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, and linguistics (a seminar). The M.A. requires: three courses from the rhetoric & composition core, three courses in literature (in three areas), and introductory courses in linguistics (Engl 506) and English studies (Engl 501).   [note: in addition to coursework, students must pass the exams for the degree they seek, meet department language requirements, and Ph.D. students complete a dissertation.]     The 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 theory Fall 2003 English 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 theory English 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 America Spring 2001 Fall 2003 English 625, Seminar on Empirical Research on Writing introduces the varieties of empirical research into writing focusing on critique, methodology, and research planning Fall 2001 Spring 2003 English 626, Postmodernism and Composition Issues introduces postmodern theories and connects them with theorizing in composition studies Spring 2002 download more recent syllabi Special Topic Seminars In addition to the core seminars, we offer: Writing Assessment Computers and Writing Fall 2003 Fall 2001 Fall 1999 Cultural Studies and Composition ( 2000; 2003) Cybercultures and Rhetorical Theory Distance Learning and Writing Theory Ethics, Rhetoric, and Writing Gender, Rhetoric, and the Body Literacy Studies Minority Rhetorics (2003; 2005) New Media Professional Writing Theory (2002; 2004) Qualitative Research Critical Qualitative Methodology PostCritical Methodologies Rhetoric and Digital Publishing Rhetoric and Institutional Discourses Second Language Writing Visual Rhetoric in a Technological Age Spring 2004 Spring 2002 Spring 2000 Writing Across the Curriculum Writing Assessment Writing Center Theory Writing Program Administration Fall 2005 Fall 2003 Spring 2000 Fall 1998   Lectures David Hutton Interdisciplinary Lecture Series, named for benefactor David Hutton, brings to campus top scholars in the field from around the country. James A. Berlin Memorial Lecture, bi-ennial. Brings a scholar working in history or contemporary cultural theory. Leonora Woodman Memorial Lecture, brings a scholar in writing or literature each Fall.   Secondary Areas The secondary area is satisfied by four courses or an examination in an approved secondary area. 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 Historical Periods Postcolonial Literature Creative Writing Poetry Drama American Studies