Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Academic Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Academic Catalog [Published Catalog]

Writing Minor


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The Minor in Writing introduces and advances the knowledge, understanding and value of rhetoric and writing disciplines at the university. It provides the opportunity for students to study and practice across disciplines of writing, from narrative nonfiction and creative writing, to business and technical writing, to approaches to academic inquiry.

 

Requirements (15 credits):


Students who opt to minor in Writing must have completed RHET 1020  with a minimum grade of B-.

To fulfill the 15 credits for the Minor in Writing, students take:

Required course for each emphasis area:

  • Writing in the Creative Genres:    (Creative Writing)
  • Business/Technical Writing:   (Business Communication)
  • Writing and Society:   (Effective Rhetoric: Discourse and Power)

Additional Requirements (12 credits total):

  • 6-9 credits in one emphasis area (Writing in the Creativity Genres, Business/ Technical Writing, or Writing and Society)
  • 3 credits in a second emphasis area, and
  • 0-3 credits in any area of their choice
     

Minor in Writing courses may be double-counted for Core Curriculum credit at the secondary and capstone levels, consistent with the rules and policies of the Core Curriculum.

Students who have already taken any of the writing courses below as electives or Core courses (as described above) may count credits retroactively.

Course list by emphasis area:

 

A. Writing in the Creative Genres


Students who select this area of emphasis will practice and work toward mastery in several creative genres of writing, including the following: narrative nonfiction, autobiography, travel writing, fiction, poetry, playwriting and children’s literature. They will read within and practice the conventions of these genres, consider ethical concerns raised in the genres, develop critical mastery of the creative genres, and produce a substantial capstone project demonstrating significant growth in writing in a chosen creative genre.

B. Business/Technical Writing


Students who select this area of emphasis will practice and work toward professional competency in the fields of business, science and technical communications, including the following: business writing, technical writing, proposal writing, and digital rhetoric. They will read within and practice the conventions of these fields of communication, and will reflect upon ethical and critical standards enforced or called into question by these practices.

 

C. Writing and Society


Students who select this area will focus on the social power of writing: writing as a force in academic disciplines, writing and cognitive studies, and writing for publication in the various disciplines. Students learn how writing drives thought, genres, and the development of disciplines and consider ethical concerns raised through this practice.

Selected Topics and Independent Study


(Depending on ‘topic,’ these courses may fit in any of above ‘emphasis’ areas each course may be repeated for credit as long as the content differs each time it is taken.)

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