Writing Program

Students may select from three options for their first core writing course. The selection is made by students after learning about the courses through a process called "Directed Self-Placement." The three options are described below, but more information about the courses can be found on the website of the First-Year Rhetoric and Writing Program.

All three options meet the requirement for the first core writing requirement. Key features of the first core writing requirement are described below

Rhetoric and Writing I introduces students to academic reading and writing processes. Students develop critical reading, writing and thinking skills through class discussion, the rhetorical analysis of academic and civic texts, and the writing of documented analytical essays. Students analyze texts that were written for a variety of purposes and audiences. Emphasis is given to reading and writing processes as multiple and rhetorically diverse. Course content focuses on writing process theory and rhetorical theory and criticism-language matters-as the subject matter of rhetoric and writing as a discipline. Students explore language theory and practice through diverse frameworks: multicultural language practices; the reading and criticism of classics of American rhetoric, and issues in literacy, language and technology. The course serves two complementary purposes-to prepare writers for academic reading and writing assignments at the university level, and to introduce students to rhetoric and writing as a field of study unto itself. Signature features of the UCCS ENGL 1310 experience include: rhetoric and writing process theory; writing instruction in a computer-mediated classroom; low course caps of 19 students; extensive small group and whole class discussion, and one-on-one writing conferences for all ENGL 1310 students.

Student are required to take one of the following courses to complete the second Core Writing requirement. Which course a student takes is determined by their major. Students should refer to their degree audit when selecting their second core writing requirement.

English 1410: Rhetoric and Writing II: Emphasizes argument and research supported through extended inquiry. Students use classical stasis theory to invent arguments as appropriate to audience and situation. Students map complex issues, summarize and negotiate counterclaims, and strategically cast their arguments in stasis deemed effective for their situation. 

TCID 2080 Business & Administrative Writing: This course prepares students to write effectively and ethically in real-world professional environments by applying best practices for workplace communication. Students organize, design, compose, and revise documents and visuals both as individuals and as part of writing teams while learning to tailor their writing content and style to the workplace. Genres include common workplace documents such as memos, letters, reports, proposals, and presentations.

TCID 2090 Technical Writing & Presentation: This course prepares students to write effectively and ethically within technical, scientific, and engineering contexts by applying best practices for technical communication. Students organize, design, compose, and revise clear documents and visuals both as individuals and as part of writing teams while learning to tailor their writing to an audience’s needs. Genres include common technical communication documents such as technical descriptions, instructions, proposals, infographics, various types of scientific and technical reports, and presentations.

INOV 2100 - Technical Writing, Proposals, and Presentations: Technical writing course. Addresses five major types of technical writing: project reports, funding proposals, magazine and trade articles, technical reports, and journal articles. Includes peer review and critical assessments of others' writings.