WRS 210 | RHETORIC IN ACTION
In this course, students will learn how to apply principles of rhetoric to write and communicate effectively across a range of contexts, genres, and modalities. They will engage with rhetoric not only as the classical art of persuasion but also as a tool to shape ideas, construct identities, and craft responses to complex situations. The course will cover both classic and contemporary theories of rhetoric, including cultural, feminist, and digital approaches. Course projects will invite students to innovate and adapt their communication strategies, utilizing advanced writing and multimedia design tools, including generative AI, to engage with diverse communities.
WRS 230 | ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
In Advanced Professional Communication, students will explore complex rhetorical situations that may arise in the workplace and beyond. Writing in this field requires an understanding of formal written communication styles, research, and the use of generative writing technology in professional settings. Students will practice writing in formats and genres that may include, but are not limited to, job search materials, project proposals, informal and formal reports, and professional presentations.
WRS 231 | ADVANCED WRITING FOR ARTS & HUMANITIES
In the Arts & Humanities disciplines, students develop a nuanced understanding of complex cultural and artistic practices. Writing in these fields requires the ability to convey sophisticated critical and analytical judgments effectively through both print and digital forms of communication. In this course, students will practice writing in formats and genres common to professions in the humanities fields, including criticism, reviews, museum/exhibition catalogs, and web blogs/social media.
WRS 232 | ADVANCED WRITING FOR PEOPLE & SOCIETY
In the People and Society disciplines, students develop a nuanced understanding of societal structures and social change, using sociological and anthropological frameworks to examine human behavior, social patterns, and cultural dynamics. Writing in these fields requires sophisticated engagement with various texts, critical analysis, and reflective dialogue. In this course, students will practice writing in social science formats and genres, such as narrative reports, ethnographies, comparative case studies, and historical analyses. They will express their ideas in both traditional print and digital forms of communication.
WRS 233 | ADVANCED WRITING FOR STEM
In the STEM disciplines, students develop a nuanced understanding of complex natural and man-made phenomena. Writing in these fields requires being able to communicate clearly with both specialist and non-specialist audiences. STEM writing demands a sophisticated engagement with data, original research findings, and existing scholarly literature. In this course, students will learn to convey scientific knowledge through both traditional print and digital forms of communication. Students will also practice writing in formats and genres common to the science and engineering fields, including proposals, literature reviews, and presentations.
WRS 306 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN WRITING AND RHETORIC
This course explores advanced rhetorical theory, focusing on how rhetorical strategies shape communication across various professional and academic writing genres. Emphasis is placed on understanding and applying rhetorical concepts such as audience, purpose, and persuasion in different writing forms. Students will critically analyze the rhetorical moves within these genres, study real-world examples, and produce writing that demonstrates their ability to adapt rhetorical strategies to specific contexts and audiences. May be repeated if topics are different.
WRS 310 | AI IN DIGITAL AND PROFESSIONAL WRITING
This course provides students with a hands-on foundation for using AI tools to compose digital and professional writing. In the course, students will explore the intersection of AI and digital writing, focusing on the ethical, cultural, and practical implications of AI-driven writing practice. The course exclusively emphasizes multimedia projects, integrating diverse modes of engagement (e.g., visual, audio, interactive) to address a variety of topics relevant to their majors and/or their fields of study.
WRS 331 | LEGAL WRITING AND RHETORIC I
This course will introduce students to foundational skills in legal writing and rhetoric. Students will analyze judicial opinions and court briefs in order to craft persuasive legal documents and to develop an understanding of legal communication. Through the writing assignments, including memoranda and briefs, students will develop rhetorically-sound approaches to communicating about legal issues. They will also learn how legal writing translates into oral arguments.
WRS 332 | WRITING FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
In this course, students will examine how civic engagement can foster critical dialogue and drive social engagement through writing. They will develop skills to use writing as a powerful tool for community collaboration and advocacy. Students will analyze real-world issues while focusing on elevating community voices. They will critically engage with writing as a tool for positive personal and community transformation.
WRS 333 | WRITING THE RESEARCH PAPER
This course will guide students through the research and writing processes necessary to produce a well-crafted academic research paper. By engaging in independent research, students will learn to select appropriate topics, formulate research questions, and conduct research using both traditional library resources and digital tools. Emphasis will be placed on critically evaluating and synthesizing sources, practicing ethical methodology, engaging in the recursive writing process, understanding disciplinary conventions, and developing effective multimodal presentations of their findings.
WRS 431 | LEGAL WRITING AND RHETORIC II
This course will build on the legal writing skills gained in WRS 331 by focusing on advanced rhetorical techniques in legal writing at the appellate and judicial level. Students will draft arguments for issues on appeal on behalf of a mock “client” as well as a judicial opinion to resolve a legal issue.
