New English offering provides more choice

Degree tracks at Washington State University are giving undergraduates new options. Beginning with the fall semester 2006, students will be able to choose rhetoric and professional writing, a new emphasis in English.

According to Victor Villanueva, former chair and professor of English, the rhetoric and professional writing track should appeal to any student who is fascinated by the use of language, particularly students who intend to go to law school, students who are taking business classes and students interested in journalism.

“We’ve combined a series of courses that look at the ways in which we are constantly persuaded and how we ourselves can construct those arguments, particularly in writing,” said Villanueva.

According to Villanueva, marketing, law, journalism and communications all have their roots in rhetoric. Villanueva said rhetoric is a “gateway to anything” when combined with professional writing, the skills necessary to create advertising copy, technical manuals, etc. “If you can show the ability to manipulate the language, where can’t you go?” he asks.

“This is the first instance we are aware of at WSU where a longstanding and highly distinguished graduate degree such as rhetoric and composition has been adapted and offered to undergraduates,” said Paul Brians, professor of English.

“We are creating new options,” said Villanueva, “because life is changing rapidly and continued relevance demands it. As educators we are in a unique position to make certain that higher education evolves in a fashion that benefits both students and society.”