Writing and Rhetoric Studies
54
Declared
Majors
16
Average
Class Size
Courses
Getting Started
Get started in Writing & Rhetoric by taking WRTG 2010 - a general education requirement that can start you on your path; other intro major courses include:- WRTG 2040 - Intro to Writing Studies
- WRTG 2310 - Digital Writing
Making Progress
With a flexible major, you have the power to choose your next courses:- WRTG 3870 - Writing as Social Practice
- A course from our professional and academic writing section
- WRTG 4010 - Writing Across Borders (satisfies your International requirement)
- Complete the Diversity Requirement with WRTG 3890 - Underrepresented Rhetorics or WRTG 4050 - Writing and Cultural Rhetorics
- Take WRTG 3875 - Histories and Theories of Rhetoric
- Explore tracks and plan coursework with your advisor
Finishing Up
- Polish your e-portfolio and complete a culminating project during the capstone course (WRTG 5990 - Senior Seminar)
Community
Getting Started
- Join the Write Club to meet and work with other writers
- Study in our computer lab or student lounge to get acquainted with your colleagues
- If you're a transfer student, get involved in the Writing Studies Scholars Program
Making Progress
- Take advantage of your Write Club or Student Council membership; participate in departmental decision making or host brown-bag lunches or speakers
- Write for The Chronicle to practice research, writing, and design skills
- Consider joining an identity-based, social justice, or professional interest club
- CEL writing courses can position you to write for many audiences
Finishing Up
- Mentor new students as an undergraduate co-teacher or in less formal ways
- Present your research at a conference or within the department
Knowledge & Skills
Getting Started
- Attend the Major Expo
- Go early and often to the CPDC
- Connect with the Writing Center and Math Lab for academic support
Making Progress
- Meet with your advisor to explore second major or minor options
- Start your e-portfolio and take elective courses across campus
- Finish your language credits or start a new language
- Assist faculty with research, publishing projects, or community programs
- Practice teaching in China with the Teaching Across Borders Internship
Finishing Up
- Take advantage of the confidence you've gained; submit a conference paper or an article to the local newspaper
- Connect with professors and our network of alumni and employers
Transformation
Getting Started
- Participate in departmental events
- Make connections between your writing and wider conversations
- Attend info sessions for Learning Abroad, Hinckley Forums, and/or student government
Making Progress
- Make connections between your academic research, formal papers, and larger goals
- Take action in your communities through writing; submit your writing to a newspaper or online platform
- Go on a Learning Abroad or Alternative Fall/Spring Break
- Look for opportunities to get involved in your campus communities
- Take on a leadership role
Finishing Up
- Celebrate your accomplishments; attend graduation ceremonies and events
- Apply to grad schools or submit resumes to potential employers
Impact
Getting Started
- Dream big and make plans; work with your advisor to set strategic goals
- Become a Community Engaged Scholar at the Bennion Center
Making Progress
- Enter an essay writing competition or write an editorial and get it published
- Organize study groups
- Apply to be a tutor in the Writing Center
- Get a job in the Writing Center so that you can help other students master their writing
Finishing Up
- Culminate your degree with a strong Senior Seminar Project
- UROP students can publish or display their work and earn an Undergraduate Researcher Designation
Careers
Getting Started
- Employers consistently rank writing as a top skill; consider a double major or minor to enhance your writing degree - what do you want to write about?
Making Progress
- Look into internships in the writing field
- Check in with the CPDC for career advice and resources
- Research different programs and take test preparation courses to start preparing now for graduate school
- If you're still searching, HUM 3960 - Humanities Career Compass can help guide your choices
Finishing Up
- Practice interviewing with a Career Coach
- Refine your CV or resume
- Request letters of recommendation for graduate programs or careers
Start Your Career Journey
Find support at the Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC)
About the Major
Rhetoric is the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing. If you're interested in studying communication across different audiences, contexts, and purposes, then a major in Writing & Rhetoric Studies at the U is a great fit for you. Studying rhetoric helps you become a successful writer in personal, professional, and civic contexts across a range of media. This major allows you the flexibility to "choose your own adventure." Examples of classes include cultural, professional, scientific, digital, and sound rhetorics. Courses focus on histories of writing and rhetoric, contemporary literacy studies, research and publishing practices, and writing in specific areas such as business, law, medicine, social sciences, science, and activism. This course of study will give you tools to write effectively and confidently in many situations.
In this program, you will learn the rhetorical strategies and skills that make writers effective while exploring how texts are shaped by social practices and cultural values. Because employers consistently rank strong writing as among the most important capabilities in their employees, a degree in Writing & Rhetoric Studies will prepare you for many careers and a variety of graduate school options. You will not only become a better writer, you'll also be empowered with the understanding that texts are powerful cultural products and important tools for social change.
In this program, you will learn the rhetorical strategies and skills that make writers effective while exploring how texts are shaped by social practices and cultural values. Because employers consistently rank strong writing as among the most important capabilities in their employees, a degree in Writing & Rhetoric Studies will prepare you for many careers and a variety of graduate school options. You will not only become a better writer, you'll also be empowered with the understanding that texts are powerful cultural products and important tools for social change.
Learning Outcomes
- Learn to identify, understand, and engage in rhetorical theories across time and place. Understand and participate in social contexts (cultural, political, economic, and religious) for rhetorical and literate activity.
- Learn to read critically, listen rhetorically, and put multiple perspectives into conversation.
- Use rhetorical competencies to take action in a variety of contexts, learning from and contributing to the rhetorical life of the city, state, and region.
Plan & Prepare
At the U, we plan for our students to have an exceptional Educational Experience identified by four broad categories we call the Learning Framework: Community, Knowledge & Skills, Transformation, and Impact. This major map will help you envision, explore, design, and plan your personalized Exceptional Education Experience with the Learning Framework at the core. In addition to assisting you in planning your coursework and navigating the requirements of your major, this map will help you incorporate other kinds of experiences to expand your knowledge, support your development, and prepare you for the future you want.