Courses of Instruction

RHETORIC

R. Marrs, J. Nesmith, Sindelar, Steffens-Moran, Taylor, Wooldridge (Chair).

The Rhetoric Department is responsible for offering courses in the study and practice of academic prose, non-fiction writing, journalism, and speech communication.

Collateral Major in Speech Communication

The aims of the major in speech are to provide a background of theory and classroom practice in oral communication and to make opportunities available for realistic practice in public performance. All majors are required to take the following core of courses:

1. Fulfill requirements for any of the majors listed on p. 13.
2. RHE-125 Fundamentals of Public Speaking
3. RHE-157 Media and Mass Communication
4. RHE-305 Teamwork and Leadership in Small Group Communication
5. RHE-317 Persuasion and Propaganda
6. RHE-405,-407 Topics in Speech Communication
7 RHE-535 Rhetorical Theory and Practice
8. A minimum of two courses from the following list of speech communication courses:

RHE-237 Interpersonal Communication
RHE-246 Intercultural Communication
RHE-405 Topics in Speech Communication (when taken for a second time)

9. Two courses from either the previous list of Rhetoric courses under #8 or the following list of courses, bringing to ten the number of courses necessary for the collateral major in speech communication:

GS-207 Dress, Gender, and Identity
RHE-895 Internship in Public Relations/ Journalism (maximum of 1.0 course credit)
SOC-207 Sociology of the Family
SOC-235 Methods of Social Research
THE-150 Acting I

Speech Communication Minor

1. RHE-125 Fundamentals of Public Speaking
2. RHE-305 Teamwork and Leadership in Small Group Communication
3. RHE-535 Rhetorical Theory and Practice
4. Three of the following:

RHE-157 Media and Mass Communication
RHE-237 Interpersonal Communication
RHE-246 Intercultural Communication
RHE-317 Persuasion and Propaganda
RHE-405,-407 Topics in Speech Communication
THE-150 Acting I

Elementary Education: Emphasis in Speech

1. THE-150 Acting I
2. Five of the following:

RHE-125 Fundamentals of Public Speaking
RHE-237 Interpersonal Communication
RHE-246 Intercultural Communication
RHE-305 Teamwork and Leadership in Small Group Communication
RHE-317 Persuasion and Propaganda
RHE-405,-407 Topics in Speech Communication
RHE-535 Rhetorical Theory and Practice

Collateral Major in Writing

The collateral writing major focuses on the development of students’ composing skills in a variety of genres. The writing major is designed to help students become skilled, reflective writers capable of responding effectively to many different rhetorical situations. Students choosing a Writing major or minor may not add either the collateral major or the minor in Creative Writing offered by the English Department.

1. Fulfill requirements for any of the majors listed on p. 13.
2. Completion of five course credits from the following:

RHE-215 Introduction to Journalism
RHE-225 Journalism Workshop
RHE-255 The Essay
RHE-265 Professional Writing
RHE-277 Cultural Studies
RHE-285 Technical Writing
RHE-325 Advanced Journalism Workshop
RHE-335 Writers Colony
RHE-345 Nature Writing
RHE-357 Environmental Literature

3. Completion of an additional two course credits from the previous list of Rhetoric courses under #2 or any of the following:

CRW-105 Topics in Creative Writing
CRW-200 Beginning Playwriting
CRW-280 Poetry Workshop
CRW-285 Advanced Poetry Workshop
CRW-290 Fiction Workshop
CRW-295 Advanced Fiction Workshop
CRW-300 Advanced Playwriting
RHE-210 Journalism Practicum (5 terms)
RHE-312 Topics in Composition (4 terms)
RHE-317 Persuasion and Propaganda
RHE-375 Advanced Writers Studio (2 terms)
RHE-415 Advanced Writing Workshop (if not used for completion of requirement #5)
RHE-805 Independent Studies in Rhetoric (when project content is appropriate)
RHE-845 Directed Studies in Writing (if not used for completion of requirement #5)
RHE-895 Publications Practicum or Internship in Journalism

4. RHE-535 Rhetorical Theory and Practice
5. One of the following:

Advanced Writing Workshop -OR
RHE-845 Directed Studies in Writing -OR-
Honors Thesis

Writing Minor

1. Completion of three course credits from the following:

RHE-215 Introduction to Journalism
RHE-225 Journalism Workshop
RHE-255 The Essay
RHE-265 Professional Writing
RHE-277 Cultural Studies
RHE-285 Technical Writing
RHE-325 Advanced Journalism Workshop
RHE-335 Writers Colony
RHE-345 Nature Writing
RHE-357 Environmental Literature

2. Completion of an additional course credit from either the previous list of
Rhetoric courses under #1 or any of the following:

CRW-105 Topics in Creative Writing
CRW-200 Beginning Playwriting
CRW-280 Poetry Workshop
CRW-290 Fiction Workshop
HON-205 Honors Composition
RHE-210 Journalism Practicum (5 terms)
RHE-312 Topics in Composition (4 terms)
RHE-317 Persuasion and Propaganda
RHE-375 Advanced Writers Studio (2 terms)
RHE-415 Advanced Writing Workshop (if not used for completion of requirement #4)
RHE-805 Independent Studies in Rhetoric (when project content is appropriate; maximum of 1.0 course credit)
RHE-845 Directed Studies in Writing (if not used for completion of requirement #4)
RHE-895 Publications Practicum or Internship in Journalism (maximum of 1.0 course credit)

3. RHE-535 Rhetorical Theory and Practice
4. One of the following:

RHE-415 Advanced Writing Workshop -OR
RHE-845 Directed Studies in Writing -OR-
Honors Thesis

Courses in Rhetoric

RHE-013 Directed Summer Reading
Provides incoming students an opportunity to practice the academic reading and writing skills necessary for successful college work. Students read three books, prepare written responses to each book, and discuss the assignments with a faculty member during a conference in the first four weeks of the Fall Term. S/U basis only. (0.3 course credit)

RHE-105 Reading/Writing Workshop
Provides practical instruction in expository writing; assignments stress the use of writing to improve skills in critical reading and thinking. (Note: First-term students who show evidence of underdeveloped reading and writing skills may be placed in this course.)

RHE-125 Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Explores the basic processes of speech making: audience analysis and adaptation, idea and organizational development, use of effective supporting material and reasoning, and presentation. Critical thinking and listening skills developed by analysis of public speeches. Speaking and writing skills developed through introductory, informative, persuasive, and ceremonial speeches.

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Seminars in Writing

The following three writing seminars (RHE-137, RHE-146, RHE-157) are organized on the theme of “writing, the self, and others,” finding connections between personal expression and a concern for the worlds outside the self. Most assignments concentrate on strategies for analyzing and responding to cultural texts, ranging from novels and academic prose to film and music. Written forms include journals, autobiographies, travel literature, biographies, personal essays, research reports, and annotated bibliographies. Each course involves library work and one or more documented papers. (Maximum of two seminars may be taken for credit toward graduation.)

RHE-137 Seminar in Writing: United States Pluralism
Examines how Americans of different classes, races, ethnicities, and genders experience and perceive American culture. Texts may include fiction and non-fiction, poetry, travel literature, films, and other appropriate cultural documents.

RHE-146 Seminar in Writing: Non-Western Culture
Focuses on culture(s) in Africa or Asia. Readings may include fiction and non-fiction texts, poetry, travel literature, films, and other appropriate cultural documents.

RHE-157 Media and Mass Communication
Explores the relationship between contemporary American culture and media, including considerations of how the media shape our perceptions of the world. Class projects, readings, and writing assignments include the analysis of the media’s representation of race, gender, and class.

RHE-175 Writers Studio
A small-group workshop to help students develop basic writing, revising, and editing skills. May be taken for credit a maximum of two times. Note: No more than 1.0 credit may be earned by enrolling in RHE-175 and RHE-375. (0.5 course credit)

RHE-205 Interviewing
Focuses on research interviewing: surveys, informational interviews, ethnographic interviews, and focus group interviews. Teaches selection and appraisal interviews from interviewer perspective. Recommended for sophomore or higher standing.

RHE-210 Journalism Practicum
For Cosmos staff members. Introduction to college newspaper production, with discussions on professionalism, news gathering, ethics, advertising, layout,
and computer skills. May be repeated each term a student serves on the Cosmos staff. Advanced students assist with instructing beginners. To receive credit, students complete a term of service to the Cosmos and participate in the workshops at the level agreed upon among the instructor, the editor-in-chief, and the staff member. S/U only. A maximum of one credit may be applied to a Writing Minor and no more than one credit may count toward graduation. Credit for Journalism Practicum is regarded as internship credit and is governed by IV.F, p. 12. (0.2 course credit.)

RHE-215 Introduction to Journalism
The fundamental principles and practice of reporting the news; focus on learning basic interviewing and news writing skills and understanding what makes a story newsworthy. This course examines the role and purpose of the press in a democratic society by discussing such topics as the First Amendment, the rhetoric of objectivity, the future of journalism, and libel laws.

RHE-225 Journalism Workshop
Designed for writers and editors who wish to refine and expand their skills. Class topics and activities vary according to the individual student’s previous experience, but frequently involve investigative reporting, complex story coverage, and professional ethics.

RHE-237 Interpersonal Communication
Examines the influence in interpersonal relationships of ethnicity, gender, family, and class on self-concept, perception, emotions, and verbal and non-verbal expression. Students practice specific techniques that facilitate building positive relationships, including such issues as clear language usage, supportive climate building, and conflict resolution.

RHE-246 Intercultural Communication
Explores cross-cultural interaction and communication among members of different international and/or ethnic groups. Takes an experiential approach by
requiring interaction with the international students at Coe as well as field trips to examine the cultural diversity in Iowa. Students may pursue their own intercultural interests through analysis of self-selected films and readings.

RHE-255 The Essay
Practice in writing a variety of essay forms in non-fiction prose; students read and discuss classic essayists chosen to represent a range of prose styles and subjects.

RHE-265 Professional Writing
Planning, drafting, revising, and presenting documents for business and professional audiences; focus on effective writing and document design. Students compose a variety of texts—resumés, memos, letters, manuals, public relations materials, and/ or reports—working both independently and collaboratively; students also give at least one oral presentation, based on a major writing assignment.

RHE-277 Cultural Studies
An exploration of American culture as a series of “texts” to be read, analyzed, and interpreted from a variety of rhetorical perspectives. Subjects for analysis
may include media, art, architecture, lifestyles, entertainment, music, film, theatre, and a wide range of literary genres.

RHE-285 Technical Writing
Introduction to the effective communication of scientific and technical information for both specialist and non-expert audiences. Instruction in audience analysis, writing processes, research strategies, integration of graphics and visual information, and the designing, composing, revising, editing, and assessment of technical documents.

RHE-305 Teamwork and Leadership in Small Group Communication
Introduces the basic theories and principles of small group communication in such areas as discussion, group development, leadership, critical thinking, interviewing, and conflict resolution. Study and practice of techniques aimed at improving a group’s successful team-building. Prerequisite: sophomore standing; students are encouraged to have completed Fundamentals of Public Speaking (RHE-125) or Interpersonal Communication (RHE-237).

RHE-312 Topics in Composition
Designed for Writing Center personnel. Focuses on writing pedagogy, tutoring techniques, composition research, and the conventions and strategies for writing expository prose. Instruction takes place in weekly group meetings and individual conferences. May be taken for credit a maximum of four times. (0.3 course credit)

RHE-317 Persuasion and Propaganda
Investigates the techniques of persuasion and propaganda used by and on Americans of different classes, races, ethnicities, and genders. Students practice inquiry and communication techniques that enhance their effectiveness as writers and speakers in a variety of social contexts.

RHE-325 Advanced Journalism Workshop
Continues work with reporting and editing skills introduced in Journalism Workshop. Emphasis on individual projects such as researching a contemporary issue and/or writing a series of well-developed articles on a single topic. Prerequisite: Journalism Workshop (RHE-225).

RHE-335 Writers Colony
An intensive writing workshop taught off campus; students engage in individual and collaborative writing projects. (Offered May or Summer Terms only)

RHE-345 Nature Writing
A reading and writing course that combines the study of scientific literature on the natural world, an investigation of classic nature writing (e.g., Thoreau, Leopold, Eiseley, Olson, Lopez), and the composing of written texts based on personal experience in the outdoors. (Offered May Term, Summer Term, or at the Wilderness Field Station)

RHE-357 Environmental Literature
Explores various cultural perceptions of the environment, particularly focusing on classic American environmental writers such as H. D. Thoreau, John
Muir, Rachel Carson, Wendell Berry. Examines how various organizations and authors, including feminists and social ecologists, have attempted to define and influence the political, economic, social, and ethical debates on key environmental issues. Assignments include personal essay writing and a major research project on a contemporary environmental controversy.

RHE-375 Advanced Writers Studio
A small group, multi-genre workshop for experienced writers. (0.5 course credit) May be taken for credit a maximum of two times. Note: No more than 1.0 credit may be earned by enrolling in RHE-175 and RHE-375.

RHE-405 Topics in Speech Communication
Exploration of a topic in communication studies (e.g., non-verbal, public relations, cultural issues, gender). Examines communication of different classes, races, ethnicities, and genders in American culture as relates to the topic. Course work includes service learning, research projects, and oral

RHE-407 Topics in Speech Communication: United States Pluralism
Same as Topics in Speech Communication (RHE-405) except focus of course is a topic in communication studies related to United States Pluralism.

RHE-415 Advanced Writing Workshop
A multi-genre workshop for the serious writer, exploring the demands and possibilities in writing fiction, poetry, and various non-fiction forms. Focus on enlarging the writer’s repertoire of strategies and skills; manuscripts revised in preparation for publication. Each student produces an end-of-term portfolio. Prerequisite: junior standing.

RHE-535 Rhetorical Theory and Practice
Explores the forms and functions of written and spoken language, including the study of classical rhetoric (Plato, Aristotle, Quintilian) and recent developments in discourse theory and the psychology of writing. Students examine different research strategies in the field of rhetoric and conduct a research project. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor.

RHE-805 Independent Studies in Rhetoric
Independent research projects in rhetorical studies, composition, and speech communication. May be taken for 0.5 or 1.0 course credit. May be repeated
for credit for a maximum of 2.0 credits. Maximum of one credit applicable to writing or speech major or minor, dependent on the subject of the research. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

RHE-845 Directed Studies in Writing
Completion of major writing projects under the direction of a faculty member. Registration by consent of instructor and after submission of a written project proposal to the Rhetoric Department. May be repeated for credit with the consent of department. Prerequisite: completion of three composition courses in the Rhetoric or English Departments.

RHE-895 Publications Practicum

RHE-895 Internship in Public Relations/Journalism
An internship with a focus on public relations or journalism. A minimum of 140 hours on-site experience is required. Supervision by the administrative coordinator of the Public Relations major or by Rhetoric Department faculty. One credit may be applied to the Public Relations major only with consent of the administrative coordinator; one credit may be applied to the Speech Communication major only with consent of the Rhetoric Department Chair. Graded S/U only. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing and consent of either the administrative coordinator of the Public Relations major or the Rhetoric Department Chair.