English, Rhetorics of Science, Technology, and Culture, Certificate

(Code 540-602)

Rhetorical understanding and the ability to produce rhetorically effective texts are excellent complements to any academic discipline, because every specialty depends on the discovery and dissemination of ideas, as well as the structuring of arguments in the process of building knowledge in a field. The Rhetorics of Science, Technology, and Culture (RSTC) certificate offers a focused study in the kinds of choices we make when we analyze and communicate scientific, technical, and diverse cultural phenomena, whether through traditional written text, visuals, video, internet venues, or some multimodal combination of those.  Students will have opportunities not only to research in a wide variety of fields, including understanding different modes of communication and cultural practices, but to create and edit documents that best address the needs of their intended audiences, ranging from specialists to the general public. An RSTC certificate could enhance the career options of any student majoring or minoring in a science, technology, or social science field, and in its attention to various kinds of practical know-how—e.g., science writing, technical writing, grant writing, nature writing, editing—could also increase the career options for students in the humanities and the arts.

Fifteen semester credits, selected from:15
ENGL 212
Histories and Theories of Rhetoric
or CJ 207
 Introduction to Rhetoric and Society
ENGL 307
Editing and Publications Management
ENGL 312
Science Writing
ENGL 313
Technical Writing
ENGL 314
Cultural Rhetorics
ENGL 315
Visual Rhetorics of Science, Technology, and Culture
ENGL 316
Rhetorics of Social Justice
ENGL 409
Grant Proposal Writing
ENGL 455
Seminar in Rhetorics of Science, Technology, and Culture 1
ENGL 498
Internship in Writing
1

Strongly recommended, but should not be taken until student has successfully completed at least three other courses in the array.

Note: Students will need to earn at least 48 unique credits between any approved English program combinations and for other program combinations where course work overlaps for purposes of meeting graduation requirements for first and second degree programs. 

Program Learning Outcome 

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes:

Outcomes for all English Programs

  • Read and interpret text from a variety of critical perspectives.
  • Write effectively for different purposes and audiences.
  • Plan, conduct, and document research using appropriate sources.
  • Describe the dynamic nature, diversity, and structure of the English language.

Outcomes for Rhetorics of Science, Technology, and Culture Emphasis

  • Rhetorically analyze complex scientific, technological, and cultural texts and contexts.
  • Produce texts that effectively address scientific, technological, and cultural issues.