, family and organization contexts, on mass media messages, and on issues of power and critique.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV; V
    Prerequisite(s): FYS 1104 
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 3054 - Digital Rhetoric

    1 Course Unit(s)
    The study of theories of rhetoric in digital spaces and of our relationships to various digital tools and environments. Topics include audio and video composing, issues of access, shifting concerns of copyright, and exploration of necessary updates or expansions to traditional rhetorical theories. Students will consume and produce texts in a variety of genres and modes in order to study what it means to be rhetorically effective in the twenty-first century.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV
    Prerequisite(s): FYS 1004  and FYS 1104  
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 3064 - Persuasion

    1 Course Unit(s)
    The study of persuasion, with an emphasis on the receiver’s role. Focus on critical analysis of persuasive messages. Develop understanding of persuasion theory as it relates to individuals, groups, and movements. Focus particularly on the persuasive tools of social proof, reciprocity, authority, scarcity, liking, and commitment and consistency.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV
    Prerequisite(s): WRC 1004  or permission of instructor
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 3124 - The Art of Persuasive Writing

    1 Course Unit(s)
    A study of, and guided practice in, non-fiction writing that builds arguments on topics of social and cultural importance. For upper-level students of all majors, this course focuses on the skills needed for communicating disciplinary knowledge effectively within both academic and civic settings. Students examine a selection of classic essays as well as some good contemporary writing from journals such as Harper’s and Atlantic Monthly. Students will be guided toward building essays on topics of their own choosing that use logical and rhetorical strategies in clean, well-organized prose.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV
    Prerequisite(s): Junior standing
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 3164 - Advanced Non-Fiction Workshop

    1 Course Unit(s)
    An advanced, in-depth study of the conventions that shape literary non-fiction with extensive practice in using these conventions. Conducted as a workshop, the course will involve regular writing and discussion of the work produced by student writers themselves. Students wishing to enroll must present satisfactory evidence of motivation and serious interest in creative writing. May be repeated for credit as long as the topic is different. Standard or CR/NC grading.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV
    Prerequisite(s): ENG 2064  
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 3234 - Feminist Rhetorics

    1 Course Unit(s)
    Also listed as WGS 3234 .
    Aristotle is commonly referred to as the father of rhetoric, but what about rhetoric’s mothers—not to mention daughters, sisters, girlfriends, aunts? Women’s voices were long excluded or erased from the recording or telling of histories of rhetoric, but feminist rhetorical scholars have sought to re(dis)cover these women’s voices and to retell their stories. More recently, feminist rhetorical scholars have pushed at the boundaries of gender and explored what role feminist rhetorics might play in an increasingly digital and transnational world. This course considers a range of historical and contemporary views of feminist rhetorics—including texts from/about women and feminist rhetors as well as key texts about the development of the field—and asks students to contribute their own voices and scholarly work to these ongoing conversations.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV; V
    Prerequisite(s): FYS 1004  and FYS 1104 
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 3294 - Special Topics in Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication

    1 Course Unit(s)
    Advanced study of selected topics in writing, rhetoric, and/or communication focusing on concepts and methods utilized by scholars in the field. May be repeated for credit as long as the topic is different.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV
    Prerequisite(s): None
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 3354 - Readings in Rhetorical Criticism

    1 Course Unit(s)
    Designed for students who are interested in argumentation/persuasion, critical theory, and/or cultural studies. Students will be introduced to various schools of rhetorical criticism/methodology (such as feminist, ideological, pentadic, and narrative-based approaches) and will read a variety of rhetorical scholars (such as Bakhtin, Richards, Burke, Foucault, and Gates).

    General Education Requirement(s): IV; V
    Prerequisite(s): FYS 1004 , FYS 1104  and WRC 2354  or any 2000-level WRC course or permission of instructor
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 4204 - Internship in Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication

    1 Course Unit(s)
    A program offering the student supervised placement in organizations providing or requiring communication services. Students might work in human resources, broadcasting, research, or other communication-related areas. Provides an opportunity to work in a professional area of the field and apply concepts learned in other communication and communication-related courses. CR/NC grading.

    General Education Requirement(s):
    Prerequisite(s): WRC 3034 , WRC 3064 , and permission of instructor
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 4244 - Directed Study in Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication

    1 Course Unit(s)
    Individual student reading and research in a selected area of writing, rhetoric, and/or communication. Allows students to supplement their study of WRC in areas not covered by existing course offerings. The project must be approved by the WRC program director as well as the student’s academic advisor prior to registration. The appropriate faculty member in the program will supervise the directed study.

    General Education Requirement(s):
    Prerequisite(s): 4 WRC courses and permission of instructor
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 4294 - Advanced Studies in Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication

    1 Course Unit(s)
    Provides students with an examination of significant issues at the forefront of theory and research in writing, rhetoric, and/or communication. Includes an overview of current research in the field(s) of choice, emphasizing theoretical and methodological issues. Designed primarily to encourage students to engage more deeply with questions that arise from their study of WRC and to provide an occasion for reflection on the work students have done in other courses in the field. The course includes an independent, advanced research project, the topic of which will be chosen in close consultation with the instructor.

    General Education Requirement(s):
    Prerequisite(s): 4 WRC courses and permission of instructor
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
  

  • WRC 4444 - Senior Seminar in Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication

    1 Course Unit(s)
    Provides students with an examination of significant issues at the forefront of theory and research in writing, rhetoric, and/or communication. Includes an overview of current research in the field(s) of choice, emphasizing theoretical and methodological issues. Designed primarily to encourage students to engage more deeply with questions that arise from their study of WRC and to provide an occasion for reflection on the work students have done in other courses in the field. Includes an independent, advanced research project, the topic of which will be chosen in close consultation with the instructor.

    General Education Requirement(s): IV
    Prerequisite(s): 4 WRC courses and permission of instructor
    Corequisite(s): None
    Pre/Corequisite(s): None
 

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