WSCR minors practice listening, Writing, Public Speaking, and Critical Reasoning (WSCR) to bring about change.
WSCR Director Office Hours
Have a question about a WSCR-sponsored event? Are you graduating soon? Do you want to know more about WSCR classes? Are you interested in getting involved with other WSCR students? I’m here to help! Stop by during my office hours or email (esimnitt@uoregon.edu) with questions or to make an appointment:
Wednesday 11-12 in TYK 301E
Thursday 3-4 in TYK 301
Friday 3-4 on Zoom (https://uoregon.zoom.us/my/emilysimnitt)
Declare the WSCR minor online using the Add/Drop Form
Through coursework in Writing, English, Philosophy, and more, students develop written and speaking skills about to be effective culturally responsive communicators in their career and civic life. In completing 24 credits in the WSCR minor, students gain experience in:
- Describing the role of language, identity, and power in community/public communication contexts;
- Examining one’s own critical communication process, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking;
- Practicing culturally responsive deliberation with others on contemporary issues in the public sphere;
- Examining writing, speaking, and other critical communication forms in a variety of disciplines and public contexts using ethical rhetorical analysis;
- Composing and delivery of relevant, purpose-driven documents, speeches, and other forms/genres for audiences beyond the classroom.
Spring Term Highlighted Courses.
- ENG 407 Sem Public Env Comm: Can count for any WSCR requirement with director substitution. (CRN 35169, 1000-1120, mw)
- WR 423 Advanced Composition – Counts for writing automatically or can count toward critical reasoning or public speaking/rhetoric with director approval (CRN 36099, 0900-0950, mwf)
Don’t let the 400-level intimidate you!
Both courses are great for students looking to build career-ready skills. Course descriptions:
ENG 407 St. Louis Seminar: Public Environmental Communication: This course explores the intersection of environmental issues and modes of communication within the public sphere with a special focus on wildland fire and wildland fire management in the Pacific Northwest. Students will examine the role of rhetoric in shaping public perception, policy, and action regarding environmental challenges. Through the study of a variety of texts, including Public Service Announcements, advocacy campaigns, social media, journalism, government agency publications, public policy, and more, students will develop critical thinking and communication skills to become effective environmental advocates and analysts.
WR 423: Advanced Composition: Are you curious about how and why writers write? Have you wondered how well A.I. can replicate the writing in your field? Do you retain notes better if you write notes out by hand? How does technology impact your learning? In this course, students will explore questions like these related to writing processes, technologies of writing, teaching writing, and/or social dynamics of writing. Students will develop the knowledge and tools to craft unique research projects appropriate for presentation at the Undergraduate Research Symposium or other forums or publication in undergraduate research journals. To support their projects, students will get individualized feedback on their research process and writing. WSCR minors considering graduate school in any field, careers in law or education, or any student interested in publication in undergraduate research journals should strongly consider enrolling.