English programs

Introduction to the field of public relations. Its focus is on public relations theory and practice with an emphasis on emerging trends. This course is offered as an overview covering public relations history, theories, strategies and tactics.(3 credits; alternate years, consult department)

This course emphasizes the improvement of public speech habits and the development of proficiency in the organization and presentation of ideas.(2 credits)

This continuation of the study of playwriting focuses on the challenges of the long form. The course includes the processes of writing according to classic structural principles, rewriting, formatting and submitting plays for publication.Prerequisite: THE206 or permission of instructor.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

An investigation of some of the main philosophical questions about ethics, such as the following: Does morality depend on religion? Is morality relative to culture? Why should I be moral? How do we go about answering moral questions? Is there a "theory" of morality? If so, what does that theory look like?(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

Students learn genres of writing for print and broadcast journalism and video, as well as for public relations and advertising. They learn these genres in relation to each other and in relation to their organizational contexts and audiences. Included are reporting, organizing and writing, as well as basic legal and ethical guidelines for reporters and writers in journalism and PR.Prerequisite or co-requisite: the college writing requirement.(4 credits)

Practical experience working on the campus newspaper, the Beacon, or the college yearbook, the Cornerstone. Prerequisite: students must be accepted for membership on one of these publications before signing up for the practicum. (1 credit)

Principles of clear and forceful journalistic writing. Includes fact gathering, story planning, lead and head writing. Attention to editing for improved copy, headline writing, and selection of photographs and art work.Prerequisite: COM185 or permission of instructor.(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

Study of interviewing practices, research methods, organization, and interest-gathering techniques necessary for writing longer articles, profiles, columns and consumer affairs writing.Prerequisite: COM185 or permission of instructor.(2 credits; alternate years, consult department)

Covers basic principles of design as they apply to a wide variety of publications. Emphasis on selecting type, art and graphics appropriate to subject matter, purpose and audience.(3 credits)

Experience in an approved internship.(4 credits may apply toward the major)

This course will enable students to develop a theorized practice for responding to writing. Students will study methods of response, conferencing strategies, approaches to revision, English as a Second Language (ESL), interpersonal dynamics, and the ethics of text intervention. As a course requirement, students must satisfy a practicum commitment by working a minimum of one hour per week (for pay) in the Writing Center. Prerequisite: recommendation of a writing instructor. (2 credits)

This course functions primarily as an introduction to rhetoric and rhetorical analysis. It is designed to introduce students to the major and the minor in writing and rhetoric. Topics include the rhetoric of ancient Greece, definitions of rhetoric, past and present, rhetorical analysis of texts, and analysis of the rhetor's purpose, situation, genre and audience.(2 credits)

A study of professional writing. In a writing workshop setting, students will learn to adjust style, tone and content to accomplish a definite purpose with an identified audience. They will also learn strategies for creating texts that are clear, concise and accurate. The course is especially useful for those whose career goals require facility in written communication, such as those studying marketing, public relations, advertising, management or law. All students will choose a professional to be their mentor on a writing project related to the career they are interested in. Students will also build a small portfolio of professional writing that includes letters, a memo, a resume and a research report.Prerequisites: sophomore class standing and ENG184 or ACT English score of 30 or above (SAT 680 or higher).(2 credits)

A study of some of the best contemporary American non-fiction writing on such subjects as politics, the arts, religion, natural science and medicine. Students write on similar topics and develop their own style by emulating such models.Prerequisites: sophomore class standing and ENG184 or ACT English score of 30 or above (SAT 680 or higher), or permission of instructor.(2 credits)

A study of the methods of persuasion: logical and emotional appeals and trustworthiness, ways of structuring arguments, and persuasive style. Students will learn to create and critique arguments on a variety of subjects. Prerequisites: sophomore class standing and ENG184 or ACT English score of 30 or above (SAT 680 or higher), or permission of instructor. (4 credits)

Where did our language come from? How did English get the biggest vocabulary of any modern language? How are the words joust, yoke, and yoga related? Why is English spelling so irregular? Are there bad words? This course traces the 1500 year development of our language, from the Germanic tongue of Beowulf to the Frenchified language of Chaucer, to the many varieties of modern English spoken around the world.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

Specific subject matter of this course will vary from semester to semester, but will always focus on an issue in composition studies or a genre of writing. Courses will include both readings and student writing within the genre and will be designed to welcome both majors and non-majors.Prerequisite: ENG184 or ACT English score of 30 or above (SAT 680 or higher).(2-4 credits)

Specific subject matter of this course will vary from semester to semester, but will always focus on an issue in rhetorical studies or a genre of writing. Courses with writing as their emphasis will include both readings and student writing within the genre.Prerequisite: ENG184 or ACT English score of 30 or above (SAT 680 or higher).(2-4 credits, non-yearly, consult department)

Designed to provide solid grounding in Greek and Roman rhetorical theory and practice including studies in pre-literate rhetoric and the theories of Aristotle and Plato, among others. Some attention is also given to the Christianizing of rhetorical theory during the Middle Ages. Finally, the course concludes with the examination of trends in contemporary rhetoric studies and topical applications.Prerequisite: junior class standing, ENG235 recommended.(4 credits)

The heart of the course is an advanced project in artistic, journalistic, or scholarly writing. Students also assemble a portfolio of their best writing and related work, plan writing or study beyond college, and read to gather perspectives on their vocation. Prerequisite: ENG292 and one of the following: ENG350, 351 or 352. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)