COURSE CURRICULUM

The Writing, Rhetoric, and Discourse Studies (WRDS) program begins in Year 1 with an introductory course in writing, rhetoric, and discourse, alongside a Sciences context credit, a Social Sciences credit, one elective credit, and a choice from foundational English courses such as Decolonizing Literature, Literature and Wellness, or Reading Literature Today. In Year 2, students take Persuasive Discourse: Theoretical Foundations, two elective credits, and one and one-half credits from a selection of courses that include The Creative Writer, Genre Studies, Speculative Fiction, Poetry and Poetics, and various WRDS courses focused on technical communication, organizational communication, and news writing. Year 3 expands with Rhetorical Analysis, two elective credits, and one and one-half credits from creative writing courses such as Short Fiction, Poetry, Creative Non-Fiction, and advanced literature courses including Gothic Writing, Modern Poetry, Feminist Theory, and Queer Theory. Students also choose from WRDS options like Literary Journalism, Digital Design, Life Writing, and Reporting Arts and Culture. In Year 4, students complete two credits from ENCW, ENGL, or WRDS courses, including one at the senior 4(alpha)00 level, plus two elective credits. Senior options include specialized WRDS courses such as Language and Discourse Theory, Cultural Rhetoric, and Independent Studies in Writing, allowing students to tailor their final year to their interests while developing advanced writing and critical analysis skills.