Coursework in Rhetoric and Composition
The Ph.D. Program requires:
five core courses described below [these comprise the material for the preliminary exam] a secondary area a linguistics seminar The M.A. requires:
three courses from the rhetoric and composition core three courses in literature [in three areas] introductory courses in linguistics [Engl 506] and English studies [Engl 501] [note: in addition to coursework, students must pass the exams for the degrees they seek, meet departmental language requirements, and Ph.D. students complete a dissertation.]
Core Classes
The core curriculum is composed of five courses covering theoretical, historical, and empirical modes of inquiry into rhetoric and composition:
English 591, Introduction to Composition Theory
examines issues in contemporary composition theory and interrogates what it means to do pedagogical theoryEnglish 622, Issues in Composition Studies: Classical period to the Renaissance
traces through these periods both primary and secondary sources on a variety of issues and topics in rhetorical theoryEnglish 624, Issues in Composition Studies: Modern Period
traces rhetorical issues and topics from the enlightment through the beginning of the 20th century in Britain and AmericaEnglish 625, Seminar on Empirical Research on Writing
introduces the varieties of empirical research into writing focusing on critique, methodology, and research planningEnglish 626, Postmodernism and Composition Issues
introduces postmodern theories and connects them with theorizing in composition studies
Special Topic Seminars
In addition to the core seminars, we offer seminars in subjects such as:Writing Assessment Burke in the Twentyfirst Century Computers and Writing Cultural Studies and Composition Cybercultures and Rhetorical Theory Distance Learning and Writing Theory Digital Studio Ethics, Rhetoric, and Writing Gender, Rhetoric, and the Body Literacy Studies Minority Rhetorics New Media Professional Writing Theory Public Rhetorics Qualitative Research PostCritical Methodologies Rhetoric and Digital Publishing Rhetoric and Institutional Discourses Second Language Writing Visual Rhetoric in a Technological Age Writing Across the Curriculum Writing Assessment Writing Center Theory Writing Program Administration
Secondary Areas
Students choose a secondary area for coursework. It is satisfired by four preapproved courses or an examination in a secondary area. It can also be developed in consultation with your advisor. The Department has identified secondary areas in:ESL Professional and Technical Writing Rhetoric, Technology, and Digital Writing Writing Program Administration Literary Theory Women's Literature Theory and Cultural Studies Feminist Theory English Language and Lingusitics Literary Periods Postcolonial Literature Creative Writing Poetry American Studies
Lectures
- David Hutton Interdisciplinary Lecture Series, named in 1999 for series benefactor David Hutton, brings to campus top scholars in the field to share their work through conversation and a lecture.
- James A. Berlin Memorial Lecture honors the memory of our colleague. It brings a scholar working in history or contemporary cultural theory for a bi-ennial lecture.
- Leonora Woodman Memorial Lecture honors the memory of our colleague and brings a scholar in writing or literature for a lecture each Fall.
Program
The graduate program is structured to accommodate students' needs as maturing scholars and teachers.