English - Rhetoric and Composition - Ph.D.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. program in English with a concentration in Rhetoric and Composition emphasizes research on literacy practices, focusing on their impact on individuals in various settings. The curriculum includes rigorous coursework, research methods, theory electives, and practice electives, culminating in a dissertation. Graduates are prepared for careers in higher education, research, and community outreach.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Ph.D. degree in English, with a concentration in Rhetoric and Composition, focuses on the impact of literacy practices on individuals' lives within educational, professional, and public settings. The curriculum emphasizes research that is data-rich and methodologically rigorous, preparing students to investigate literacy, rhetoric, and social practices. Collaborative research with faculty, administrative opportunities, and community outreach equip students for success within the discipline. Graduates make significant contributions to university communities and the broader public sphere.

Outline:

Major Requirements:

• Course List:
• ENG 75012 READING AND INTERPRETING RESEARCH ON WRITING (13 credit hours)
• ENG 75022 RHETORICAL THEORY: GREEK AND ROMAN (3 credit hours)
• ENG 75044 RESEARCH DESIGN (13 credit hours)
• ENG 75051 LITERACY: FUNCTIONS, PRACTICES AND HISTORY (3 credit hours)
• Theory Electives (choose 9 credit hours from the following):
• ENG 75023 RHETORICAL THEORY: 18TH, 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES
• ENG 75027 ROLE OF COMPOSITION
• ENG 75035 LINGUISTICS FOR RHETORICIANS
• ENG 85024 DOMAIN RHETORICS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF KNOWLEDGE
• ENG 85056 INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF WRITING ASSESSMENT: RESEARCH, THEORY AND PRACTICE
• Practice Electives (choose 9 credit hours from the following):
• ENG 75052 WRITING ACTIVITY AS SOCIAL PRACTICE
• ENG 75053 WRITING TECHNOLOGIES
• ENG 85041 FIELD RESEARCH METHODS IN WRITING
• ENG 85054 STUDIES IN LITERACY AND COMMUNITY
• ENG 85057 RHETORICAL METHODS
• Culminating Requirement:
• ENG 89199 DISSERTATION I (230 credit hours)
• Minimum Total Credit Hours: 60

Notes:

• Students should take ENG 75012 as a prerequisite to ENG 75044, but may need to take them concurrently in some semesters.
• Students complete a qualifying examination before writing a dissertation prospectus.
• Upon successful completion of the qualifying examination, students form a dissertation committee to guide them through the dissertation and degree completion.
• Each doctoral candidate must register for ENG 89199 for a total of 30 hours upon admission to candidacy.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Develop knowledge of rhetoric and composition, its application in diverse contexts, and its role in contemporary culture.
• Generate research questions, develop appropriate research designs, and practice ethical modes of inquiry.
• Participate in local and international communities of like-minded scholars and teachers.
• Contribute new knowledge in the field of rhetoric and composition.