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Most PWR courses meet in the Center for Undergraduate Publishing and Information Design (CUPID) in Alamance 318, and several of these courses also count towards the Professional Writing Studies minor.
English 215: Introduction to Professional Writing and Rhetoric
This course is designed to introduce students to the study and practice of professional writing from the perspective of rhetoric, one of the oldest liberal arts. Students will learn about the wide range of possibilities connected to the broad term "professional writing," understand what assuming a rhetorical perspective on writing means, gain a broad sense of the issues, topics and practices that mark the field of professional writing and rhetoric, become part of the ongoing conversations that make up the field, understand professional writing and rhetoric as a socially situated art and practice, gain some practical, hands-on experience through a variety of professional writing projects and integrate scholastic research into reflective professional practice. Offered fall.
English 304: Understanding Rhetoric
This course surveys the history and theories of rhetoric, one of the oldest liberal arts disciplines, for centuries promoted as one of the primary liberal arts, and long understood as crucial to the development of effective citizens and leaders for democratic life. Students will explore the dynamic and culturally influenced history of rhetoric, gain an understanding of diverse rhetorical theories, and examine such issues as the scope of rhetoric, its functions, its processes and the ways it is associated with other disciplines. Prerequisite: ENG 110
English 397: Writing as Inquiry
This course is designed to introduce students to research methods employed by practicing writers and to emphasize that writing as a rhetorical practice always involves active inquiry. In addition to surveying writerly research methods, students will gain hands-on experience with a variety of methods. In the context of specific assignments and projects, students will learn how to choose, sequence, and adapt forms of inquiry to specific rhetorical situations, enhancing their artfulness as writers and professional rhetors. Prerequisite: ENG 110, and ENG 215 or ENG 304
English 497: Researching Writing: PWR Senior Seminar
This course is a capstone experience, giving students a chance to reflect on what they have learned and done within the concentration, to engage in the more focused and advanced study indicative of being a senior, and to begin looking ahead to and preparing for their futures. Modeled after a graduate seminar, it allows students to conduct independent research in an area of their choice. Prerequisite: ENG 110. Majors only or by permission of instructor.
English 206: Introduction to TESOL
This course will provide an introduction to second language acquisition and the theory and practice of teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). Readings, class discussions and projects will focus on pedagogy and assessment in reading, writing, listening and speaking for ESL students. Prerequisite: ENG 110
English 211: Style and Editing
This course explores theories and processes of editing in professional writing and discusses the profession of editing: what it takes to become an effective editor, what the editorial process looks like (from acquisitions editing to indexing) and the effects of technology. Students will explore sectors in which editors might find themselves working and will learn about and practice substantive editing, stylistic editing, copy editing and proofreading. Prerequisite: ENG 110
English 212: Multimedia Rhetorics
This course provides students with the theoretical and practical background necessary to approach the design of interfaces from a user's perspective and as a reflective practice. The students will also develop a rhetorical foundation for analyzing and producing primarily screen-based interfaces. The course emphasizes a process-oriented approach to design wherein design includes rigorous and disciplined attention to planning, research, revision and production. Moreover, students will learn to focus on design from a rhetorical perspective, one that balances writers' goals, users'/readers' needs and text design possibilities. Prerequisite: ENG 110
English 217: Writing Technologies
This course is designed to provide all liberal arts students with an introduction to and familiarity with the writing software packages that are commonly considered the primary tools of communication in the professional world. We will both critique these tools, their strengths and limitations, as well as gain facility with their use through hands-on practice. Programs covered include advanced uses of Word, image manipulation with Photoshop, web design with Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash, and page layout with Quark. Prerequisite: ENG 110
English 219: Writing Studies Survey
This course examines theories of composition and literacy and explores the implications for our understanding of writing's impact on our personal, public and professional lives. Students will study topics such as writing pedagogy (writing as a process, peer response, editing, revision, response and assessment); the relationship between writing and literacy; writing and testing; writing and electronic texts; various technologies' effect on the production and style of writing; and the political, social and cultural politics of writing. Prerequisite: ENG 110
English 282: CUPID Studio
Students will implement writing, publishing, and multimedia projects for themselves and local clients. This workshop-style course provides intensive practice in rhetorical strategies, audience assessment, research about writing, editing, publishing, visual rhetoric and design, and project management. Repeatable up to 8 hours; students my count 4 hours towards their PWR electives. Prerequisite: ENG 110
English 310: International Rhetorics
International Rhetorics examines how professional writing and rhetoric are affected by the cultural and social expectations of international communities. In addition to investigating and comparing examples of the discourse expectations for texts produced in several international contexts, the course will explore the growing use of English as a language of international business and politics and will examine the language's impact on the rhetorical situations in which it is used. Prerequisite: ENG 110
English 311: Publishing
This course is designed as an extended, hands-on exploration of collaborative writing and its relationship to professional writing. Students read, think and write about he theories and practices of collaborate learning and writing, while studying how those theories relate to the roles we assume as professional writings. Students will develop an understanding of collaborative writing as a complex social, political and rhetorical act; and will strive to articulate a careful consideration of the ethical responsibilities collaborate writing must acknowledge and negotiate. Prerequisite: ENG 110
English 312: Visual Rhetorics
This course introduces students to the specialized study and practice of visual rhetoric and document design. Emphasizing the rhetorical nature of visuals and design, the course draws attention to the thinking, process and skills that are part of design, with specific attention to the design of various documents professional writers encounter. Students will be introduced to a variety of theories and design approaches. In addition to studying this content, they will have opportunities to apply and reflect on what they have learned. Prerequisite: ENG 110
English 313: Special Topics in PWR
Special topics courses within the professional writing and rhetoric concentration offer students a deeper study of theory and practice as well as further opportunities to develop themselves as rhetors. Possible topics include Advanced Interactive Design, Citizen Rhetor, Advanced Composition and Argument, Writing for Non-Profits. Prerequisite: ENG 110
English 318: Writing Science
This course examines the complex nature and practice of scientific and technical discourse. Although open to any one with an interest in this topic, the course is designed especially for students majoring in the sciences who want to improve the professional writing skills necessary for successful careers in their chosen fields and students majoring in writing or communications who wish to pursue careers as technical and scientific communicators. Prerequisite: ENG 110
English 319: Writing Center Workshop
The Writing Center Workshop enhances students' writing ability while they learn to tutor writing. Students are require to tutor four hours each week in Elon's Writing Center. Strong writing abilities and interpersonal skills recommended. Prerequisite: ENG 110. Offered fall and spring.
English 381: Writing Internship
Students have an opportunity to apply their writing skills in a business office. By permission of instructor and chair. No credit toward General Studies requirements.