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Course Syllabus

ENGL 2040 Intro. to Writing Studies: Arts of Persuasion

  • Division: Humanities
  • Department: English & Philosophy
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
  • Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 (if necessary, may be taken concurrently)
  • Semesters Offered: TBA
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2024
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2029
  • End Semester: Fall 2029
  • Optimum Class Size: 15
  • Maximum Class Size: 20

Course Description

This course offers an introduction to the study and practice of persuasion. Students will examine writing both as an activity and object of study as they consider the historical, social, linguistic, and rhetorical aspects of written communication. This course serves as a foundational requirement for the Certificate of Proficiency in Writing and Rhetoric.

Justification

This course is one of the foundational requirements for the Certificate of Proficiency in Writing and Rhetoric. It also offers an introduction to Writing Studies, a growing discipline in English and a major driver of employment opportunities for English majors. It is similar to other courses offered in the state (ENGL 2040 at Salt Lake Community College and WRTG 2040 at the University of Utah) and brings Snow College’s course offerings in line with the ongoing growth of Writing Studies across the nation.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of key rhetorical theories, movements, and practices.
  2. Students will apply rhetorical theory in analyzing and critiquing discourse from a variety of contexts.
  3. Students will apply rhetorical knowledge in composing texts that are appropriate for a range of rhetorical contexts.
  4. Students will connect course material to their own professional and academic goals.

Course Content

This course serves as an introduction to writing studies as a discipline and as a foundational requirement for the Certificate of Proficiency in Writing and Rhetoric. It introduces students to perspectives on history, theory and practice from across writing studies fields (including rhetoric, composition, professional communication and literacy). The breadth of course content and assignments will engage students as they are encouraged to learn concepts and develop skills in connection to their lives and priorities that will make them effective communicators in various professional, academic, and personal contexts as well as across various modalities (print, digital media, etc.).