Links

• Moodle

Course Description

WRT 2080 is an introduction to the field of professional writing. It examines the theories, practices, technologies and ethics of professional writing in the workplace. Grounded in rhetorical theory, this course prepares students to write effectively in a variety of contexts, examines the professional identity of professional writers, and prepares students to consider the social and ethical responsibilities of professional writing in practice. 4 hours.

Prerequisite: completion of the university writing foundation requirement.

Course Goals

Students in WRT 2080 will:

• Use rhetorical theory to analyze and respond effectively to a variety of workplace writing scenarios.
• Apply basic rhetorical principles in the construction of texts for a variety of professional contexts and in a variety of media.
• Compose documents that solve problems or help readers make decisions.
• Understand how page/interface design, organization, and language choices impact the readability and usability of professional documents.
• Write documents that are accessible and reader-centered.
• Identify the ethical and social responsibilities of the professional writer.
• Understand how information operates and is communicated in professional organizations.
• Be able to use a variety of communication technologies.
• Recognize the career options available to professional writers.

Required Texts

Readings will be provided.

Course Policies

• Technology. Technology excuses are generally not viable in this class. You are responsible for practicing sound data management, thoroughly testing your work before and after submission, and taking all other reasonable precautions for putting up with technology.
• Communication. You are responsible for keeping up with your oakland.edu email account and the Moodle announcements forum for this course.
• Late work. Late work is not accepted.
• Email queries. I am always happy to answer your questions by email, but I reserve the right not respond to questions whose answers are readily available from the course webpage, on the Moodle site, in assignment descriptions, etc.
• Preferred names and pronouns. If you do not identify with the name that is listed with the registrar or prefer a certain pronoun, please notify me.
• Public use of your work. The grades you earn in WRT 2080 are confidential. However, the texts you produce in this class may be shared with your classmates as a part of our regular peer review process. You should always assume that the work you compose in this class is public, not private.
• Absences. For absences not covered by the university excused absences policy, you may be absent from up to two class sessions without penalty. For each absence beyond two, your final grade will be lowered by one grade "notch" (e.g., an A becomes an A–, a B– becomes a C, a D+ becomes a D, etc.). Six or more absences is grounds for automatic failure.
• The writing center. The Oakland University writing center is open to OU students, faculty, and staff in all disciplines. The center offers consultants to help you develop your drafts during any stage of the writing process. Appointments may be scheduled online.
• Plagiarism. All work in this class must meet the standards of Oakland University's Academic Conduct Regulations. The use of ChatGPT or other large language model tools ("AI") is prohibited.

Major Assignments

There will be four major assignments in this class, listed below, which are due on the dates listed in the course calendar. You must complete all of these assignments to receive a passing grade. The assignments are as follows:

1. Rhetorical Analysis Project
2. Health Communication Project
3. Research Report Assignment
4. Professional Portfolio

ADA Notice

Students with documented disabilities should inform the professor of required accommodations during the first week of classes. Please contact Oakland University’s Disability Support Services office for assistance:

• Phone: (248) 370-3266
• TTY: (248) 370-3268
• Fax: (248) 370-4989
• Email: doss@oakland.edu.