Minor in Writing and Rhetoric

The Writing Program seeks to equip students for both academic success and participation in the full range of rhetorical occasions they will encounter in their lives as citizens and professionals.  The study of Rhetoric and Composition includes a wide range of topics, including literacy studies, rhetorical traditions, writing pedagogy, cultural rhetorics, and technology and writing among others.  Students wishing to pursue concentrated and advanced training may elect the Minor in Writing and Rhetoric as a valuable complement to a host of different academic majors and professional fields of interest. 

Minors and instructors teaching courses in the minor may access the Writing Minor BlackBoard by following the link, logging on, and then clicking on the link in My Organizations.

Course Offerings

Required Core: 6 credit hours 

WRIT 210: Critical Reading and Argumentation.  3 Credits

An introduction to the development and analysis of argumentative strategies across a range of academic, professional, and popular writing contexts. Emphasis will be given to the cultural, historical, disciplinary, and professional bases for written argumentation.  Prerequisites: GWRIT 103 or equivalent.  Students who have previously taken GWRIT 102 may substitute that course as an equivalent for GWRIT 103.                                                                                   

WRIT 220: Rhetorical Traditions. 3 Credits

An introduction to historical rhetoric and its relationship to reading, writing, and speaking in modern contexts.  Emphasis will be placed on defining rhetoric--its traditions, terms, and enduring realms of influence.  Prerequisites: GWRIT 103 or equivalent.  Students who have previously taken GWRIT 102 may substitute that course as an equivalent for GWRIT 103. 

Electives from among the following courses: 12 credit hours 

WRIT 232: The Art of Making a Difference, Service Learning.  3 Credits

 Experimental course that counts toward the Minor in Writing and Rhetoric.  Prerequisite: GWRIT 103 or equivalent.  Students who have previously taken GWRIT 102 may substitute that course as an equivalent for GWRIT 103.

WRIT/ENG 290: Intermediate Composition.  3 Credits

This course stresses the argumentative and persuasive essay as well as grammar and usage.  Prerequisite: GWRIT 103 or equivalent.  Students who have previously taken GWRIT 102 may substitute that course as an equivalent for GWRIT 103. 

WRIT 310: Studies in Literacy.  3 Credits

An advanced research and writing course designed to explore the important role that literacy plays in society. Students will examine the concept of literacy through historical, political, sociological, educational, and cross-cultural lenses. Prerequisite: GWRIT 103 or equivalent.  Students who have previously taken GWRIT 102 may substitute that course as an equivalent for GWRIT 103. 

WRIT 320: Writing in the Public Sphere.  3 Credits

An advanced study of the production and consumption of texts in both civic and professional spheres.  Students will analyze and employ the conventions that govern writing by individual citizens; writing by volunteer and non-profit organizations; and writing by both small and large business organizations. Prerequisite: GWRIT 103 or equivalent.  Students who have previously taken GWRIT 102 may substitute that course as an equivalent for GWRIT 103.

WRIT 330: Technology and Writing.  3 Credits

An advanced research and writing course that explores the interrelationships of technology, literacy, and society.  Students will examine the influences of past, present, and future technological innovations on our practices as readers and writers. Students may have the opportunity to compose in hypertext and multi-media environments.  Prerequisites: GWRIT 103 or equivalent.  Students who have previously taken GWRIT 102 may substitute that course as an equivalent for GWRIT 103. 

WRIT 340: Teaching Writing.  3 Credits

The course introduces students to the major philosophies, theories, and pedagogies of teaching writing. Special attention is devoted to such practical matters as understanding and developing effective writing assignments, methods of responding to student texts-in-progress, and evaluating writing. Prerequisites: GWRIT 103 or equivalent.  Students who have previously taken GWRIT 102 may substitute that course as an equivalent for GWRIT 103.

WRIT 395: e-Vision Internship.  1 Credit.  May be repeated.

Experimental course that counts toward the Minor in Writing and Rhetoric.  Prerequisites: permission of instructor.  Students who have previously taken GWRIT 102 may substitute that course as an equivalent for GWRIT 103.

WRIT/ENG 396.  Advanced Composition.  3 Credits

Extensive exercises in expository writing, with emphasis on rhetorical types of composition, designed to develop sophistication of style in the student's writing.  Prerequisite: GWRIT 103 or equivalent.  Students who have previously taken GWRIT 102 may substitute that course as an equivalent for GWRIT 103.

WRIT 399: Independent Study in Rhetoric and Writing.  3 Credits

An opportunity for independent study in rhetoric and composition. In consultation with the supervising instructor, students will choose a customized course of study from a variety of topics in rhetoric and composition.  Prerequisite: WRIT 210 and 220, or permission of instructor.. Enrollment is contingent upon Faculty and Departmental approval. 

WRIT 400: Special Topics Seminar in Rhetoric and Writing.  3 Credits

A focused, in-depth study of specific areas or subjects in rhetoric and composition. Topics may pertain to issues relevant to the discipline, to the study of particular rhetorical theories and practices, or to the study of significant figures in the field. Seminars may be repeated for credit when course content changes.  Prerequisite: WRIT 210 and 220, or permission of instructor. 

WRIT 410: Studies in Cultural Rhetorics.  3 Credits

The course will investigate the ways in which definitions of our identity (including class, gender, race and ethnicity, sexuality, nature, and region, among others) acquire cultural significance through written and symbolic expression.  Students will examine a variety of different "texts" from a range of theoretical perspectives.  Prerequisite: WRIT 210 and 220, or permission of instructor.

 WRIT 430: Style and Stylistics.  3 Credits

An advanced, writing-intensive study of stylistic history, theory, and practice.  The course acquaints students with the origins and history of different writing styles, current stylistic theory and practice, and gives them the opportunity to write in different styles, including experimental ones.  Students will analyze the relationship between rhetoric and writing style and analyze and produce stylistically diverse pieces of academic, public, and personal writing.  Prerequisites: WRIT 210, WRIT 220, or permission of instructor.

WRIT 431: Visual Rhetoric.  3 Credits

 Experimental course that counts toward the Minor in Writing and Rhetoric.  Prerequisites: WRIT 210, WRIT 220, or permission of instructor.

Writing courses offered by other departments may be counted as electives (with the approval of the Writing Program Director).


For Further Information about the Minor:
Dr. Susan Ghiaciuc
Cleveland Hall, Rm 203
The Writing Program, MSC 2103
James Madison University
(540) 568-1613
 
 
For information about The Writing Program contact: Lori Tolbert
James Madison University, MSC 2103
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
540-568-6004
Contact Webmaster at aleysb@jmu.edu
This site was last updated on 09/27/2005