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RHETORIC

Introduction to Rhetoric: Reading, Writing, and Research
Reading and Writing the Rhetoric Of American Identities

This two-semester, six-credit writing intensive sequence features a fall semester course in argumentation, which is essential to leadership communication skills. It is followed by a spring semester topics course, which furthers students' writing in their application of rhetorical skill by analyzing texts related to American identities. Over the two courses, students will research and analyze the various positions held in any public debate and learn to advocate their own positions effectively through a process of drafts and revisions. In the fall, students will explore the ethics of argumentation and what it means to fairly represent someone with whom they disagree. By the spring, students are ready to analyze arguments presented by others, research a topic of their own, and craft sound and effective arguments. Across these two courses, students will develop their skills and knowledge to write four- to six-page essays and read non-fiction text aligned to college expectations for critical writing, reading, research, and analysis.

Course Capacity: Each Rhetoric instructor may teach either two sections of 25 students each, or three sections of 20 students each.

BIG IDEAS

RHETORICAL SITUATIONS

Exploring the relationship of authors to topics and audiences

GIVING AND RECEIVING FEEDBACK

Learning through peer review and reflection

DRAFTING AND REVISING

Responding to feedback through researching, rethinking, and restructuring

LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATION

Evaluating controversies and their stakeholders

FORMULATING A RESEARCH QUESTION

Navigating the student-choice research journey

CONDUCTING RESEARCH

Diving into databases and search engines.

EVALUATING SOURCES

Determining what makes a text credible

ANALYZING ARGUMENTS

Dissecting logic, persuasive appeals, and organization.

IDENTIFYING UNDERLYING VALUES

Examining the commonly held ideas underlying arguments

  • TCCNs: ENGL 1301 + ENGL 1302
  • UT Course Codes: RHE 306 + RHE 309J
    • 6 College Credits (3 per course)

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