Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

Introduction to the theories, histories, and practices of scholarship in the field of writing studies, rhetoric, and composition. Reading and writing assignments engage the scope and traditions of scholarship in the field and help students work toward productive scholarly processes.

Examines the histories of composition studies. Analyzes the institutional, political and social forces influencing the theories and practices of composition.

Surveys and situates histories and theories of contemporary rhetorical studies. Examines difference and power as rhetoric is practiced across cultures and publics.

Explores research, theory, politics, and practices of writing pedagogies and curricula. Focuses on historical and institutional contexts, theories of language use, questions of difference, and controversies.

Explores histories of and recent developments in communication and information technologies, particularly their rhetorical, cultural, and pedagogical implications

Surveys and situates ancient rhetorics in their social, political and global contexts. Introduces rhetorical historiography.

Surveys research methods and methodologies. Focuses on reading research rhetorically, crafting researchable questions, and designing research studies.

Feminist rhetoric from both a historical and global context, utilizing both primary and secondary readings in order to gain a sense of breadth and depth in the field of feminist rhetoric. Additional work required of graduate students.

Advanced theory and practice of writing interdisciplinary nonfiction in historical, political, cultural, and ethical contexts. Produces creative nonfiction as modes of intellectual inquiry and as scholarship within academic disciplines. Additional work required of graduate students.

Language and literacy viewed from cognitive, social, historical, political, compositionist, and literary perspectives. Institutional practices of literacy and the role of language and literacy in identity construction. Language variation, language protectionism, and pluralistic cultural literacy.

Exploration of a problem, or problems, in depth. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the student. Admission by consent of supervising instructor(s) and the department.

Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

Current issues in rhetorical theory and its application to the study of writing and written discourses. Emphasizes definitions and functions of theory, the formation of debates and controversies, relations of theory to practice.

Current theories and major theorists in composition studies. Formulating critical problems that organize debate. Definition and functions of theory, relations to practice, rhetorical processes of scholarship.

Explores contemporary controversies and debates in writing pedagogy and curricula. Considers language, power and difference, interdisciplinarity and the transnational.

Examines specific topics emerging from developments in writing and technology. Places these developments in rhetorical, disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and sociocultural contexts.

Surveys African American discourse and its relationship to equality, resistance and participation. Examines philosophical concepts, political issues, discursive characteristics, traditions, theories, and histories of African American Rhetoric

Studies the strategies, functions, structures, politics and practices of administering writing programs, writing centers, and writing across the curriculum programs in varied institutional contexts.

Explores contemporary queer scholarship and activism from a rhetorical perspective. Analyzes purposes, arguments, tropes, figures, exigencies, modes of delivery, and audiences in historical and transnational contexts

Investigates the social, historical and economic constructions of the author figure. Focuses on publication as a social phenomenon and the effects of print and digital literacy revolutions on text, author, reader, and literacy.

Integrates study of historiography and cultural rhetoric. Investigates historical rhetorical practices, their construction and functions in social life, their documentation through archival research. Includes wide range of cultural and textual forms.

Seminar on topics in composition or cultural rhetoric.

Participation in a discipline or subject related experience. Student must be evaluated by written or oral reports or an examination. Permission in advance with the consent of the department chairperson, instructor, and dean. Limited to those in good academic standing.

Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester. *

Advanced readings and seminar discussion in preparation for doctoral qualifying examination.

Exploration of a problem, or problems, in depth. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the student. Admission by consent of supervising instructor(s) and the department.