Program for Writing and Rhetoric
John Stevenson, Director
317 UCB
Environmental Design Building,1060 18th Street
Boulder, CO 80309-0317
T: 303.492.8188
pwr@colorado.edu
Programs Offered
Minor
Certificate
The Program for Writing and Rhetoric (PWR) is a the disciplinary home for Writing Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and is responsible for campus-wide instruction in writing. The program coordinates and oversees all writing curricula and instruction intended to meet college and campus requirements, including efforts in specific disciplines and targeted campus programs.
The program is committed to training students to think critically about the writing they produce and the texts they read, and to enable them to shape and express ideas with clarity and grace in any context: academic, professional or civic. Classes are generally conducted as intensive writing workshops, placing a premium on thoughtful, substantive revision.
The program offers both lower-division and upper-division courses, as well as some graduate seminars. Certain undergraduate courses fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences written communication requirement, and some also fulfill graduation requirements in other colleges. Students should check with their advisors to be sure that they are taking the right course to fulfill their requirement.
For information about specific classes and their instructors, students should visit www.colorado.edu/pwr.
Faculty
While many faculty teach both undergraduate and graduate students, some instruct students at the undergraduate level only. For more information, contact the faculty member's home department.
Abiragi, Anthony A.
Teaching Assistant Professor; PhD, New York University
Ackerman, John Martin
Associate Professor, Associate Faculty Director; PhD, Carnegie Mellon University
Albert, Michelle A.
Teaching Associate Professor; MFA, Naropa Institute
Bliss, Anne
Senior Instructor Emerita; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder
Burger, Eric B.
Teaching Associate Professor; PhD, University of Utah
Byrd, Sigman M.
Teaching Associate Professor; PhD, University of Utah
Colley, Dawn
Teaching Assistant Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder
Dickson, Rebecca
Teaching Associate Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder
Doyle, Damian P.
Teaching Associate Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder
Ellis, Jay
Teaching Associate Professor; PhD, New York University
Feldman, Andrea
Teaching Professor of Distinction; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder
Ferrell, Tracy L.
Teaching Associate Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder
Fobes, Alexander S.
Teaching Assistant Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder
Green, Sally Edith
Teaching Associate Professor; MA, University of Colorado Boulder
Gries, Laurie Ellen
Associate Professor, Associate Faculty Director; PhD, Syracuse University
Henningsen, Matthew Scott
Teaching Assistant Professor; PhD, Marquette University
Hersh, Orly M.
Teaching Associate Professor; MA, Northern Arizona University
Hessel, Kurtis
Teaching Assistant Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder
Klinger, Eliza G.
Teaching Assistant Professor; MA, New Mexico State University
Knowlton, Ginger
Teaching Associate Professor; PhD, University of Denver
Kratzke, Peter J.
Teaching Associate Professor; PhD, University of Kentucky
Kunce, Catherine
Teaching Associate Professor; PhD, University of Denver
Lamos, Steven Joseph
Associate Professor, Faculty Director; PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
Long, Daniel R.
Teaching Assistant Professor; MA, University of Colorado Boulder
Macdonald, Christine
Teaching Associate Professor, Associate Faculty Director; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder
Massey-Warren, Sarah
Teaching Assistant Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder
Min, Young Kyung
Teaching Assistant Professor; PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
Myers, Seth G.
Teaching Associate Professor; PhD, New Mexico State University
Norgaard, Rolf P.
Teaching Professor of Distinction, Associate Faculty Director; PhD, Stanford University
Pearce, Lonni Dee
Teaching Associate Professor, Associate Faculty Director; PhD, University of Arizona
Pieplow, Kathryn
Senior Instructor Emerita; JD, University of South Dakota
Pieplow, Nathan D.
Teaching Associate Professor; MEd, University of Oregon
Reilly, Kerry Anne
Teaching Associate Professor; MFA, University of Iowa
Rios, Gabriela
Assistant Professor; PhD, Texas AM University
Rivera, John-Michael
Professor, Endowed Chair; PhD, University of Texas at Austin
Schaberg, Petger J.
Teaching Associate Professor; MA, University of Colorado Boulder
Tirado, Celina Marisa
Assistant Teaching Professor; M.F.A., University of Iowa
von der Nuell, Tobin D.
Teaching Associate Professor; MA, University of Colorado Boulder
Wenger, Paula
Teaching Associate Professor; MA, Miami University–Oxford
Wilson, Andrew
Teaching Assistant Professor; PhD, University of Florida
Courses
WRTG 1100 (4) Extended First-Year Writing and Rhetoric
Extended version of WRTG 1150 that carries an additional hour of credit and is intended for students desiring more preparation and practice in college writing. Meets the same goals as WRTG 1150. Features one extra hour of small group work out of class. Focuses on critical analysis, argument, inquiry and information literacy. Taught as a writing workshop, the course places a premium on invention, drafting and thoughtful revision. For placement criteria, see the arts and sciences advising office.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 8.00 total credit hours.
Additional Information: GT Pathways: GT-CO2 - Communication
Arts Sci Core Curr: Written Communication
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Written Communication-Lower
MAPS Course: English
WRTG 1150 (3) First-Year Writing and Rhetoric
Rhetorically informed introduction to college writing. Focuses on critical analysis, argument, inquiry and information literacy. Taught as a writing workshop, the course places a premium on invention, drafting and thoughtful revision. For placement criteria, see the arts and sciences advising office.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Additional Information: GT Pathways: GT-CO2 - Communication
Arts Sci Core Curr: Written Communication
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Written Communication-Lower
MAPS Course: English
WRTG 1160 (3) CMCI First-Year Writing and Rhetoric
Rhetorically informed introduction to college writing for CMCI students enrolled in CMCI 1010 or CMCI 1020. Focuses on critical analysis, argument, inquiry, and information literacy. Taught as a writing workshop, the course places a premium on invention, drafting, and thoughtful revision.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to College of Media, Communication, and Information (CMCI) undergraduate students only.
Additional Information: GT Pathways: GT-CO2 - Communication
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Written Communication-Lower
WRTG 1250 (3) Advanced First-Year Writing and Rhetoric
Advanced version of WRTG 1150 intended for more experienced writers, this course meets the same goals as WRTG 1150 but at a more challenging level. Taught as a writing workshop, the course places a premium on invention, drafting and thoughtful revision. For placement criteria, see the arts and sciences advising office.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Additional Information: GT Pathways: GT-CO2 - Communication
Arts Sci Core Curr: Written Communication
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Written Communication-Lower
MAPS Course: English
WRTG 1840 (1-3) Independent Study in Writing
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 8.00 total credit hours.
WRTG 2000 (3) Information and Society
In an information economy, few skill sets are as fundamental to our civic, economic, and environmental well-being as information literacy. This writing course will train students to produce, categorize, and analyze information in academic and real-world contexts. In addition to information literary, we will examine the writing thresholds and habits of mind conducive to the effective uses of information. Through extensive use of digital technologies, students will equally cultivate the skills of digital literacy.
Recommended: Prerequisite WRTG 1150 or equivalent.
WRTG 2020 (3) Introduction to Creative Nonfiction
Explores from both the reader's and writer's perspectives the forms of creative nonfiction, including personal essay and memoir. Students will read and write extensively within this genre, develop skill in revision and peer critique and learn how to submit work for publication. Does not fulfill core requirements. Department enforced prerequisite: WRTG 1150 or equivalent (completion of lower-division writing requirement).
WRTG 2090 (3) Electives in Writing
Explores a variety of academic and professional writing genres, ranging from research to technical writing, in intensive workshops. Students read and write extensively across genres. Check with program for semester offerings. Designed for self-motivated students in all majors. Does not fulfill core requirements. Department enforced prereq., WRTG 1150 or equivalent (completion of lower-division writing requirement)
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
WRTG 2095 (3) Ideas for Social Change
Introduces key concepts and practices central to understanding historical and contemporary social movements in the U.S. Grounded in theories about discourse, bodies, culture, and power, the course is taught through various frameworks such as intersectionality, rhetoric, critical race theory, feminism, queer studies, decolonial studies, and/or LGTBQ+ studies. Students will discover, identify, and analyze social issues of significance to them; practice developing their own visions for social change; and present their visions in public-facing multi-modal genres. Formerly offered as a special topics course.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
WRTG 2930 (1-6) Internship in Writing and Rhetoric
Provides academically supervised opportunity for undergraduate students to engage in writing and rhetoric as a practical and productive art. Students may work in a variety of organizations (public/government/civic/private) on writing-intensive projects related to their career goals, and thereby connect classroom theory to real-world practice. Prior approval of PWR internship coordinator required.
Requisites: This course is restricted to students with 30 credits (Sophomores) with a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
WRTG 3007 (3) Writing in the Visual Arts
Enables students in the arts to improve their writing skills through organization, presentation, critique and revision. Writing assignments include formal writing (analysis and argument), informal writing and grant proposals. Department enforced prerequisite: WRTG 1150 or equivalent (completion of lower-division writing requirement).
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Junior or Senior) AAAH or FILM/FMST or AASA or AASF or THTR or TBFA or DNCE or DBFA or AMST or ARCH or ATLS or BASA or CLAS or DSGN or ETHN or JADV or MDST or RLST or TMEN or EDUC majors only.
Additional Information: GT Pathways: GT-CO3 - Communication: Advanced Writing Course
Arts Sci Core Curr: Written Communication
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Written Communication-Upper
WRTG 3020 (3) Topics in Writing
Through sustained inquiry into a selected topic or issue, students will practice advanced forms of academic writing. Emphasizes analysis, criticism and argument. Taught as a writing workshop, places a premium on substantive, thoughtful revision. Department enforced prerequisite: WRTG 1150 or equivalent (completion of lower-division writing requirement).
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to students w/ 57-180 credits (Jr or Sr) in Arts Sciences (ARSCU), College of Media, Communication Info (CMCIU) or School of Education (EDUCU) or Business (BUSNU) or Comp Sci Bachelor of Arts (CSEN-BA) or Prog in Env Design (ARPLU) only.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Written Communication
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Written Communication-Upper
WRTG 3030 (3) Writing on Science and Society
Through selected reading and writing assignments, students consider ethical and social ramifications of science policy and practice. Focuses on critical thinking, analytical writing, and oral presentation. Taught as a writing workshop, the course addresses communication with professional and non-technical audiences.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits in Engineering, MCDB, EBIO, GEOL, ASTR, IPHY, PHYS, MATH, ECON, BCHM, CHEM, PSYC, NRSC, EDUC, ATOC, GEOG, CSCI or Program in Env Des (ARPLU) majors only.
Additional Information: GT Pathways: GT-CO3 - Communication: Advanced Writing Course
Arts Sci Core Curr: Written Communication
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Written Communication-Upper
WRTG 3035 (3) Technical Communication and Design
Rhetorically informed introduction to technical writing that hones communication skills in the context of technical design activities. Treats design as a collaborative, user-oriented, problem-based activity, and technical communication as a rhetorically informed and persuasive design art. Taught as a writing workshop emphasizing critical thinking, revision, and oral presentation skills. Focuses on client-driven design projects and effective communication with multiple stakeholders.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Additional Information: GT Pathways: GT-CO3 - Communication: Advanced Writing Course
Arts Sci Core Curr: Written Communication
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Written Communication-Upper
WRTG 3040 (3) Writing on Business and Society
Through selected reading and writing assignments, students examine ethical and social issues in the context of business decision-making processes. Focuses on critical thinking, analytical writing and oral presentation. Taught as a writing workshop, the course emphasizes effective communication with professional and non-technical audiences. Department enforced prerequisite: WRTG 1150 or equivalent (completion of lower-division writing requirement).
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Written Communication
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Written Communication-Upper
WRTG 3045 (3) Writing for Emerging Workplaces
A rhetorically-informed professional writing course addressing key competencies needed in emerging workplaces. Intended for juniors and seniors from a wide range of majors who anticipate working in communication-intensive capacities. Taught as a writing workshop, with a focus on revision, critical thinking, and collaborative engagement. Key topics: professional correspondence, grant and proposal writing, writing for policy debates, data analysis and visualization, report writing, and advanced oral presentation and multimedia skills. Satisfies A&S Upper-Division Written Communication requirement.
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Written Communication-Upper
WRTG 3090 (1-3) Open Topics in Writing: Advanced
Advanced topics course providing intensive, specialized writing instruction in selected topics. Check with the program for semester offerings. Does not fulfill core requirements. Department enforced prerequisite: WRTG 3007 or WRTG 3020 WRTG 3030 or WRTG 3035 or WRTG 3040 or instructor consent required.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
WRTG 3400 (3) Race and Epistemic Justice
This course will study the visual construction of race in the United States from the slavery era to the digital age. Through analyses of diverse media (photography, cinema, television, and digital platforms), we will interrogate testimony, witnessing, and visual self-creation as long-standing forms of political agency in the United States. Finally, we will test the hypothesis that epistemic justice ¿ equal treatment of one another as knowers and documenters ¿ is an inseparable component of racial justice.
Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: AHUM 3400
WRTG 3840 (1-3) Independent Study
Department enforced prerequisite: WRTG 3007 or WRTG 3020 or WRTG 3030 or WRTG 3035 or WRTG 3040 or instructor consent required.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
WRTG 3930 (1-6) Internship in Writing and Rhetoric
Provides academically supervised opportunity for undergraduate students to engage in writing and rhetoric as a practical and productive art. Students may work in a variety of organizations (public/government/civic/private) on writing-intensive projects related to their career goals, and thereby connect classroom theory to real-world practice. Prior approval of PWR internship coordinator required.
Requisites: This course is restricted to students with 57 credits (Juniorss) with a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
WRTG 4910 (1-3) Portfolio Curation in Writing and Rhetoric
Provides academically supervised opportunity for undergraduate students to curate, reflect on and synthesize their learning over a range of courses through the production of an electronic portfolio. One credit hour required of students seeking the Interdisciplinary Writing Certificate. Approval of PWR Certificate coordinator required prior to registration.
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors). Requires cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.