RHETORIC AND WRITING

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.