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Writing, Rhetoric, and Critical Studies Program (ENGL 101 & 202)

Undergraduate english class

 

Welcome to Western Carolina University's Writing, Rhetoric, and Critical Studies program, which consists of a two-course sequence (ENGL 101 and ENGL 202) that is required by the university's Liberal Studies Program.

Writing and Rhetoric are more than just skills. These courses will help you to further develop forms of argumentation and learn about differing genres, or types of writing, for different audiences. These topics will help you to develop your writing not only for courses in your major, but also will help you to learn more writing skills that will contribute to communication in your future job.

For more information, contact Director of WRCS Dr. Travis Rountree by phone at 828.227.3273 or by email at trountree@wcu.edu.

English 101: Writing and Rhetoric

Introduction to rhetoric and college-level writing, reading, and thinking. Students develop individual writing processes, research, and self-assessment strategies which will inform all their communication.

English 202: Writing and Critical Inquiry

Research-based course in rhetoric and scholarly writing. Students engage in interdisciplinary inquiries, solve complex problems, and develop arguments, synthesizing their ideas with ideas of others.

Ink: Chronicles in Composition

Each year, WRCS faculty choose the best of several essays authored by students in English 101 and 202 and publish those essays in Ink: Chronicles in Composition. Ink gives you access to a collection of writing by students who a semester before were in your seat. As you exit composition class, Ink gives you the opportunity to publish your work, and compete for one of three cash prizes awarded to the best of the best.

Inside Ink you’ll find writing about family and friends and conversations about cultural and personal identity. You’ll read rhetorical analyses and well-researched essays. You’ll discover varying models for good writing, research, documentation, and editing. But the one thing these pieces of writing have in common is a strong voice. We hope you’ll read these essays and be inspired to test out your own voice during your composition class this year.

Submit Your Work

Links & Resources

Not sure where to start that project for English 101 or 202?  Why not begin your initial brainstorming and general research with help from our WRCS Research Guide?  By partnering with Hunter Library, we've developed a "one-stop" portal to help you quickly access the information you need to be a successful writer in WRCS and beyond!

Any one of the following links below can help you begin your project. And if you find that you still need help, don't forget to contact your English 101 or English 202 instructor for more information.

  • Academic Success Services
  • Writing and Learning Commons
    Located in Belk 207, the Writing and Learning Commons provides free peer tutoring to all WCU students, especially students in WRCS courses. Call 227-2274. Find out more about workshop offerings in areas such as time management, note-taking, goal-setting, and exam preparation. Visit the website for additional learning and writing resources, hours of operation, and appointment information, walc.wcu.edu.
  • English Department
    Visit it for interesting and important information on everything from job opportunities to grammar help.

Office of Educational Outreach/Continuing Education
Need some basic instruction in computer skills or keyboarding? Contact the Office of Continuing Education at 227-7397 to request a mini-course.

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Dr. Travis Rountree, Director of WRCS
305 Coulter Building
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Phone: 828.227.3273
Email: trountree@wcu.edu
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