WRTG 417 Course Description (Winter 2018)

What knowledge guides writers in the composing process? How can talking about writing change the ways you write? In this course, students study 1) key concepts from the study of classical and contemporary rhetorical theory 2) ways to describe the choices, strategies, and influences that lead to successful writing 3) the experience of applying rhetorical theory to actual writing.

This course helps students learn, apply, and reflect upon rhetorical theory from the perspective of their own composing processes. Reading assignments and class activities help students recognize choices writers make as well as provide strategies for planning, drafting, and revising their own writing. This course provides students a rhetorical vocabulary through which to talk constructively about a range of writing tasks, occasions, and situations.