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The Rhetoric and Composition Program supports the college-wide commitment to the teaching of writing. Writing is one of the primary skills needed at Oberlin and is also necessary for almost any occupation to which an Oberlin graduate might aspire. Beyond these practical values, writing serves as one of the most essential tools for inquiry in a liberal education. All Oberlin students are strongly encouraged to pursue the goal of writing well. Writing Requirement. The writing requirement applies to all students in the College of Arts and Sciences. The requirement also applies to all transfer students and double-degree students. Students changing divisions from Conservatory to College or becoming double-degree candidates are also subject to the requirement. The Rhetoric and Composition Program administers the requirement. The writing requirement is usually satisfied in either of the following ways: 1. By a score of 710 or better on the SAT II Writing Test or by a score of 5 on the English Language/Composition or Literature/Composition Advanced Placement Examination; or 2. By certification of proficiency in writing from two different Oberlin College instructors who have taught the student in specially designated "writing intensive" or "writing certification" courses in two different departments or programs. One of these may be a private reading course or a Winter Term course (by approval of the Rhetoric and Composition Program Director). Under special circumstances students may apply to satisfy the requirement either by submitting work done for writing intensive courses at other institutions transferred for credit by Oberlin College OR by taking a writing proficiency examination provided by the Rhetoric and Composition Program. Members of the Rhetoric and Composition Program will judge whether such work merits writing certification. Students who have unusual difficulty completing the Writing Requirement should contact the Director of the Rhetoric and Composition Program as soon as possible to determine the best means of satisfying the requirement. Students are strongly urged to take at least one step toward achieving writing proficiency as soon as possible, preferably during their first year. Students seeking information about the Oberlin Conservatory writing requirement should consult "Requirements for Graduation" in the Conservatory section of this catalog. Writing Certification Courses. Courses that bear the designation WR are those in which a substantial amount of writing (approximately 15 pages) is required but which do not devote special attention to instruction in writing except at the instructor's option. Instructors will evaluate papers for writing ability and will decide, at the end of the course, whether the student is to receive a writing proficiency credit, independent of the course grade. To fulfill the graduation requirement, students need to earn two certification credits from writing-certification or writing-intensive course work in two different departments. Writing Intensive Courses. Courses that bear the designation WRi are those in which substantial essay writing (approximately 15 pages) is assigned and writing pedagogy is stressed to a significant degree. The normal expectation is that the instructor will introduce the student to the methods of writing papers for the discipline in which the course is offered. Several papers will be assigned during the course; students will receive detailed evaluations of their writing skills as well as content; some time will be devoted to the discussion of student writing, both in class and in conferences; and a certain amount of rewriting/revision will normally be expected. Although there is an emphasis on writing instruction in these courses, students may earn a certification credit if the instructor judges their work to be proficient. A list of criteria for evaluating writing proficiency is available from the Rhetoric and Composition Program Director in King 139. Students who have taken Rhetoric and Composition 100 followed by another Rhetoric and Composition course, other than RHET 107, will earn one of their two required proficiency credits by virtue of passing both courses. In all other cases, a passing grade will not necessarily result in a writing proficiency credit; certification will depend on the instructor's appraisal of the student's writing ability. Major. No major is offered in Rhetoric and Composition, but students with such interests might consider majoring in English or Creative Writing. The Individual Major is another alternative. Minor. Students may earn a minor in Rhetoric and Composition by completing approved programs of study. Such programs will consist of at least 15 credit hours, including: one Rhetoric and Composition course in the 111-119 range, one 200-level Rhetoric and Composition course, RHET 481, a course in English language history or linguistics, and a private reading in a topic of rhetoric and composition of the student's choosing. Interested students are advised to consult the director. Tutor Training. Students interested in training to be peer tutors in writing should consider taking RHET 481, listed below. Seeking Writing Assistance. Members of the Rhetoric and Composition Program will be glad to consult with students interested in working on their writing at any level or with any faculty member seeking advice about working with students to improve their writing. Winter Term. Staff members will be available to sponsor Winter Term Projects in writing.
The Rhetoric and Composition Program regularly offers at least one First-Year Seminar per year. First-year students seeking a small, writing-intensive course to orient them to the liberal arts at Oberlin College should seriously consider taking an FYSP. The First-Year Seminars offered by Rhetoric and Composition faculty for 2004-05 are listed below. First-Year Seminars FYSP 168. Other People, Other Worlds 3 hours 3HU, CD, WRi First Semester. For description, please see "First-Year Seminar Program" in this catalog. Ms. McMillin Writing Courses for First- and Second-Year Students For first- or second-year students seeking an introduction to college writing. These courses focus on a variety of topics, but they all offer substantial attention to the process of writing and to critical thinking and reading. Many sections are interdisciplinary and most employ a workshop/discussion format. Especially recommended for first- and second-year students who do not feel prepared to take other Writing Certification or Writing Intensive courses across the curriculum. 111. Writing about Environmental Topics 3 hours 3HU, WRi First Semester. This course focuses on how to use writing to think through complex topics. For subject matter, the class will explore what different sorts of language, such as scientific or non-fiction literary prose, enable us to observe about the natural environment. Class format will be discussion and peer response, with some time devoted to research skills. The instructor will meet with each student several times during the semester to comment on weekly writing assignments. Note: CR/NE or P/NP grading. Enrollment Limit: 15. Ms. Cooper 112. Queering the Reel 3 hours 3HU, CD, WRi Second Semester. A course for first- or second-year students interested in developing their skills in college writing by examining issues of sexual orientation and gender in film. Films addressing representation of sexual identifications, homophobia and heterosexism, and community building will provide topics for reading and writing. Students will explore these topics and their relation to race, class, and historical context through writing both personal and academic essays. Note: CR/NE or P/NP grading. Enrollment Limit: 15. Ms. Cooper 113. Writing for College and Beyond 3 hours 3HU, WRi Second Semester. In the writing they do for college, students are asked to analyze and critique arguments, conduct research, and develop fluency in a number of forms and discourses, among other things. This writing course is designed to immerse students in the practice of writing for college and beyond. In addition, it uses the topic of place to engage students in the practical and creative aspects of research. Enrollment Limit: 15. Ms. McMillin 115. Entering Discourse Communities: Writing for College and Beyond 3 hours 3HU, WRi Second Semester. This course aims to form a writer's community that will explore the various discourses in which class members participate. We will approach writing as real communication among group members rather than artificial practicing of skills. The course will include readings on writing processes as well as essays on varied topics. There will be weekly writing assignments and regular conferences with the instructor to review drafts and revisions. Most classes will be peer response workshops. Enrollment Limit: 15. Mr. Podis
Writing Courses for Students Beyond the First Year Rhetoric and Composition courses at the 200-level are intended for students beyond the first year who are interested in improving their writing skills. Issues in disciplinary discourses and composing and revising for a range of writing tasks are emphasized through frequent writing assignments, class discussions, and writing workshops. First-year students may enroll in these courses only by special consent of the instructor. 201. Writing in the Sciences 3 hours 3HU, WRi Next offered in 2005-2006. 202. Advanced English Composition 3 hours 3HU, WRi Second Semester. A workshop designed for upper-class students who wish to further develop their writing and rhetorical skills. This course invites students to study and practice a number of prose forms, including narratives, descriptions, and various kinds of essays. It will also explore issues of process and style. Note: Closed to first-year students. Enrollment Limit: 15. Ms. McMillin. Other Courses of Interest to Student Writers The Rhetoric and Composition Program offers the following courses for students interested in journalistic writing or writing pedagogy. 106. Journalism Basics 1-2 hours 1-2 HU, WRi First and Second Semester. First Module. This course will cover basic reporting, news and features writing, and ethics in journalism. In addition to course writing assignments, publishing at least two stories in an approved campus publication will be required for one hour of credit, four stories for two hours of credit. Note: CR/NE or P/NP grading. Open to all students. Enrollment Limit: 15 (10 places a semester reserved for first-year students). Ms. Cooper 107. Practicum in Journalism 1-2 hours 1-2HU First and Second Semester. Through this course students earn academic credit working for an approved journalistic publication on campus. The course does not meet as a class, but students are expected to attend all required staff meetings and fulfill the assignments made by their editors. Students can earn a maximum of four hours credit toward graduation (a maximum of six hours credit for editors). Notes: CR/NE or P/NP grading. Prior journalism instruction (including RHET 106) is not necessary for this course. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 90. Ms. Cooper
3 hours 3HU, WRi First and Second Semester. A course in which students will tutor at the writing center or assist one of the writing-intensive courses offered in various disciplines while studying composition theory and pedagogy. In the process of helping to educate others, students work toward a fuller understanding of their own educational experiences, particularly in writing. Juniors or seniors who write well, regardless of major, are encouraged to apply. Identical to ENGL 399. Consent of instructor required. Note: Students enrolling in RHET 481 or ENGL 399 should also enroll in RHET 483, Tutoring Lab. Enrollment Limit: 12. Ms. McMillin, Mr. Podis 483. Tutoring Lab 0-1 hours 0-1HU First and Second Semester. Students working in the Peer Tutoring Program will meet monthly to discuss tutoring experiences, logistical issues and occasional readings. Tutors will further develop their skills, help to shape the Program, and participate in the larger community of Peer Writing Tutors. Required for all Peer Writing Tutors, including those currently enrolled in RHET 481 or ENGL 399. The one-credit hour option is for tutors who wish to implement a project to improve resources for or awareness of the Peer Tutoring Program. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in, or prior completion of, RHET 481 or ENGL 399. Notes: Tutors may repeat this course for a maximum of four hours toward graduation. CR/NE or P/NP grading. Consent of instructor required. Ms. McMillin 995. Private Reading 1-3 hours 1-3HU Consent of instructor required. |
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