Writing, Speaking and Argument Program

Tag: Speaking

  • WRTG 290C

    WRTG 290C

    Laura Whitebell

    T/Th 3:25-4:40

    4 credits

    Prerequisite: Successful Completion of the Primary Writing Requirement

    Why take this course?

    • Explore the history of misinformation and the different forms it can take across media
    • Understand how misinformation spreads

    Key skills you’ll gain

    • Learn how to communicate effectively by strengthening your writing, speaking, listening and close reading skills
    • Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate information and understand how writing and speaking shape public opinion
    • Apply your learning to real-world issues through hands-on projects, e.g. creating public service communications, mapping information networks and researching misinformation campaigns.

    Full course description

    Today, the term “misinformation” is part of everyday conversation. Yet it has a long history across the political spectrum and takes many forms, including rumors, fake news and conspiracy theories. What roles do writing, speaking, and argument play in the creation and dissemination of these narratives? 

    This class explores issues of consensus, knowledge and public argument. Assignments include public service communications, an information mapping project and a class-wide study of a misinformation campaign. Students engage in discussion, reflection and peer feedback as they develop and revise writing and speaking assignments, culminating in a research project on a topic of their own choice.

  • WRTG 250/LING 161

    WRTG 250/LING 161

    Solveiga Armoskaite

    M/W 12:30-1:45

    4 credits

    Why take this course?

    • You want to understand the rationale behind why English is the way it is
    • You want to write and speak on matters pertaining to language and explore the cognitive abilities of humans

    Key skills you’ll gain

    • The development of linguistic self-awareness
    • Deeper understanding of grammatical structures which you will use to sharpen your own grammatical choices
    • Deeper understanding of how LLMs/AI are driven by grammatical patterns

    Full course description


    This course is a comprehensive review of the grammar of Modern Standard English. The course will be of interest to those who wish to sharpen their language skills, or to know more about the workings of the English language whether for practical, cognitive or creative ends. Drawing on work in mostly pre-theoretical, descriptive linguistics this course reveals the mechanics of Standard English structure, with occasional detours into the finesse of usage across registers (dialect to slang). Students will learn to develop the ability to see patterns in grammar, as well as its structural possibilities and limits. Assignments will regularly involve reflection on form, usage and speaker judgments. Through a final project, students will investigate some aspect of an English variety available to them. Throughout, students will be working with their data samples of English to explore how speaker choices lead to particular grammatical structures or yield ungrammaticality. Background in linguistics or grammar not needed.