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Mission Statement

Rhetoric refers to the study, uses, and effects of written, spoken and visual language. DRWS is dedicated to the research and teaching of rhetoric. We understand rhetorical study and written literacy as essential to academic, professional, civic, and personal life. We emphasize rhetoric’s dynamic relationship to culture and thought. Our areas of primary focus include literacy and the teaching of writing, rhetorical theory, and professional and public discourse. The study of rhetoric contributes to the University’s mission by furthering the intellectual development of our students and their participation in local and global communities.

AREAS OF PRIMARY ACADEMIC FOCUS

1. Literacy and the Teaching of Writing—The department views literacy as an array of advanced language and critical thinking abilities that are essential to academic, professional, civic, and personal life. This view expands the common understanding of literacy as basic skills. We research and practice the teaching of writing from developmental through advanced graduate levels. Aligned with larger University goals, particularly “furthering social justice on and off campus,” the department is committed to enhancing literacy among the ethnically and linguistically diverse populations of the region.
2. Rhetorical Theory—The conceptual center for the department’s research and teaching is rhetorical theory, including ancient and modern theories, history of rhetoric, composition studies, and related areas such as literary theory, feminist theory, continental philosophy, linguistics, cultural studies, and others. These areas provide the means for critical reflection on historical and contemporary issues involving language in action. Our approach to rhetoric supports the University's core values, including interdisciplinarity, lifelong learning, and providing the basis for informed citizenship in a democracy.
3. Professional and Public Discourse—The department views professional and public discourse as embedded within specific rhetorical situations and having local, global, organizational, and civic dimensions. We research, develop, and evaluate principles and methods for the practice of professional and public discourse. Students are encouraged to collaborate with schools, corporations, agencies, and community-based organizations to design, develop, use, and evaluate documentation. Our work is designed to empower individual communicators in the ethical and strategic use of language in a variety of public and professional communities.
4. General Math Studies—Providing a complement to the department’s courses in developmental writing, the General Mathematics Studies Program in the Department of Rhetoric and Writing Studies offers courses in beginning algebra, intermediate algebra, and geometry. The CSU has defined proficiency in number sense, data analysis, geometry, and algebra as entry-level skills expected of incoming freshmen. GMS emphasizes the use of these mathematical skills as they apply to critical thinking and problem solving. Its goals are therefore well aligned with department and University goals concerning student development and success.

These academic emphases shape every program supported by the department and guide our entire curriculum, from developmental writing and mathematics through our Master of Arts Degree.