
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.