Courses and Syllabi
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.
Fall 2023
Undergraduate
Introduces students to the field of writing studies, with a focus on definitions of writing and rhetoric and research methods applied to the study of writing from the perspective of multiple disciplines. Provides an overview of both historical and contemporary approaches to studying writing as object, process, practice, and occupation. Limited to three attempts.
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1 Section Currently Scheduled
Intensive study and practice in various forms of professional and technical writing, including proposals, reports, instructions, news releases, white papers, and correspondence. Emphasizes writing for variety of audiences, both lay and informed, and writing within various professional and organizational contexts. Limited to three attempts.
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7 Sections Currently Scheduled »
Workshop in reading and writing of nonfiction that makes use of literary techniques normally thought of in context of fiction, such as evoking senses and use of dialog. Original student work read and discussed in class and conferences with instructor. Includes technical exercises in artful creating of nonfiction; may include reading assignments. Limited to three attempts.
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1 Section Currently Scheduled
Under supervision of a faculty director, students report and reflect on their work as interns at organizations of their choosing, usually in writing and/or editing positions. For 3 credits, students work on site at least 135 hours as specified in the agreement developed with the internship supervisor and approved by the faculty director. Notes: Contact the English Department one semester prior to enrollment. No more than 3 credits can be counted in concentration or English minor. May be repeated with permission of department. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
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1 Section Currently Scheduled
Instruction in revising, editing, and preparing specialized writing for print production. Emphasizes methods of achieving clarity, accuracy, and completeness. Lecture and discussion on editing and printing techniques; practical exercise in revision, layout, and production. Limited to three attempts.
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1 Section Currently Scheduled
Advanced studies in rhetoric and writing. Introduces key rhetorical terminology and examines how texts construct meaning and how those meanings are determined within social contexts. Topics may include the relationship between rhetorics and poetics, rhetoric and new media, histories of rhetoric, global rhetorics, argument theory, discourse analysis, theories of technical communication, or advanced theories of composition and pedagogy. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different with permission of department. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 9 credits.
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1 Section Currently Scheduled
Provides foundation in the skills and knowledge required to effectively create proposals for various types of organizations. Emphasizes best practices in management, presentation, and research skills necessary to find funding, manage proposal efforts, and build relationships with funders. Reviews editing, concision, and technical writing skills required for proposal writers. Limited to three attempts.
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1 Section Currently Scheduled
Graduate
Provides historical and theoretical background in professional writing and editing in a seminar format. Explores professional writing's emergence as a field of scholarship and practice, emphasizes the relationships between rhetorical theories and practice, and introduces students to bibliographic research in the field. May not be repeated for credit.
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1 Section Currently Scheduled
Instruction in revising, editing, and preparing specialized writing for printing. Emphasizes methods of achieving clarity, accuracy, and completeness. Lecture and discussion on editing and printing techniques; practical exercise in revision, layout, and production. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
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1 Section Currently Scheduled
Under supervision of a faculty director, students report and reflect on their work as interns at organizations of their choosing, usually in writing and/or editing positions. For 3 credits, students work on site at least 135 hours as specified in the agreement developed with the internship supervisor and approved by the faculty director. Notes: Contact the English Department one semester prior to enrollment. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Read More »
1 Section Currently Scheduled
Provides foundation in the skills and knowledge required to effectively create proposals for various types of organizations. Emphasizes best practices in management, presentation, and research skills necessary to find funding, manage proposal efforts, and build relationships with funders. Reviews editing, concision, and technical writing skills required for proposal writers. May not be repeated for credit.
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1 Section Currently Scheduled
Intensive study of and practice in various forms of nonfiction writing through analyzing models and weekly writing assignments. Includes biographies, documentaries, editorials, interviews, reports, reviews, and essays. Notes: Other interested graduate students should contact the English Department at (703) 993-2763. May not be repeated for credit.
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1 Section Currently Scheduled
Students work as ethnographers, studying selected sites where people write professionally, and analyzing ways production and reception of writing contribute to and result from local culture of each site. Lecture and workshop format. May not be repeated for credit.
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1 Section Currently Scheduled
Examines the development of rhetorics within their historical and institutional contexts. Investigates rhetoric and rhetoricians across the development of oral rhetorics and the shift to written genres, the rise of scientific discourses, and the establishment of educational and bureaucratic organizations. May not be repeated for credit.
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1 Section Currently Scheduled
Examines scholarship on pedagogy, curriculum design and assessment, faculty development, and program management related to the practice of teaching or training writers in an institutional setting: two- and four-year colleges, K-12 schools, and workplace training seminars. May not be repeated for credit.
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1 Section Currently Scheduled
ENGH 799:
Thesis
(1-6 Credits)
Students who take ENGH 798 to develop thesis topic and then elect thesis option receive 3 credits for ENGH 799 on completion of thesis. Students who do not take ENGH 798, or who take it to work on project unrelated to thesis, receive up to 6 credits for ENGH 799 on completion of thesis. May be repeated within the degree.
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1 Section Currently Scheduled
Offers advanced study of theoretical, practical, or pedagogical topics related to professional writing and technical communication. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits.
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1 Section Currently Scheduled