by Helena Witzke
WMU will be adding a new major/minor in the fall of 2012, in order to broaden not only its students’ academic horizons, but their professional ones as well.
Sprau Tower in Fountain Plaza
Starting in September, the Department of English will offer a degree in rhetoric and writing, (formerly known as the practical writing degree). The program will involve several English faculty members, notably Dr. Charlotte Thralls, professor, and Dr. Brian Gogan, assistant professor.
As Gogan writes, “The Rhetoric and Writing Studies program replaces the old Practical Writing program and, as its name suggests, one of the new program’s cornerstones is rhetoric—the use of language to effect change, create meaning, and spur action.
“Apart from a new name, the updated degree boasts cutting-edge courses. These courses will provide students with more opportunities to study and practice writing in a wide range of genres, using a variety of writing technologies.”
Fall 2012 course offerings include:
• Introduction to Professional Writing
• Rhetoric, Writing, and Culture
• Grant Writing for Professionals
• Parody and Rhetoric
“Since employers consistently rank the ability to write effectively as among the most desirable traits they seek in new employees, the new program complements any existing plan of study—either as a 33-credit major or as a 20-credit minor,” said Gogan.
For more information about the Rhetoric and Writing Studies program, please visit the program’s website.
Links:
The Rhetoric and Writing Studies page
