Graduate School Bulletin

Spring 2025

WRT: Writing

WRT 506: Studies in Literary Theory

Prerequisite: Matriculation in a graduate program or the composition studies certificate.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

WRT 509: Studies in Language and Linguistics

WRT 592: Problems in Teaching Writing or Composition

This course provides an overview of writing pedagogy as applied to tutoring in a Writing Center or in an English classroom. Included in the course is fieldwork in the campus Writing Center.

Fall, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

WRT 605: Scientific Writing for Chemists

This course, taught primarily in a workshop format, will prepare students to write graduate papers, communications, journal articles, and dissertations. Rhetorical principles of organization, attention to audience, conciseness, cogency, clarity, and using an appropriate scientific voice will be stressed, as will correctness of grammar and punctuation, including grammatical issues particularto non-native speakers of English. The class will examine in detail models of clear writing from scientific journals. Students will also bring their writing to class frequently for review by both the instructor and their classmates so that students will gradually internalize standards for writing and be able to write effectively in all genres typically used by chemists. Offered

Spring, 3 credits, S/U grading

WRT 612: Theories in Composition

This course explores the relationship between reading and writing skills, the differences between speech production and writing production, and the relationship between literacy, culture, and language politics.

Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

WRT 613: Research in Composition

This course provides an introduction to the nature of empirical research in Composition Studies. Students will survey landmark research studies, learn how to read research reports critically, and conduct a mini-research project in their own classrooms or tutoring situations to analyze underlying causes of students' writing problems.

Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

WRT 614: Topics in Composition and Writing

This course will consist of directed readings in particular areas of interest in rhetoric, the history of rhetoric and pedagogy, and teaching strategies for teachers.

Offered

Fall and Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

WRT 621: Graduate-Level Writing

This course, designed for a mixture of students from any of our graduate programs or departments, is a workshop in writing academic papers, theses, or dissertations, with attention to research methods, drafting, organizing, revising, and editing work that the students have already been assigned in their primary departments.

1-3 credits, S/U grading

May be repeated for credit.

WRT 687: Independent Study

A student and faculty member agree on a topic of student's interest which may not be offered in any seminars, creating a reading list to focus on. A final research paper or major annotated bibliography will be required to demonstrate substantive knowledge of the field and/or topic. A program form must be completed and submitted to the PWR by the student before the add/drop period ends.

0-12 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

WRT 690: Directed Readings

May be repeated for credit.

WRT 698: Practicum in Teaching Writing

This course provides hands-on experience and instruction in the basics of writing pedagogy, including designing writing assignments, sequencing assignments, motivating writing, writing skill development and evaluating writing. Students will also be given a preliminary overview of the major theories driving composition pedagogy.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)