Written English (WR)
WR 121, *ENGLISH COMPOSITION, 4 Credits
Focuses on analytical writing and rhetorical awareness. Approaches writing as a dynamic process and mode of inquiry, including acts of information literacy, research, analysis, and revision. Builds flexible strategies for using key rhetorical concepts across multiple genres and attending to issues of audience, purpose, convention, and discourse community. Emphasizes revision, particularly at the sentence- and paragraph-level, and establishing a reflective writing process. The term in which the student takes the course is determined alphabetically. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CSW1 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing I
Equivalent to: WR 121H, WR 121HZ, WR 121Z
Recommended: WR 130
Available via Ecampus
WR 121H, *ENGLISH COMPOSITION, 4 Credits
Focuses on analytical writing and rhetorical awareness. Approaches writing as a dynamic process and mode of inquiry, including acts of information literacy, research, analysis, and revision. Builds flexible strategies for using key rhetorical concepts across multiple genres and attending to issues of audience, purpose, convention, and discourse community. Emphasizes revision, particularly at the sentence- and paragraph-level, and establishing a reflective writing process. The term in which the student takes the course is determined alphabetically. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CSW1 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing I; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: WR 121, WR 121HZ, WR 121Z
Recommended: WR 130
WR 121HZ, *COMPOSITION I, 4 Credits
Engages students in the study and practice of critical thinking, reading, and writing. Focuses on analyzing and composing across varied rhetorical situations and in multiple genres. Applies key rhetorical concepts flexibly and collaboratively throughout writing and inquiry processes.
Attributes: CSW1 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing I; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: WR 121, WR 121H, WR 121Z
Recommended: WR 130
WR 121Z, *COMPOSITION I, 4 Credits
Engages students in the study and practice of critical thinking, reading, and writing. Focuses on analyzing and composing across varied rhetorical situations and in multiple genres. Applies key rhetorical concepts flexibly and collaboratively throughout writing and inquiry processes.
Attributes: CSW1 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing I
Equivalent to: WR 121, WR 121H, WR 121HZ
Recommended: WR 130
Available via Ecampus
WR 130, FUNDAMENTALS OF GRAMMAR, SYNTAX, AND SENTENCE BUILDING, 1 Credit
Provides opportunities to improve writing at the sentence level. Focuses on the fundamental elements of the sentence (grammar), the principles and rules of sentence structure (syntax), and techniques for writing meaningful, compelling sentences (sentence building). Use modules, activities, and quizzes to advance understanding of grammar fundamentals and to practice writing, editing, and revising sentences. Emphasizes student questions and applying lessons to other academic writing projects.
WR 199, SPECIAL STUDIES, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 201, *WRITING FOR MEDIA, 3 Credits
Introduction to newspaper style. Introduction to reporting.
Attributes: CSW2 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing II
Recommended: WR 121Z with grade B or higher and 30 wpm typing speed
Available via Ecampus
WR 214, *WRITING IN BUSINESS, 3 Credits
Continued practice in writing with an emphasis on the rhetorical and critical thinking demands of writers in business and industry.
Attributes: CSW2 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing II
Prerequisite: WR 121 with C- or better or WR 121H with C- or better or WR 121Z with C- or better or WR 121HZ with C- or better or Exam for Waiver - WR 121 with a score of 1
Available via Ecampus
WR 220, *STORIES OF THE US-MEXICO BORDER, 4 Credits
Analyzes stories from and about the US-Mexico border. Explores and challenges conventional ideas about undocumented immigration in the US and considers immigration as a complex phenomenon with various causes. Examines historical and current causes of migration across the US-Mexico border and the difficulties experienced on the migrant trail. Analyzes discriminatory practices of dehumanization, deportation, and detention and reveals immigrant resistance to oppression.
Attributes: CPDP – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Difference/Power/Discrimination
WR 224, *INTRODUCTION TO FICTION WRITING, 3 Credits
Discussion workshop. Student work examined in context of contemporary published work.
Attributes: CSW2 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing II; LACF – Liberal Arts Fine Arts Core
Prerequisite: WR 121 with C- or better or WR 121H with C- or better or WR 121Z with C- or better or WR 121HZ with C- or better or Exam for Waiver - WR 121 with a score of 1
Equivalent to: WR 224H
Available via Ecampus
WR 224H, *INTRODUCTION TO FICTION WRITING, 3 Credits
Discussion workshop. Student work examined in context of contemporary published work.
Attributes: CSW2 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing II; HNRS – Honors Course Designator; LACF – Liberal Arts Fine Arts Core
Prerequisite: WR 121 with C- or better or WR 121H with C- or better or WR 121Z with C- or better or WR 121HZ with C- or better or Exam for Waiver - WR 121 with a score of 1
Equivalent to: WR 224
Available via Ecampus
WR 227HZ, *TECHNICAL WRITING, 4 Credits
Introduces students to producing instructive, informative, and persuasive technical/professional documents aimed at well-defined and achievable outcomes. Focuses on presenting information using rhetorically appropriate style, design, vocabulary, structure, and visuals. Gathers, reads, and analyzes information and learns a variety of strategies for producing accessible, usable, reader-centered deliverable documents that are clear, concise, and ethical.
Attributes: CSW2 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing II; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Prerequisite: WR 121Z with C- or better or WR 121HZ with C- or better or WR 121 with C- or better or WR 121H with C- or better or Exam for Waiver - WR 121 with a score of 1
Equivalent to: WR 227Z
Available via Ecampus
WR 227Z, *TECHNICAL WRITING, 4 Credits
Introduces students to producing instructive, informative, and persuasive technical/professional documents aimed at well-defined and achievable outcomes. Focuses on presenting information using rhetorically appropriate style, design, vocabulary, structure, and visuals. Gathers, reads, and analyzes information and learns a variety of strategies for producing accessible, usable, reader-centered deliverable documents that are clear, concise, and ethical.
Attributes: CSW2 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing II
Prerequisite: WR 121Z with C- or better or WR 121HZ with C- or better or WR 121 with C- or better or WR 121H with C- or better or Exam for Waiver - WR 121 with a score of 1
Equivalent to: WR 227HZ
Available via Ecampus
WR 230, *ESSENTIALS OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR, 3 Credits
Introduces students to the structure of sentences with a focus on beginning grammar. Students in WR 230 will learn the differences between clauses and phrases, how to recognize subjects and predicates in a variety of sentence types, how to avoid the most common grammatical errors in student writing, and how to use punctuation correctly--and with intention. Students will complete readings, watch videos, participate in discussions, and demonstrate understanding through weekly quizzes. They will also challenge themselves with numerous writing activities, and complete writing analysis projects. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CSW2 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing II
Available via Ecampus
WR 240, *INTRODUCTION TO NONFICTION WRITING, 3 Credits
Discussion workshop. Student work examined in context of contemporary published work.
Attributes: CSW2 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing II; LACF – Liberal Arts Fine Arts Core
Prerequisite: WR 121 with C- or better or WR 121H with C- or better or WR 121Z with C- or better or WR 121HZ with C- or better
This course is repeatable for 9 credits.
Available via Ecampus
WR 241, *INTRODUCTION TO POETRY WRITING, 3 Credits
Discussion workshop. Rudiments of mechanics and some background in development of modern poetry.
Attributes: CSW2 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing II; LACF – Liberal Arts Fine Arts Core
Prerequisite: WR 121 with C- or better or WR 121H with C- or better or WR 121Z with C- or better or WR 121HZ with C- or better or Exam for Waiver - WR 121 with a score of 1
Available via Ecampus
WR 250, *PODCAST STORYTELLING, 3 Credits
Focuses on the skills needed to write, record, and produce informative and engaging podcasts. Students develop themes, write scripts, conduct interviews, and learn to make thoughtful editing decisions in the production of audio podcasts.
Attributes: CSW2 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing II
Prerequisite: WR 121 with C- or better or WR 121H with C- or better or WR 121Z with C- or better or WR 121HZ with C- or better
WR 252X, INTRODUCTION TO SCREENWRITING, 4 Credits
Focuses on the basic components of screenwriting. Explores professional examples of documents intrinsic to the craft—coverage, story treatments, storyboards, script outlines, series bibles and production drafts for films and television shows. Creates students’ versions of several of these forms to generate creative content through a series of “recipes” designed to teach the core concepts of character, setting, dramatic conflict and visual storytelling.
Equivalent to: FILM 252X
Available via Ecampus
WR 299, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 301, *PUBLISHING AND EDITING, 3 Credits
Invites students to learn about editing and copyediting techniques, broader editorial decisions, and current publishing platforms. Students will learn about scholarly publishing in the U.S. and about how social media and public relations fit into this world. Participants will also explore editing within a rhetorical dimension, considering purpose and audience, as well as conventions of grammar, mechanics, and usage. Students will review a scholarly article reporting on research in editing and/or publishing; as well as develop a publication-ready work of their own. As part of a final project, the class will work toward a collaborative publication.
Attributes: CSW2 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing II
Prerequisite: WR 121 with D- or better or WR 121H with D- or better or WR 121Z with D- or better or WR 121HZ with D- or better
Available via Ecampus
WR 303, *WRITING FOR THE WEB, 3 Credits
Concerns the production of instructive, informative, and rhetorically savvy writing for Web-based locations and applications. Helps people find information, get things done, convey their opinions, build communities, and collaborate on complex projects.
Attributes: CSW2 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing II
Prerequisite: WR 121 with D- or better or WR 121H with D- or better or WR 121Z with D- or better or WR 121HZ with D- or better
Available via Ecampus
WR 310, WRITING THE YOUNG ADULT NOVEL, 3 Credits
Explores the literary Young Adult (YA) novel by analyzing the plot, character, language, setting, and voice of established authors. Incorporates YA-specific craft elements to produce novelistic and literary writing. Develops and adapts an established structure and outline for a YA novel. Embarks on YA novel writing journey with rigorous revisions from peer review and instructor feedback.
Prerequisite: WR 224 with C- or better or WR 224H with C- or better
This course is repeatable for 6 credits.
Available via Ecampus
WR 311, WRITING SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY, 4 Credits
Analyzes contemporary, literary, science-fiction and fantasy short stories and novels to identify and integrate writing techniques. Examines the ways in which these genres comment on our current social constructs and imagine new ones. Practices genre-specific conventions, such as rules of technology or magic. Applies concepts learned to write fiction scenes and stories.
Recommended: WR 224; analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills
WR 320, NARRATIVE MEDICINE: BODIES, BEHAVIORS, AND BELIEFS, 4 Credits
Focuses on contemporary poetry and nonfiction by writers who are medical professionals, patients, and caregivers. Studies the authors’ different perspectives to consider the griefs and joys, concerns and comforts they have in common. Explores the body’s struggles and failures, recoveries and triumphs. Encourages a heightened sense of empathy and develops a practice of thoughtful self-examination through in-depth class discussions and weekly writing prompts.
WR 323, *ADVANCED WRITING & ARGUMENTATION, 3 Credits
Explores advanced argumentation and writes research-based essays to persuade specific audiences. Analyzes texts to evaluate rhetorical purpose and genre conventions. Develops advanced information literacy skills, evaluating and incorporating appropriate research sources. Applies stylistic awareness in writing through close attention to audience and rhetorical context. Crafts advanced strategies for writing processes, collaborating with peers and/or instructor to develop drafts, revise, and reflect to improve transfer to future writing contexts.
Attributes: CSW2 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing II
Prerequisite: WR 121Z with C- or better or WR 121HZ with C- or better or WR 121 with C- or better or WR 121H with C- or better or Exam for Waiver - WR 121 with a score of 1
Equivalent to: WR 323H
Available via Ecampus
WR 323H, *ADVANCED WRITING & ARGUMENTATION, 3 Credits
Explores advanced argumentation and writes research-based essays to persuade specific audiences. Analyzes texts to evaluate rhetorical purpose and genre conventions. Develops advanced information literacy skills, evaluating and incorporating appropriate research sources. Applies stylistic awareness in writing through close attention to audience and rhetorical context. Crafts advanced strategies for writing processes, collaborating with peers and/or instructor to develop drafts, revise, and reflect to improve transfer to future writing contexts.
Attributes: CSW2 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing II; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Prerequisite: WR 121Z with C- or better or WR 121HZ with C- or better or WR 121 with C- or better or WR 121H with C- or better or Exam for Waiver - WR 121 with a score of 1
Equivalent to: WR 323
WR 324, SHORT STORY WRITING, 4 Credits
Study and writing of the short story. (FA)
Attributes: LACF – Liberal Arts Fine Arts Core
Prerequisite: WR 224 with D- or better or WR 224H with D- or better
This course is repeatable for 8 credits.
Available via Ecampus
WR 330, *UNDERSTANDING GRAMMAR, 3 Credits
Advanced study of traditional grammatical forms and conventional grammatical terms with emphasis on the assumptions underlying the structure of traditional grammar.
Attributes: CSW2 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing II
Prerequisite: WR 121 with C- or better or WR 121H with C- or better or WR 121Z with C- or better or WR 121HZ with C- or better or Exam for Waiver - WR 121 with a score of 1
Available via Ecampus
WR 340, CREATIVE NONFICTION WRITING, 4 Credits
Intermediate study and writing of creative nonfiction.
Attributes: LACF – Liberal Arts Fine Arts Core
Prerequisite: WR 240 with D- or better
This course is repeatable for 8 credits.
Available via Ecampus
WR 341, POETRY WRITING, 4 Credits
Study and writing of verse. (FA)
Attributes: LACF – Liberal Arts Fine Arts Core
Prerequisite: WR 241 with D- or better
This course is repeatable for 8 credits.
WR 353, WRITING ABOUT PLACES, 3 Credits
Utilizing personal experience, reading, and research, students, study, discuss, and practice the conventions of writing about place far and near, global and local, for various audiences and in a range of formats.
Prerequisite: WR 121 with D- or better or WR 121H with D- or better or WR 121Z with D- or better or WR 121HZ with D- or better
WR 362, *SCIENCE WRITING, 3 Credits
Students learn and practice the conventions for writing scientific material for a variety of audiences. Involves writing and research assignments, multimedia presentations, lecture, and in-class and online activities.
Attributes: CSW2 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing II
Prerequisite: WR 121 with C- or better or WR 121H with C- or better or WR 121Z with C- or better or WR 121HZ with C- or better
Equivalent to: WR 362H
Available via Ecampus
WR 362H, *SCIENCE WRITING, 3 Credits
Students learn and practice the conventions for writing scientific material for a variety of audiences. Involves writing and research assignments, multimedia presentations, lecture, and in-class and online activities.
Attributes: CSW2 – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing II; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Prerequisite: WR 121 with C- or better or WR 121H with C- or better or WR 121Z with C- or better or WR 121HZ with C- or better
Equivalent to: WR 362
WR 383, FOOD WRITING, 4 Credits
Students will write about food and food issues for a variety of audiences, including print and digital, adapting their texts to become increasingly sophisticated critical thinkers and writers who can shape material effectively. Will also address food science and food studies from a historical and cultural background.
Prerequisite: (WR 121 with D- or better or WR 121H with D- or better or WR 121Z with D- or better or WR 121HZ with D- or better) and (HC 199 [D-] or PHL 121 [D-] or WR 201 [D-] or WR 214 [D-] or WR 222 [D-] or WR 222H [D-] or WR 224 [D-] or WR 224H [D-] or WR 227Z [D-] or WR 227HZ [D-] or WR 228 [D-] or WR 230 [D-] or WR 240 [D-] or WR 241 [D-] or WR 250 [D-] or WR 301 [D-] or WR 303 [D-] or WR 323 [D-] or WR 323H [D-] or WR 327 [D-] or WR 327H [D-] or WR 330 [D-] or WR 362 [D-] or WR 362H [D-])
Available via Ecampus
WR 399, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: WR 399H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 399H, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: WR 399
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 401, RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 402, INDEPENDENT STUDY, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 403, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 404, WRITING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 406, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 407, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Available via Ecampus
WR 408, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 411, ^THE TEACHING OF WRITING, 4 Credits
Pedagogy and theory in composition; prepares teachers (secondary through college) in writing process, assignment design, evaluation, and grammar. Also focuses on students' own writing.
Attributes: CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Course
WR 414, ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS WRITING, 4 Credits
Writing news releases, annual reports, brochures, newsletters, and other PR materials. Writing advertising copy.
Prerequisite: WR 121 with B or better or WR 121H with B or better or WR 121Z with B or better or WR 121HZ with B or better
Available via Ecampus
WR 420, STUDIES IN WRITING, 4 Credits
Selected topics in rhetoric and composition.
This course is repeatable for 8 credits.
Available via Ecampus
WR 424, ADVANCED FICTION WRITING, 4 Credits
Workshop. (FA)
Attributes: LACF – Liberal Arts Fine Arts Core
Prerequisite: WR 324 with D- or better
This course is repeatable for 8 credits.
WR 435, SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL, & PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION CAPSTONE, 1 Credit
Complete a portfolio comprised of material generated throughout previous courses in the Certificate in Scientific, Technical, and Professional Communication.
Recommended: Completion of 18 credits towards the Scientific, Technical, and Professional Communication Certificate
WR 440, ADVANCED CREATIVE NONFICTION WRITING, 4-8 Credits
An advanced course in creative nonfiction writing, centered around workshops of polished material.
Prerequisite: WR 340 with D- or better
This course is repeatable for 8 credits.
WR 441, ADVANCED POETRY WRITING, 4 Credits
Advanced poetry workshop. (FA)
Attributes: LACF – Liberal Arts Fine Arts Core
Prerequisite: WR 341 with D- or better
This course is repeatable for 8 credits.
WR 448, MAGAZINE ARTICLE WRITING, 4 Credits
Writing the magazine article. Analyzing markets and writing query and cover letters, marketing manuscripts to magazines. Interviewing and researching.
WR 449, CRITICAL REVIEWING, 4 Credits
Writing critical reviews of books, television programs, movies, plays, and restaurants for newspapers and magazines. The role of criticism in popular culture.
WR 460X, WRITING OF THE SEA, 4 Credits
Introduces the traditions and modalities of writing used in marine studies disciplines, including technical, creative, analytical, and journalistic writing. Uses rhetorical structure and strategies to express personal beliefs about, responses to, and ethical commitments toward the world’s oceans.
WR 462, ^ENVIRONMENTAL WRITING, 4 Credits
Writing about environmental topics from multiple perspectives. Includes science journalism, research and writing on current scientific issues and controversies, and theories of rhetoric and environmentalism.
Attributes: CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Course
Prerequisite: WR 121 with C- or better or WR 121H with C- or better or WR 121Z with C- or better or WR 121HZ with C- or better
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
Available via Ecampus
WR 475, RHETORICS OF RACE, 4 Credits
By exploring the interrelated concepts of race, racialization, and racism, Rhetorics of Race problematizes race as a taken-for-granted phenomenon. Through reading, writing, and discussion, class participants study racial formations as historically specific and analyze contemporary forms of racism in the US. Readings and discussion pay close attention to how rhetoric and discourse have the power to reproduce and challenge white supremacy and race-based oppressions. Emphasizing the intersectionality of oppression—that racism necessarily takes place at intersections with other forms of subordination including sexism, homophobia, ablelism, etc.—Rhetorics of Race draws from Queer Black Feminism, Chican@ Feminism, and Critical Race Theory.
WR 495, ^INTRODUCTION TO LITERACY STUDIES, 4 Credits
Literacy studies in multidisciplinary contexts. Examines historical, theoretical, and practical relationships among reading, writing, language, culture, and schooling. (Writing Intensive Course)
Attributes: CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Course
WR 497, DIGITAL LITERACY AND CULTURE, 4 Credits
From pencils to pixels, telegraphs to texts, and semaphores to social networking, Digital Literacy and Culture focuses on the relationships between human expression and the technologies that provide context, meaning, and shape to those expressions.
Prerequisite: WR 121 with C- or better or WR 121H with C- or better or WR 121Z with C- or better or WR 121HZ with C- or better
WR 499, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 500, MFA RESIDENCY, 1-20 Credits
Low-Residency Masters of Fine Arts Residency. Required course for graduate students in the Low-Residency Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.
This course is repeatable for 48 credits.
WR 501, RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 502, INDEPENDENT STUDY, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
WR 504, WRITING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 506, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 507, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 508, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 509, PRACTICUM, 1-16 Credits
Required practicum for graduate students teaching introduction to poetry writing.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
WR 511, THE TEACHING OF WRITING, 4 Credits
Pedagogy and theory in composition; prepares teachers (secondary through college) in writing process, assignment design, evaluation, and grammar. Also focuses on student's own writing.
WR 512, CURRENT COMPOSITION THEORY, 4 Credits
Current rhetoric and composition theory and its applications for teachers and writers.
WR 513, LOW-RESIDENCY MFA MENTORSHIP, 5-12 Credits
Low-Residency Masters of Fine Arts Mentorship. Required course for graduate students in the Low-Residency Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.
This course is repeatable for 36 credits.
WR 515, M.A. THESIS WRITING, 1 Credit
Explores, evaluates, and integrates MA thesis genre conventions, strategies for drafting and revising prose, and productive and healthy writing habits specifically for graduate students in writing, literature, and film. Produces a draft of one thesis chapter.
This course is repeatable for 5 credits.
WR 517, TEACHING PRACTICUM: ENGLISH COMPOSITION, 2 Credits
Required practicum for graduate students teaching English Composition.
WR 519, TEACHING PRACTICUM: WR 222, 1 Credit
This practicum prepares graduate teaching assistants to teach Writing 222 (Argumentation). It includes both theoretical and practical components, providing an overview of the curriculum and addressing course development, lesson planning, and pedagogical best practices. The practicum is required for SWLF graduate students with a focus in rhetoric and composition.
WR 520, STUDIES IN WRITING, 4 Credits
Selected topics in rhetoric and composition.
This course is repeatable for 8 credits.
Available via Ecampus
WR 521, TEACHING PRACTICUM: FICTION WRITING, 1 Credit
Required practicum for graduate students teaching introduction to fiction writing.
This course is repeatable for 3 credits.
WR 522, TEACHING PRACTICUM: POETRY WRITING, 1 Credit
Required practicum for graduate students teaching introduction to poetry writing.
This course is repeatable for 3 credits.
WR 523, TEACHING PRACTICUM: NONFICTION WRITING, 1 Credit
Required practicum for graduate students teaching introduction to nonfiction writing.
This course is repeatable for 3 credits.
WR 524, ADVANCED FICTION WRITING, 4 Credits
Advanced fiction workshop with an emphasis on developing longer pieces.
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
WR 526, READING FOR WRITERS, 3 Credits
Illustrates the generative potential that revision holds for writers. Cultivates strategies for naming or creating writing opportunities and chances for discovery, practices revising a significant work of original writing.
WR 529, COMPASSIONATE CRITIQUE, 3 Credits
Conducts a close study of the unique, complicated dynamics at work in peer critique, with an emphasis on strategies for response that might challenge familiar modes of criticism and traditional workshop dynamics. Implements the basics of workshop; students practice reading and critiquing peers’ work across different genres.
WR 533, ADVANCED POETRY WRITING WORKSHOP, 3 Credits
Practices ethically engaged workshop skills and enacts a regular writing and revision process to strengthen/revise a substantial body of original work. Participate in group writing exercises.
Prerequisite: WR 526 with B or better and WR 529 [B] and WR 530 [B]
This course is repeatable for 6 credits.
WR 534, ADVANCED FICTION WRITING WORKSHOP, 3 Credits
Addresses advanced issues of craft, including sophisticated storytelling techniques, achieving consistency (tone, balance, rhythm), and other key elements of successful sustained narratives (character arcs, plot design, structural dynamics).
Prerequisite: WR 526 with B or better and WR 529 [B] and WR 531 [B]
This course is repeatable for 6 credits.
WR 535, ADVANCED CREATIVE NONFICTION, 3 Credits
Focuses on advanced issues of craft, emphasizing how life events or circumstances can be used to ground inquiry and reflect on larger social, political, and cultural domains. Includes synthesizing research artfully, achieving consistency (tone, balance, proportion), experimenting with innovative techniques, becoming more rhetorically aware, and revising intentionally.
Prerequisite: WR 526 with B or better and WR 529 [B] and WR 532 [B]
This course is repeatable for 6 credits.
WR 537, WRITING FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, 3 Credits
Build graduate-level writing and rhetorical skills and identify and utilize the conventions of researched-based writing in their field with the end goal of being more confident and effective writers of academic argument. Analyze writing in their own fields, develop papers through all stages of the writing process, and work to expand graduate-level academic vocabulary and scientific and technical writing conventions.
This course is repeatable for 15 credits.
WR 540, ADVANCED NONFICTION WRITING, 4 Credits
Advanced creative nonfiction workshop with an emphasis on developing longer pieces.
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
WR 541, ADVANCED POETRY WRITING, 4 Credits
Advanced poetry workshop.
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
WR 550, POETRY FOUNDATIONS 1: PROSODY, 3 Credits
Analyzes poetic elements, organized around the history and evolution of poetic forms, including syllable, stanza, and line; of stress, meter, rhyme, and a variety of countings, as well as contemporary explorations of fragmentation, interruption, chance and silence. Demonstrates a range of structural elements, experimental and classic. Integrates craft theory and its application in original student work.
Prerequisite: WR 526 (may be taken concurrently) with B or better and WR 529 (may be taken concurrently) [B]
WR 552, POETRY FOUNDATIONS 3: POETICS, 3 Credits
Explores the long tradition of the articulation of the meaning and purpose of poetry, from Aristotle to ‘undocumented poetics.’ Introduces essays and poems that give shape to aesthetic judgments and encourages students to respond in their own writing to the history of poetic ideas. Craft analysis integrates craft theory and emphasizes how students may apply these techniques in their own writing.
WR 554, FICTION FOUNDATIONS 1: NARRATIVE CONVENTIONS, 3 Credits
Analyzes the formal elements of the craft—narrative structure, character development, point of view consistency, style, detail, imagery, and theme. Identifies specific technical strategies for achieving the writer’s intentions for the work. Considers what general principles might govern story form but also the wide latitude a writer has in addressing them.
Prerequisite: WR 526 (may be taken concurrently) with B or better and WR 529 (may be taken concurrently) [B]
WR 556, FICTION FOUNDATIONS 3: NARRATIVE DESIGN, 3 Credits
Examines the design and construction of long fiction narratives with an eye toward the relationship between form and content. Craft analysis integrates craft theory and emphasizes how students may apply these techniques in their own writing.
WR 558, CREATIVE NONFICTION FOUNDATIONS: NARRATIVE, 3 Credits
Analyzes the formal elements that creative nonfiction borrows from fiction, including narrative, persona/voice, and characterization. Analyzes the ways nonfiction differs, including the use of double perspective and its effect on narrative structure, the ethics of characterization, and the effective management of narrative distance.
Prerequisite: WR 526 (may be taken concurrently) with B or better and WR 529 (may be taken concurrently) [B]
WR 559, CREATIVE NONFICTION FOUNDATIONS: DOCUMENTARY, 3 Credits
Connects documentary poetics and creative nonfiction through an analysis of style. Readings will demonstrate the use of research strategies, including oral histories, interviews, immersion, and the gathering of information from various types of sources. Uses research to ground and expand the work and experiments with various writing techniques.
WR 561, CREATIVE NONFICTION FOUNDATIONS: EXPERIMENTAL FORMS, 3 Credits
Emphasizes innovative nonfiction through investigations of non-traditional approaches such as, the segmented essay, the uses of fabrication and falsification, hypertext and digital experiments, formal innovations, and more. Practice using such boundary-pushing techniques to expand the possibilities of their own nonfiction.
WR 562, ENVIRONMENTAL WRITING, 4 Credits
Writing about environmental topics from multiple perspectives. Includes science journalism, research and writing on current scientific issues and controversies, and theories of rhetoric and environmentalism.
This course is repeatable for 8 credits.
Recommended: WR 121Z
WR 572, CRITICAL STUDIES: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, 2 Credits
Explores blending writing practices with promoting the literary arts through community engagement and/or public facing events in traditional and non-traditional settings.
Prerequisite: WR 526 with B or better and WR 529 [B] and WR 570 [B] and WR 571 [B]
WR 573, THESIS & DISSERTATION WRITING, 3 Credits
Supports students who are in the writing stages of their thesis or dissertation. Teaches rhetorical analysis of model texts, techniques for drafting and revising texts, strategies for overcoming writing blocks, and methods of self-care for managing stress.
This course is repeatable for 30 credits.
WR 575, RHETORICS OF RACE, 4 Credits
By exploring the interrelated concepts of race, racialization, and racism, Rhetorics of Race problematizes race as a taken-for-granted phenomenon. Through reading, writing, and discussion, class participants study racial formations as historically specific and analyze contemporary forms of racism in the US. Readings and discussion pay close attention to how rhetoric and discourse have the power to reproduce and challenge white supremacy and race-based oppressions. Emphasizing the intersectionality of oppression—that racism necessarily takes place at intersections with other forms of subordination including sexism, homophobia, ablelism, etc.—Rhetorics of Race draws from Queer Black Feminism, Chican@ Feminism, and Critical Race Theory.
WR 585, CONTEMPORARY RHETORIC THEORY, 4 Credits
Familiarizes students with a range of theories that have significantly contributed to or influenced the field of modern and contemporary rhetorical research. Examines scholars, concepts, and methodologies that are central to contemporary rhetorical theory, while touching on key critical theorists who, although may be considered outside the field of rhetoric studies, impact the ways in which language, persuasion, and communication are currently understood. From this work, students develop their own perspectives and generate evidence-based arguments concerning those same issues.
Recommended: WR 121Z
WR 593, THE RHETORICAL TRADITION AND THE TEACHING OF WRITING, 4 Credits
Major past and contemporary theories of written communication, their historical context, and their impact on writing and the teaching of writing.
WR 595, INTRODUCTION TO LITERACY STUDIES, 4 Credits
Literacy studies in multidisciplinary contexts. Examines historical, theoretical, and practical relationships among reading, writing, language, culture, and schooling.
WR 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 30 credits.