2002-2003 Courses
Choosing an Oberlin Writing Course
The Department of Rhetoric and Composition 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.
Students enrolled in the two-semester sequence of 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 colloquium, 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 Department of Rhetoric and Composition 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.
First-Year Seminars
Field-Based Writing: Ecology of the Vermilion River 3 hours
Watershed
1.5NS, 1.5HU, WRi
First semester. Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment. This course will use ecological concepts as a framework for understanding the natural processes of autumn at a local metropark. Students will research the climate, geology, history, and animal and plant life of the area, using writing, sketching, and photography as means of recording and communicating what they observe. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Ms. Cooper and Ms. Garvin.
Issues and Themes in Colonial and Postcolonial 3 hours
African Literature
1.5SS, 1.5HU, WRi
First semester. This course focuses on African fiction and drama, examining a non-western body of work from a non-western perspective. One important theme will be the challenges facing youth in colonial and postcolonial Africa: the struggle to balance tradition and change; the quest for education; the development of political awareness. Several of the works offer an African approach to what in the west is called a "Bildungsroman," or novel of youth's coming of age. Texts include Laye’s L’Enfant Noir, Dangarembga’s Nervous Conditions, and Okri’s Flowers and Shadows. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Mr. Podis and Mr. Saaka.
Writing Courses for First- and Second-Year Students
RHET 100 and the Rhetoric and Composition Colloquia (RHET 111-119) are intended for first- or second-year students desiring an introduction to college-level writing. The use of writing as a tool for learning and communication is emphasized through a combination of paper-writing, class discussion, draft workshops, and individualized instruction. These courses are not open to juniors, seniors, or fifth year students, except by special consent of the instructor.
100. Basic Writing 3 hours
3HU, WRi
First and Second Semester. A course designed to help first- or second-year students who feel they lack experience in using basic writing skills in English. Instruction focuses mainly on methods of composing and revising, as well as critical reading and thinking skills. This course is recommended for students with an SAT-V score below 580. Note: Students who pass both RHET 100 and another Rhetoric and Composition course other than RHET 107, or an FYSP course taught by Rhetoric and Composition faculty will receive one of their two required proficiency credits. Notes: This course is not open to students who have taken a Rhetoric and Composition colloquium (RHET 111-119) or 200-level course except by consent of instructor. CR/NE grading. Enrollment Limit: 14.
Ms. Cooper, Ms. McMillin
111-119. Colloquia in English Composition for First- and Second-Year Students 3 hours
3HU, WRi
First and Second Semester. 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. Most sections are interdisciplinary and employ a workshop/discussion format. Recommended for first- and second-year students who have passed RHET 100 or who have an SAT-V score above 580 but who do not feel prepared to take other Writing Certification or Writing Intensive courses across the curriculum. Note: CR/NE grading. Enrollment Limit: 15.
112. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Issues in Writing
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 language. Verbal and non-verbal identity coding, media representations of sexual minorities, and the linguistic operations of homophobia and heterosexism will provide topics for students' reading and writing. Emphasis is on students’ exploring these topics and their relation to race, class, and gender through writing both personal and academic essays. CR/NE 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 colloquium is designed to immerse students in the practice of writing for college and beyond. In addition, it promises to engage students in the practical and creative aspects of research. CR/NE grading. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Ms. McMillin.
115. Entering Discourse Communities: Writing for College and Beyond 3 hours
3HU, WRi
First and second semesters. 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 conducted as peer response workshops. CR/NE grading. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Mr. Podis.
Writing Courses for Students Beyond the First Year
201. Writing in the Sciences 3 hours
3HU, WRi
Second Semester. A course designed for students interested in developing their composing/revising skills for writing in natural science and mathematics disciplines or interpreting science topics for readers of general science issues. Notes: This course is not open to first-year students except by consent of the instructor. CR/NE grading. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Ms. Cooper
202. Advanced English Composition 3 hours
3HU, WRi
First Semester. A workshop designed for students who wish to 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. Notes: The course is not open to first-year students. CR/NE grading. Enrollment Limit: 15.
Ms. McMillin
Other Courses of Interest to Student Writers
107. Practicum in Journalism 1 or 2 hours
1 or 2HU
First and Second Semester. This course is open only to students who will be working for an approved journalistic publication on campus. Interested students should consult with the instructor or with the editor of the respective publication. Students can earn a maximum of 4 hours credit toward graduation (a maximum of 6 hours credit for editors). Note: CR/NE grading. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 90.
Ms. Cooper
481. Teaching and Tutoring Writing Across the Disciplines 3 hours
3HU, WRi
First and Second Semester. A course in which students will tutor at the writing center in the library or assist one of the writing-intensive courses offered in various disciplines while studying composition theory and pedagogy. In the process of learning how to help 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. Enrollment Limit: 12. Students enrolling in RHET 481 or ENGL 399 should also enroll in RHET 483, Tutoring Lab.
Ms. Trubek, Mr. Podis
483. Tutoring Lab 0 or 1 hour
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 1-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. Tutors may repeat this course for a maximum of 4 hours toward graduation. CR/NE grading. Consent of instructor required. No Enrollment Limit.
Ms. Trubek
995. Private Reading 1-3 hours
1-3HU
Consent of instructor required.
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