WRITING 400

This course is not offered in the Fall 2013 term.

Advanced Rhetoric and Research

In this advanced critical writing and research course, students analyze the strategies, rules, conditions, and genres that enable communication within particular discourse communities, that make communication effective or ineffective, and that give it value or authority. This course is offered with either a focus on science writing or humanities and social science writing.

Writing and Research in the Sciences

This course aims to provide you with a critical, theoretical background in writing science. We will consider such issues as story, voice, metaphor, audience, and the function and forms of persuasion in both popular and professional science writing. A second focus of the course is students' own writing about science and practice in using a range of science-related genres. As well as critiquing and responding to readings relating to science writing, you will engage in a range of writing activities in the field of science and in a science-related subject of your choice. Peer review and class discussion are key components of the class.

This class is run as a workshop and seminar, i.e., class time generally focuses around discussion of readings and relevant issues, presentations and discussion led by class members, and work-shopping of exercises and assignments.

Assignments will include short in-class presentations, one literature review, one short paper, two papers of 4-5 pages, and a final, longer paper that will be tied to a formal presentation.

Writing and Research in the Humanities and Social Sciences

This course aims to provide you with a critical, theoretical background in writing and research in the humanities and social sciences. We will consider such issues as story, voice, evidence, audience, and the function and forms of persuasion in both popular and professional humanities and social science writing. You will practice a range of humanities- and social science-related genres focused around a topic of your choice. In class, we will analyze model essays, learn about library research databases, and share our work in formal presentations and informal dialogue. Drafting, peer review, and in-class and online discussion will be key components of this seminar-style class.

Assignments will include short analysis and response papers, a research proposal and formal literature review, and 5-page “popular” essay. Course work will culminate in a substantial and original research essay.

This class is meant for any student in the humanities and social sciences, who wishes to broaden their understanding and practice of the moves academic writers make. It is also an excellent preparation in advanced research and argumentation strategies for students planning to write a senior or Honors thesis.