Rhetoric and Technical Writing Curriculum
The Rhetoric and Technical Writing (RTW) program at Appalachian State University is one of the few of its kind in North Carolina. Our program is a blend of theory and practice with a focus on writing for change. Our concentration prepares students to work in public policy, social advocacy, public relations, marketing, advertising, public service, and general communications within engineering, science and technology/usability firms, or matriculate to law or graduate school. Our program's coursework is often experiential with an aim to prepare students for workplaces. We emphasize building a professional portfolio in our courses and through our required internship program. The professional portfolio is further refined in the senior capstone experience. A majority of students who choose to go into industry upon graduation are employed in the field within a year. Complete curriculum information can be found here in the course catalogue.
Core Requirements in RTW
- ENG 3090: Introduction to Professional Writing (3)
- ENG 3700: Technical Communication (3)
- ENG 4300: Capstone in Rhetoric and Technical Writing (3)
- ENG 4900: The Internship (3 or 6)
Once students have completed the core requirements, they are required to complete at least two additional elective courses for the major. Student can select from among the list below for their electives. Students can take more electives, and are strongly encouraged to do so, from the list if their schedule allows. We suggest that students select electives based on their career aspirations and personal interests and academic advisors
Electives in RTW
- ENG 2080: Writing for Change (3)
- ENG 2090: Rhetorics (3)
- ENG 3220: Environmental Rhetorics (3)
- ENG 3260: Community Writing (3)
- ENG 3280: Rhetorics of Health Justice (3)
- ENG 4090: Rhetorics of Resistance (3)
- ENG 4100: Writing for Social Media (3)
- ENG 4120: Grant Writing (3)
- ENG 4200: Editing (3)
- ENG 4900: Advanced Topics in Rhetoric and Technical Writing (3)
RTW Course Descriptions
ENG 2080 - WRITING FOR CHANGE (3)
When Offered: Spring.
A required course for students who concentrate in Writing, Rhetorics, and Technical Communication. Introduces students to the conversations in public advocacy, writing for change, and rhetoric with particular attention to issues like visibility/spectacle, witnessing, climate and social justice, and the ability to respond ethically and responsibly to advocate for change.
Prerequisite: RC 1000.
ENG 2090 - RHETORICS (3)
When Offered: Fall.
A required course for students who concentrate in Writing, Rhetorics, and Technical Communication. A study of the history, theories, concepts, practices, and genres of rhetorical ethics and theory with special attention to contemporary rhetorics and applied concepts, like rhetorical ethics in media, social movements, comparative rhetorics, and social justice.
Prerequisite: RC 1000.
ENG 3220 - ENVIRONMENTAL RHETORICS (3)
When Offered: Spring.
An introduction to environmental rhetoric with an emphasis on environmental justice with special attention to the environmental humanities, contemporary theories and methods in rhetoric and writing, and applied studies of environmental activism.
Prerequisite: RC 1000.
ENG 3260 - COMMUNITY WRITING (3)
When Offered: Fall.
The study and practice of writing in community contexts. A focus on advocacy writing, service-learning, community research, and/or community publishing. Service-learning requirement with an advocacy writing project in collaboration with a partner.
Prerequisite: RC 1000.
ENG 3280 - RHETORICS OF HEALTH JUSTICE (3)
When Offered: Spring.
This course investigates foundational concepts, histories, and research methodologies in Rhetorics of Health and Medicine (RHM) discipline with a critical focus on rhetorical ethics and social justice. Topics may include health communication, health care access, and health technologies and infrastructures. The course prepares students for future professional work or academic research in medical and science writing, medical humanities, public health and/or other related fields.
Prerequisite: RC 1000.
ENG 3700 - TECHNICAL WRITING (3)
When Offered: Fall; Spring.
GEN ED: Junior Writing in the Discipline (WID)
Focus on rhetorical ethics, technical writing concepts, justice and usability, and research. Emphasis on inclusivity and rhetorical ethics in applied genres: instructions, process descriptions, abstracts, definitions, technical reports, and various electronic forms. Students may not receive credit for both ENG 3700 and ENG 3695.
Prerequisites: RC 2001 or its equivalent and ENG 3090 or permission of the instructor.
ENG 4100 - WRITING FOR SOCIAL MEDIA (3)
When Offered: Fall.
Focus on writing for electronic media by investigating both the theoretical and practical aspects of the print to electronic media shift. Emphasis on rhetorical ethics, audience, and social impact. Analysis and creation of electronic media including converting print to web, creating a client website, and conducting a usability test.
Prerequisites: ENG 3090 or permission of the instructor.
ENG 4090 - RHETORICS OF RESISTANCE (3)
When Offered: Spring.
In this course, students will examine rhetorical theories of social change, paying special attention to how structural power operates in rhetorical situations, as well as how marginalized voices speak truth to power.
Prerequisite: RC 1000.