RHETORIC 101 Sections
RHET 101.01: Principles/Practice of Good Writing
Nace, Nicholas
TR 8:30 AM–9:50 AM
This course emphasizes basic sentence grammar-parts of speech, sentence types, sentence combining, and major errors in sentence construction-and the basic elements of composition-thesis development, paragraphing, and selection and organization of evidence. Students also develop vocabulary and reading skills. Prerequisite: consent of the Director of the Rhetoric Program.
RHET 101.02: Principles/Practice of Good Writing
Schooling, Shawn
TR 10:00 AM–11:20 AM
This course emphasizes basic sentence grammar-parts of speech, sentence types, sentence combining, and major errors in sentence construction-and the basic elements of composition-thesis development, paragraphing, and selection and organization of evidence. Students also develop vocabulary and reading skills. Prerequisite: consent of the Director of the Rhetoric Program.
RHET 101.03: Principles/Practice of Good Writing
Weese, Katherine
TR 12:30 PM–1:50 PM
This course emphasizes basic sentence grammar-parts of speech, sentence types, sentence combining, and major errors in sentence construction-and the basic elements of composition-thesis development, paragraphing, and selection and organization of evidence. Students also develop vocabulary and reading skills. Prerequisite: consent of the Director of the Rhetoric Program.
RHET 101.04: Principles/Practice of Good Writing
Varholy-Simons, Cristine
MWF 12:30 PM–1:20 PM
This course emphasizes basic sentence grammar-parts of speech, sentence types, sentence combining, and major errors in sentence construction-and the basic elements of composition-thesis development, paragraphing, and selection and organization of evidence. Students also develop vocabulary and reading skills. Prerequisite: consent of the Director of the Rhetoric Program.
RHETORIC 102 Sections
RHET 102.01: Principles/Practice of Good Writing: Serious Noticing
Malyszek, Chelsie
MWF 8:30 AM–9:20 AM
This themed section of Rhetoric 102 asks you to pay attention to things that are usually beneath our notice. We will read a variety of texts that inspire us to observe details, oftentimes through the authors’ own hyperfocus on and absorption in small things. As we will see, even the most mundane topic contains overlooked nuance, patterns, and beauty—if only we take time to notice them. Over the course of the semester, you will develop your skills in close reading, writing researched essays, and refining your writing style. Each week, we will focus on new tools to refine this style—tools like sentence rhythm, emphasis, and variety; proper research and citation, using the logic of persuasion, and finding the right words.
RHET 102.02: Principles/Practice of Good Writing: Play and Games, Writing and Research Euteneuer, Jacob
TR 8:30 AM–9:50 AM
Effective writing and communication skills help us better express our ideas and beliefs in all areas of our lives. One area of our life that modern technology has greatly expanded is our capacity to play games with anyone, anywhere. As digital games continue to become more accessible to wider audiences through mobile phones, subscription services, and simplified game engines, their impact and influence will continue to grow. Through a series of written essays, students will take a critical look at games and play, analyzing how digital games are made, who plays them, what stories they tell, and what makes the medium of games unique. Building off of the skills learned in RHET 101, students will perform rhetorical analysis, exercises in style, and academic research into how games depict, critique, and reinforce ideals related to race, gender, class, and sexual orientation. Ultimately, students will gain the ability to effectively integrate and cite research in order to craft persuasive and expressive arguments.
RHET 102.03: Principles/Practice of Good Writing: Serious Noticing
Malyszek, Chelsie
MWF 9:30 AM–10:20 AM
This themed section of Rhetoric 102 asks you to pay attention to things that are usually beneath our notice. We will read a variety of texts that inspire us to observe details, oftentimes through the authors’ own hyperfocus on and absorption in small things. As we will see, even the most mundane topic contains overlooked nuance, patterns, and beauty—if only we take time to notice them. Over the course of the semester, you will develop your skills in close reading, writing researched essays, and refining your writing style. Each week, we will focus on new tools to refine this style—tools like sentence rhythm, emphasis, and variety; proper research and citation, using the logic of persuasion, and finding the right words.
RHET 102.04: Principles/Practice of Good Writing: This I Believe
Torrey, William S.
MWF 9:30 AM-10:20 AM
What’s the difference between truth and falsehood? Opinions and facts? Certainty and belief? Can a single voice on a subject ever get it right? In RHET 102, you'll explore the art of persuasion and practice complicating your arguments by synthesizing the ideas of others into your writing. Over the term, we'll analyze your beliefs, as well as those of artists and cultural commentators, honing your ability to craft compelling argumentative essays. From a statement of personal belief, to analysis in a variety of rhetorical contexts, to an in-depth research project, you'll learn to use language with precision, nuance and power. You’ll also refine your stylistic skills by studying sentence rhythm, the logic of persuasion, and best practices for citation and conducting academic research.
RHET 102.05: Principles/Practice of Good Writing: Struggling to Maintain Identity in a Shapeshifting World
Williams, Allyson Abbott
TR 10:00 AM–11:20 AM
In this course we will explore the relationship between place and identity, a relationship that one might describe as symbiotic: sometimes place and identity prove mutually beneficial; other times the two struggle against one another as in a competition. We will begin our study with that place we each call home, looking at its influence on the formation of our identity. Leaving home behind, we will then venture to places unified and places divided. In particular, we will consider Northern Ireland, Vietnam, East and West Germany, and Yugoslavia. In such places we will look at how identity can construct walls literally and figuratively. From the writers and artists who have occupied these places and who have claimed that their experiences in these places formed their identities, you will gain a greater understanding of the power of place and the impact of conflict. As you respond to their works—their poems, essays, short stories, speeches, and visual art—you will hone your research skills, refine your writing style, and develop rhetorical and analytical skills.
RHET 102.06: Principles/Practice of Good Writing: Play and Games, Writing and Research Euteneuer, Jacob
TR 10:00 AM–11:20 AM
Effective writing and communication skills help us better express our ideas and beliefs in all areas of our lives. One area of our life that modern technology has greatly expanded is our capacity to play games with anyone, anywhere. As digital games continue to become more accessible to wider audiences through mobile phones, subscription services, and simplified game engines, their impact and influence will continue to grow. Through a series of written essays, students will take a critical look at games and play, analyzing how digital games are made, who plays them, what stories they tell, and what makes the medium of games unique. Building off of the skills learned in RHET 101, students will perform rhetorical analysis, exercises in style, and academic research into how games depict, critique, and reinforce ideals related to race, gender, class, and sexual orientation. Ultimately, students will gain the ability to effectively integrate and cite research in order to craft persuasive and expressive arguments.
RHET 102.07: Principles/Practice of Good Writing: Digital Divides
Celeste, Mark
TR 10:00 AM–11:20 AM
This semester we will learn how to effectively summarize, evaluate, and synthesize multiple sources in order to develop a critical perspective and advance a thesis of our own. Through multiple writing assignments we will learn to approach writing as a process: i.e., research and invention, drafting, peer review, and revision and editing. Along the way, we will learn concepts and guidelines for rhetorical appeals, argument and counter-argument, organization and paragraphing, research and citation, and style.
Building upon the skills of RHET101, RHET102 will focus on three main areas: (1) skills and processes for writing research papers, (2) principles and practices of academic citation, and (3) guidelines and heuristics for style. The skills and strategies we learn and practice in RHET102 will also help prepare us for the Rhetoric Proficiency Examination.
Our theme for the semester is “digital divides”: through our reading and writing we will enter into urgent debates about the relationship between technology and society. As humans and machines communicate with increasing speed, frequency, and (in some cases) fidelity, how has that networked transfer of information reshaped our world? We will grapple with topics such as the role of digital currency, the bias of algorithms, the cognitive impact of search engines, the right to digital privacy, the autonomy of online content creators, and more.
RHET 102.08: Principles/Practice of Good Writing
Gleason, Sean
TR 10:00 AM–11:20 AM
In this course students learn and practice the skills they need to write well. The course emphasizes reading, clear thinking, composing, revising, and editing, and in the process prepares students for other courses that demand careful reading, thinking, and writing. The course also provides a foundation of skills necessary to pass the Rhetoric Proficiency Examination. Prerequisite: for Rhetoric 101, none; for Rhetoric 102, Rhetoric 101 or consent of the Director.
RHET 102.09: Principles/Practice of Good Writing: This I Believe
Torrey, William
MWF 10:30 AM–11:20 AM
What’s the difference between truth and falsehood? Opinions and facts? Certainty and belief? Can a single voice on a subject ever get it right? In RHET 102, you'll explore the art of persuasion and practice complicating your arguments by synthesizing the ideas of others into your writing. Over the term, we'll analyze your beliefs, as well as those of artists and cultural commentators, honing your ability to craft compelling argumentative essays. From a statement of personal belief, to analysis in a variety of rhetorical contexts, to an in-depth research project, you'll learn to use language with precision, nuance and power. You’ll also refine your stylistic skills by studying sentence rhythm, the logic of persuasion, and best practices for citation and conducting academic research.
RHET 102.10: Principles/Practice of Good Writing: This I Believe
Torrey, William
MWF 11:30 AM–12:20 PM
What’s the difference between truth and falsehood? Opinions and facts? Certainty and belief? Can a single voice on a subject ever get it right? In RHET 102, you'll explore the art of persuasion and practice complicating your arguments by synthesizing the ideas of others into your writing. Over the term, we'll analyze your beliefs, as well as those of artists and cultural commentators, honing your ability to craft compelling argumentative essays. From a statement of personal belief, to analysis in a variety of rhetorical contexts, to an in-depth research project, you'll learn to use language with precision, nuance and power. You’ll also refine your stylistic skills by studying sentence rhythm, the logic of persuasion, and best practices for citation and conducting academic research.
RHET 102.11: Principles/Practice of Good Writing: Hemingway and the Modern Man
Florczyk, Steven
MWF 11:30 AM–12:20 PM
One of the most well-known authors of the twentieth century, Ernest Hemingway became famous not only as a writer but also for exploits such as involvement in wars, African safaris, and big game fishing. In short, Hemingway was a celebrity. For many, his life and literature came to epitomize what it means to be a man in the modern world. Even though Hemingway has sometimes been identified with a crude hyper-masculinity that has been both idealized and criticized, Hemingway’s writing suggests more complex themes on both men and women. As Andre Dubus III writes, most of Hemingway’s characters “are wounded, psychologically fragile, and deeply aware of death, but they’re trying to discover how to live anyway, which is a kind of heroism, but without the swagger.” What can we learn by studying Hemingway? With attention to style and effective sentences, students will improve their writing by producing research-based argumentative essays on one of the most influential writers in modern times.
RHET 102.12: Principles/Practice of Good Writing: Hemingway and the Modern Man
Florczyk, Steven
MWF 12:30 PM–1:20 PM
One of the most well-known authors of the twentieth century, Ernest Hemingway became famous not only as a writer but also for exploits such as involvement in wars, African safaris, and big game fishing. In short, Hemingway was a celebrity. For many, his life and literature came to epitomize what it means to be a man in the modern world. Even though Hemingway has sometimes been identified with a crude hyper-masculinity that has been both idealized and criticized, Hemingway’s writing suggests more complex themes on both men and women. As Andre Dubus III writes, most of Hemingway’s characters “are wounded, psychologically fragile, and deeply aware of death, but they’re trying to discover how to live anyway, which is a kind of heroism, but without the swagger.” What can we learn by studying Hemingway? With attention to style and effective sentences, students will improve their writing by producing research-based argumentative essays on one of the most influential writers in modern times.
RHET 102.13: Principles/Practice of Good Writing: Struggling to Maintain Identity in a Shapeshifting World
Williams, Allyson
MW 12:30 PM–1:50 PM
In this course we will explore the relationship between place and identity, a relationship that one might describe as symbiotic: sometimes place and identity prove mutually beneficial; other times the two struggle against one another as in a competition. We will begin our study with that place we each call home, looking at its influence on the formation of our identity. Leaving home behind, we will then venture to places unified and places divided. In particular, we will consider Northern Ireland, Vietnam, East and West Germany, and Yugoslavia. In such places we will look at how identity can construct walls literally and figuratively. From the writers and artists who have occupied these places and who have claimed that their experiences in these places formed their identities, you will gain a greater understanding of the power of place and the impact of conflict. As you respond to their works—their poems, essays, short stories, speeches, and visual art—you will hone your research skills, refine your writing style, and develop rhetorical and analytical skills.
RHET 102.14: Principles/Practice of Good Writing: Digital Divides
Celeste, Mark
TR 12:30 PM–1:50 PM
This semester we will learn how to effectively summarize, evaluate, and synthesize multiple sources in order to develop a critical perspective and advance a thesis of our own. Through multiple writing assignments we will learn to approach writing as a process: i.e., research and invention, drafting, peer review, and revision and editing. Along the way, we will learn concepts and guidelines for rhetorical appeals, argument and counter-argument, organization and paragraphing, research and citation, and style.
Building upon the skills of RHET101, RHET102 will focus on three main areas: (1) skills and processes for writing research papers, (2) principles and practices of academic citation, and (3) guidelines and heuristics for style. The skills and strategies we learn and practice in RHET102 will also help prepare us for the Rhetoric Proficiency Examination.
Our theme for the semester is “digital divides”: through our reading and writing we will enter into urgent debates about the relationship between technology and society. As humans and machines communicate with increasing speed, frequency, and (in some cases) fidelity, how has that networked transfer of information reshaped our world? We will grapple with topics such as the role of digital currency, the bias of algorithms, the cognitive impact of search engines, the right to digital privacy, the autonomy of online content creators, and more.
RHET 102.15: Principles/Practice of Good Writing: Struggling to Maintain Identity in a Shapeshifting World
Williams, Allyson
TR 12:30 PM–1:50 PM
In this course we will explore the relationship between place and identity, a relationship that one might describe as symbiotic: sometimes place and identity prove mutually beneficial; other times the two struggle against one another as in a competition. We will begin our study with that place we each call home, looking at its influence on the formation of our identity. Leaving home behind, we will then venture to places unified and places divided. In particular, we will consider Northern Ireland, Vietnam, East and West Germany, and Yugoslavia. In such places we will look at how identity can construct walls literally and figuratively. From the writers and artists who have occupied these places and who have claimed that their experiences in these places formed their identities, you will gain a greater understanding of the power of place and the impact of conflict. As you respond to their works—their poems, essays, short stories, speeches, and visual art—you will hone your research skills, refine your writing style, and develop rhetorical and analytical skills.
RHET 102.16: Principles/Practice of Good Writing: This I Believe
Torrey, William
MWF 1:30 PM–2:20 PM
What’s the difference between truth and falsehood? Opinions and facts? Certainty and belief? Can a single voice on a subject ever get it right? In RHET 102, you'll explore the art of persuasion and practice complicating your arguments by synthesizing the ideas of others into your writing. Over the term, we'll analyze your beliefs, as well as those of artists and cultural commentators, honing your ability to craft compelling argumentative essays. From a statement of personal belief, to analysis in a variety of rhetorical contexts, to an in-depth research project, you'll learn to use language with precision, nuance and power. You’ll also refine your stylistic skills by studying sentence rhythm, the logic of persuasion, and best practices for citation and conducting academic research.
RHET 102.17: Principles/Practice of Good Writing: Struggling to Maintain Identity in a Shapeshifting World
Williams, Allyson
TR 2:00 PM–3:20 PM
In this course we will explore the relationship between place and identity, a relationship that one might describe as symbiotic: sometimes place and identity prove mutually beneficial; other times the two struggle against one another as in a competition. We will begin our study with that place we each call home, looking at its influence on the formation of our identity. Leaving home behind, we will then venture to places unified and places divided. In particular, we will consider Northern Ireland, Vietnam, East and West Germany, and Yugoslavia. In such places we will look at how identity can construct walls literally and figuratively. From the writers and artists who have occupied these places and who have claimed that their experiences in these places formed their identities, you will gain a greater understanding of the power of place and the impact of conflict. As you respond to their works—their poems, essays, short stories, speeches, and visual art—you will hone your research skills, refine your writing style, and develop rhetorical and analytical skills.
RHETORIC COURSES BEYOND RHETORIC 102
RHET 202.01: Style and Editing (EL-ON)
Nace, Nicholas
MWF 12:30 PM–1:20 PM
Students in this course will learn to read, write, edit, and design with greater personality and precision. The course will focus on the choices that authors, editors, journalists, and graphic designers make in order to create verbal and visual works that are lively, clear, balanced, engaging, and responsive to their rhetorical occasion. Through a mix of background readings in composition studies and visual rhetoric, stylistic case studies, and workshop-style editing practice, students will expand upon their knowledge gained in Rhetoric 102 in order to further refine their own voice, style, and tonal range. While focusing on such aspects of style as rhythm, repetition, and word choice, students will engage in editing of their own and others’ work. Practice in copy editing will take place at the level of the word, phrase, and sentence, but it will also extend all the way to the processes of preparing a manuscript for publication and to matters of text layout and design. Prerequisite: RHET 102.
RHET 210.01: Public Speaking (EL-ON)
Deal, Claire
TR 10:00 AM–11:20 AM
A good person is a good citizen, and a good citizen is an ethical, confident speaker. Rhetoric 210 introduces students to the art of public speaking and civil discourse. Emphasis is placed on crafting intelligent and compelling arguments that unite—rather than divide—an audience. Over the course of the semester students deliver informative and persuasive speeches that incorporate foundational rhetorical techniques, theories, and figures of speech. In addition, students critique their own work and the work of their peers. Students’ final grades in the course reflect both oral and written work. Prerequisite: none
RHET 210.02: Public Speaking (EL-ON)
Rouse, Miranda
MW 12:30 PM–1:50 PM
A good person is a good citizen, and a good citizen is an ethical, confident speaker. Rhetoric 210 introduces students to the art of public speaking and civil discourse. Emphasis is placed on crafting intelligent and compelling arguments that unite—rather than divide—an audience. Over the course of the semester students deliver informative and persuasive speeches that incorporate foundational rhetorical techniques, theories, and figures of speech. In addition, students critique their own work and the work of their peers. Students’ final grades in the course reflect both oral and written work. Prerequisite: none
RHET 210.03: Public Speaking (EL-ON)
Deal, Claire
TR 12:30 PM–1:50 PM
A good person is a good citizen, and a good citizen is an ethical, confident speaker. Rhetoric 210 introduces students to the art of public speaking and civil discourse. Emphasis is placed on crafting intelligent and compelling arguments that unite—rather than divide—an audience. Over the course of the semester students deliver informative and persuasive speeches that incorporate foundational rhetorical techniques, theories, and figures of speech. In addition, students critique their own work and the work of their peers. Students’ final grades in the course reflect both oral and written work. Prerequisite: none
RHET 210.04: Public Speaking (EL-ON)/
Gleason, Sean
MW 2:30 PM–3:50 PM
A good person is a good citizen, and a good citizen is an ethical, confident speaker. Rhetoric 210 introduces students to the art of public speaking and civil discourse. Emphasis is placed on crafting intelligent and compelling arguments that unite—rather than divide—an audience. Over the course of the semester students deliver informative and persuasive speeches that incorporate foundational rhetorical techniques, theories, and figures of speech. In addition, students critique their own work and the work of their peers. Students’ final grades in the course reflect both oral and written work. Prerequisite: none
RHET 240.01: Comm Strategies for Cons, Coach&Ins (EL-ON)
Rouse, Miranda
MW 2:30 PM–3:50 PM
This course is for students across the curriculum who have demonstrated a proficiency in introductory Rhetoric courses and have an interest in tutoring, consulting, teaching, mentoring, or coaching. The course focuses on theories of learning and education and the practices of teaching, coaching, and mentoring within the broader disciplines of Rhetoric, Writing, and Communication. This course provides a theoretical overview of the work that happens in educational exchanges from the perspective of both the student and the teacher. Students will consider theory, practice, and praxis around how, when, where, and why learning happens. In doing so, students will practice the act of teaching as well as refine their own skills in learning. Students will read, write about, and discuss texts; observe educators, coaches, or mentors in their practice; and write reflectively about these experiences through a variety of assignments. This course is required for students preparing to work as Peer Consultants in the Rhetoric Studio.
RHET 302.01: Creative Nonfiction (EL-ON)
Malyszek, Chelsie
MWF 12:30 PM–1:20 PM
This course is a workshop/seminar that helps students refine their writing skills. Students also read and analyze works of nonfiction prose in order to discover how one writes most effectively about complex issues and how writers develop a personal style and voice. Prerequisite: Rhetoric 102.
RHET 310.01: Adv Pub Speak & Speechwriting
Rouse, Miranda
TR 12:30 PM–1:50 PM
This course, which builds on the foundations students acquire in Rhetoric 210, will develop advanced students’ ability to create and support sound propositions fact, value, and policy. Through a review of the five classical canons of oratory (invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery) and an examination of representative classical and contemporary speeches, students will learn to support and refute claims; to analyze the rhetorical situation and tailor their message accordingly through speechwriting techniques; to employ and evaluate scholarly evidence; to recognize and avoid fallacies in reasoning; to use appropriate, effective, coherent language; and to deliver arguments with conviction and eloquence. The presentation of an argument in a public forum is an integral component of the course. Prerequisite: Rhetoric 210.
RHET 350.01: Digital Media and Rhetoric
Euteneuer, Jacob
TR 12:30 PM–1:50 PM
This course looks at digital media as a way of communicating complex ideas, opinions, and arguments. Students will explore a variety of digital content creation tools and research their personal and professional impacts, uses, and procedures. For example, students may engage with video production and editing, podcast recording and editing, video game design and development, remote sensing and drone flying, or interactive website development. In this way,
students will engage with both the technological aspects of content creation as well as the rhetorical aspects of creating meaning and influencing an audience. Prerequisite: Rhetoric 102.
RHET 360.01: Topics in Rhetorical Traditions/American Rhetoric
Florczyk, Steven
MWF 10:30 AM–11:20 AM
For our specific purposes, we will consider the question, what is an American, and why would anyone want to be one? Using this inquiry as our guiding principle, this course invites students to examine various representations of the American character, exploring both its appealing and appalling aspects. We will investigate how the concept of American identity has inspired diversity while also promoting conformity. How do seemingly contradictory explanations fit together? What, if anything, is exceptional about Americans? Are Americans, as Walt Whitman suggested, content oxymorons? “Do I contradict myself? / Very well then, I contradict myself.” Through written and oral analysis, students will interpret rhetorical strategies employed to represent the American persona in a variety of texts. Together, we will explore how influential figures have shaped this concept over time, from the colonial period to the present, and across social boundaries including race, class, and gender.
RHET 370.01: Rhetoric and Culture
Dr. Claire Deal
TR 2:00 PM–3:20 PM
All sections of Rhetoric 370 investigate the ways in which definitions of our identity (including definitions tied to class, gender, race and ethnicity, religion, and technology, among others) acquire cultural significance through written and oral expression. Students in the Spring 2025 section will study the many ways in which rhetoric about the environment profoundly influences, and to large extent, determines the ways we perceive and interact with the natural world. Specifically, we will examine the interrelationships among landscape, environment, and identity in the Anthropocene era, a term that describes what many scholars and scientists view as a new geological epoch – the current period in the earth's history when humans’ activities first began to have a significant global impact on the earth's ecosystem and climate change.