Rhetoric icon

RHETORIC AND WRITING

READING, WRITING, AND RESEARCH

This two-semester, six-credit writing intensive sequence features a fall semester course in argumentation, specifically “Research and Writing,” which is essential to leadership communications skills. It is followed by a spring semester topics course, “Rhetoric of American Identity,” which features a series of case studies analyzing texts about American identity. 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.

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.

INVESTIGATING IDENTITY

Preparing future leaders for an increasingly complex society

IDENTIFYING UNDERLYING VALUES

Examining the commonly held ideas underlying arguments

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

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

Still have questions?

Already a student?