Writing, Public Speaking, and Critical Reasoning Minor
Emily Simnitt,Director
301E Tykeson Hall
1267 University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon 97403 - 1267
541-346-3517
esimnitt@uoregon.edu
To leave college with the ability to write well, to speak in public, and to think critically is one of the most valuable outcomes of a college education. The minor in writing, public speaking, and critical reasoning offers students a coherent program of courses that will strengthen their abilities in all three essential areas. This interdisciplinary minor is built on courses in English, Writing, and Philosophy, and is taught by professors from English, Philosophy, and the Honors College. The minor is open to all University of Oregon undergraduates in any major. Undergraduates who want even more concentrated work in this area may enroll in the Certificate program, which requires 36 credits (9 courses, including a senior capstone course).
Through coursework in Writing, English, Philosophy, and more, students develop written and speaking skills about how to be effective culturally responsive communicators in career and civic life.
More information about the program can be found at wscr.uoregon.edu.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Describe the role of language, identity, and power in community/public communication contexts.
- Examine one's own critical communication process, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Practice culturally responsive deliberation with others on contemporary issues in the public sphere.
- Examine writing, speaking, and other critical communication forms in a variety of disciplines and public contexts using ethical rhetorical analysis.
- Compose and deliver relevant, purpose-driven documents, speeches, and other forms/genres for audiences beyond the classroom.
Writing, Public Speaking, and Critical Reasoning Minor Requirements
A minor in Writing, Public Speaking, and Critical Reasoning requires 24 credits as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses in writing from the following: 1 | 8 | |
| College Composition III | ||
| Scientific and Technical Writing | ||
| Business Communications | ||
| Theories of Literacy | ||
| The Art of the Sentence | ||
| Advanced Composition | ||
| Select two courses in rhetoric from the following (at least one of which must be ENG 200 or ENG 330): 1 | 8 | |
| Public Speaking as a Liberal Art | ||
| Oral Controversy and Advocacy | ||
| History of Rhetoric and Composition | ||
| Modern Rhetorical Criticism | ||
| Select two courses in reasoning from the following: 1 | 8 | |
| Critical Reasoning | ||
| Inventing Arguments | ||
| Total Credits | 24 | |