Writing (WRT)
WRT 100 — Writing and Rhetoric (WI) (3 credits)
Writing 100 introduces students to the reading and writing practices that characterize intellectual work in the university. Students are challenged to explore issues of interest and consequence, considering the perspectives of readers as well as their own. The course adopts a process approach to writing in a variety of academic genres, emphasizing pre-writing, researching, composing, revising, and editing as it prepares students for success at Niagara and beyond.
WRT 221 — Creative Writing (H) (3 credits)
This course, taught in a workshop format, introduces the fundamental skills used by writers of poetry and fiction. The primary text of the course is the students' original poems and short stories; works by contemporary writers are also read and analyzed. Students develop individual portfolios of revised work in fulfillment of course requirements. (Advanced Composition; part of Writing Studies minor)
WRT 231 — Business Communication (WI) (3 credits)
Emphasizes practical techniques of professional communication through the study of theories and practices of workplace communication. Students acquire and practice a variety of oral and written communication techniques through analysis, research, synthesis, and creation of workplace-focused documents such as memos, emails, reports, visuals, and other types of documents. (Advanced Composition; part of Writing Studies minor)
WRT 261 — Methods of Writing Studies (WI) (3 credits)
A seminar introducing students to key concepts, historical developments, and methodologies within Writing Studies as well as how to locate, evaluate, and properly cite field-specific scholarship. Students practice field-specific research strategies including rhetorical analysis and produce a variety of creative, academic, and professional texts reflecting the diversity of the discipline.
WRT 321 — Poetry Writing (H) (3 credits)
Theory and practice of poetry. Workshop format, building on skills from ENG 221 (WRT 221). Assignments include poems, essays, presentations, and responses to readings. Texts include student writing, contemporary poetry, and essays by contemporary poets. Students develop portfolios of revised work prepared during the semester. (Advanced Composition; part of Writing Studies minor)
WRT 342 — Special Topics in Web Writing (H) (3 credits)
A course which focuses on specific trends, genres, or aspects of Web writing. Topics include: Web writing in social, workplace or academic contexts; unique genres of Web writing (blogs, wikis, forums); challenges to traditional media and publishing made by Web writing. (Advanced Composition; part of Writing Studies minor)
WRT 343 — Studies in Rhetoric (H) (3 credits)
Offers in-depth study of rhetorical theory. The course may focus on one or more periods (e.g., Classical rhetoric, Enlightenment rhetoric), theorists (e.g., Aristotle, Burke), or concepts (e.g., invention, metaphor). May be taken up to three times with different course material. (Advanced Composition; part of Writing Studies minor)
WRT 345 — Science Writing (H) (3 credits)
Examines the forms of communication undergirding science. Students analyze and write in a variety of scientific genres as they learn the rhetorical dynamics of research. Emphasis is also placed on the public understanding of science, including representations of science in fine art and film. (Advanced Composition; part of Writing Studies minor)
WRT 346 — Visual Rhetoric (H) (3 credits)
Students analyze and synthesize the rhetorical principles by which visuals are produced and used to inform, educate, advocate, and persuade. Students also consider the cultural contents for visual communication, how visuals work with other forms of communication, and the ethical implications of how visuals are used for rhetorical purposes. (Advanced Composition; part of Writing Studies minor)
WRT 348 — Ethnog/Travel Writing (CD) (3 credits)
This course focuses on nonfiction writing about culture. Students use participant-observation and interviewing as tools for developing vivid characters, scenes, dialog, and story elements, while reading Latin American and Hispanic ethnography for exemplars. Emphasis is placed on writing that promotes cultural awareness and understanding of the changing American demographic. Travel not required. (Advanced Composition; part of Writing Studies minor) (Comparative Studies Elective)
WRT 350 — Style (WI) (3 credits)
An examination of style from its Western origins in classical rhetoric to its modern inception as a pillar of information design. Emphasis is placed on theories, practices, and pedagogies of style that enable students to gain more conscious control over their writing.
WRT 351 — Grant Writing (H) (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the process of applying for grants in their area of specialization using research and documentation skills. Students gain practice analyzing the mission, values, and priorities of philanthropic and other funding institutions, and apply that knowledge to their organizational and/or individual ethos. This course culminates in a grant proposal, requiring extensive persuasive and analytic writing. (Advanced Composition; part of Writing Studies minor)