Program Description
The WRTC major emphasizes scholarly, humanistic, and social scientific perspectives on the function and application of communication technologies with instruction in areas such as
- writing for professional communities such as government, medicine, law, science and environment, and education
- rhetorical theory and analysis
- editing
- online theory and inclusive design
- usability and user experience
- publications management
- knowledge and information management
In addition to offering students the rhetorical tools they need to excel as professional communicators, the B.A. and B.S. programs also prepare graduates for study at the graduate level and for professional programs such as law school.
The B.A. and B.S. programs in WRTC provide a flexible, yet historically and theoretically grounded degree program. The WRTC curriculum teaches students to think critically in ways that cross disciplinary lines and to create in multiple genres and media platforms.
Students work with their WRTC advisors to select a track and design a writing major that fits their unique educational needs and career aspirations. Tracks include Professional Writing and Publication, Writing for Law and Society, Science and Health Writing, and Inclusive Design. Students also have the option to design their own track.
Degree requirements differ between the B.A. and B.S. programs, and students should maintain regular contact with their WRTC advisor to ensure timely graduation.
Prerequisites
WRTC 103 or the equivalent is a prerequisite for the gateway course, WRTC 200 : Introduction to Studies in Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication. WRTC 200 serves as the prerequisite for most WRTC courses at the 300 level and above and should be the first course for students in the major. Other courses may have additional prerequisites. With instructor permission, students may enroll in some courses without prerequisites.
