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.
Assistant Teaching Professor; PhD, New York University

Ackerman, John Martin
Associate Professor, Associate Faculty Director; PhD, Carnegie Mellon University

Albert, Michelle A.
Associate Teaching Professor; MFA, Naropa Institute

Barkin, Sarah
Assistant Teaching Professor; PhD, Syracuse University

Bliss, Anne
Senior Instructor Emerita; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Burger, Eric B.
Associate Teaching Professor; PhD, University of Utah

Byrd, Sigman M.
Associate Teaching Professor; PhD, University of Utah

Colley, Dawn
Assistant Teaching Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Dickson, Rebecca
Associate Teaching Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Doyle, Damian P.
Associate Teaching Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Ellis, Jay
Associate Teaching Professor; PhD, New York University

Feldman, Andrea
Teaching Professor of Distinction; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Ferrell, Tracy L.
Associate Teaching Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Fobes, Alexander S.
Assistant Teaching Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Green, Sally Edith
Associate Teaching Professor Emerita; MA, University of Colorado Boulder

Gries, Laurie Ellen
Associate Professor, Associate Faculty Director; PhD, Syracuse University

Henningsen, Matthew Scott
Assistant Teaching Professor; PhD, Marquette University

Hersh, Orly M.
Associate Teaching Professor; MA, Northern Arizona University

Hessel, Kurtis
Assistant Teaching Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Knowlton, Ginger
Associate Teaching Professor; PhD, University of Denver

Kratzke, Peter J.
Associate Teaching Professor Emeritus; PhD, University of Kentucky

Krywicki, Jarad
Assistant Teaching Professor; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Kunce, Catherine
Associate Teaching Professor; PhD, University of Denver

Lagapa, Jason
Assistant Teaching Professor; Ph.D., University of Arizona

Lamos, Steven Joseph
Associate Professor, Faculty Director; PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign

Long, Daniel R.
Assistant Teaching Professor; MA, University of Colorado Boulder

Macdonald, Christine
Associate Teaching Professor, Associate Faculty Director; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Massey-Warren, Sarah
Assistant Teaching Professor Emerita; PhD, University of Colorado Boulder

Min, Young Kyung
Assistant Teaching Professor; PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign

Myers, Seth G.
Associate Teaching Professor; PhD, New Mexico State University

Newsom, Elia
Assistant Teaching Professor; PhD, Wayne State University

Norgaard, Rolf P.
Teaching Professor of Distinction, Associate Faculty Director; PhD, Stanford University

Padgett, Adam
Assistant Teaching Professor; PhD, University of South Carolina

Pearce, Lonni Dee
Associate Teaching Professor, Associate Faculty Director; PhD, University of Arizona

Pieplow, Kathryn
Senior Instructor Emerita; JD, University of South Dakota

Pieplow, Nathan D.
Associate Teaching Professor; MEd, University of Oregon

Reilly, Kerry Anne
Associate Teaching 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.
Associate Teaching Professor; MA, University of Colorado Boulder

Shade-Johnson, Jaquetta
Assistant Professor; PhD, Michigan State University

Shanmugaraj, Nisha
Assistant Professor; PhD, Carnegie Mellon University

Stewart, Jennifer
Assistant Teaching Professor; MA, Colorado State University

Strauch, Bret
Assistant Teaching Professor; PhD, Bowling Green University

Swan, Elizabeth
Assistant Teaching Professor; PhD, University of South Carolina

Tirado, Marisa Celina
Assistant Teaching Professor; MFA, University of Iowa

von der Nuell, Tobin D.
Associate Teaching Professor; MA, University of Colorado Boulder

Wenger, Paula
Associate Teaching Professor; MA, Miami University–Oxford

Wilson, Andrew
Assistant Teaching Professor; PhD, University of Florida

Courses

WRTG 1100 (4) Extended First-Year Writing and Rhetoric

Extended version of WRTG 1150 intended for students desiring more preparation and practice in college writing. Meets the same goals and fulfills the same requirements as WRTG 1150. Includes one-hour recitation for small group work. Focuses on rhetorical analysis, argument, inquiry and information literacy. Taught as a writing workshop, the course emphasizes practicing strategies for all phases of the writing process. 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 rhetorical analysis, argument, inquiry and information literacy. Taught as a writing workshop, the course emphasizes practicing writing strategies for all phases of the writing process. 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 1040. Focuses on rhetorical analysis, argument, inquiry, and information literacy. Taught as a writing workshop, the course emphasizes practicing writing strategies for all phases of the writing process.

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 and fulflls the same requirements as WRTG 1150 but at a more challenging level. Focuses on rhetorical analysis, argument, inquiry, and information literacy. Taught as a writing workshop, the course emphasizes practicing writing strategies for all phases of the writing process. 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.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
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 seminar, 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, revision, analytical writing, and oral presentation. Taught as a writing seminar, 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 seminar 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, revision, analytical writing and oral presentation. Taught as a writing seminar, 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 seminar inspired by design thinking, with a focus on prototyping, revision, critical thinking, and collaborative engagement. Key topics: the future of work, rapid prototyping of career options, 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 3070 (3) Advocating with Data

Teaches how to use data and data-driven arguments to advocate for change on issues of concern. Via rhetorical and other critical frameworks, explores definitions of data and its relations to power, publics, and justice. Students will produce persuasive texts, including multimodal texts and data visualizations, intended for real-world advocacy and publication in a variety of media and genres. Taught as a writing workshop, with a focus on revision, critical thinking, and collaborative engagement.

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 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.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
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.