Rhetoric Communication Studies (RCS)

Organization and presentation of verbal materials. Emphasizes developing performance skills through graded speaking activities. Not challengeable.

Expository writing through genres and modes. Begins with developmental writing; ends with preparation for WRT 111. Course may fulfill AHFL for international students only.

Supplemental one-on-one and small group tutoring for RCS 109 students. Not challengeable.

Expository writing in major rhetorical forms generally based on analytical reading in various disciplines and intended to sharpen communication skills required for college work and later use. Course may fulfill AHFL for international students only.

Supplemental one-on-one and small group tutoring for RCS 110 students. Not challengeable.

Further expository writing with particular emphasis on methods of research and effective use of source materials. Should be completed before junior year. Course may fulfill AHFL for international students only.

This course provides supplemental one-on-one tutoring and small group instruction for RCS 111 students. Studio activities include individual and group tutorials, with workshops on finding and evaluating sources, writing process techniques, thesis development, paragraph structure, reading strategies, punctuation and grammar, citation practices, and sentence structure. Not challengeable.

Introduces field of speech communication, including its history, major theories, and primary contexts. Not challengeable.

Introduces theory and practice of interpersonal communication. Not challengeable.

Introduces theory and practice of intercultural communication. Emphasizes training and application to improve skills. Not challengeable.

Practical course in communication for science students. Restricted to Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Kinesiology freshmen and sophomores only.

Covers theories, principles, and strategies of social influence as they relate to everyday life. Can be taken for letter grade only.

Focuses on understanding and interpretation of current events filtered through mastery of written and spoken language. Covers techniques of analysis, substantiation, and synthesis. Not challengeable.

This course is an introduction to rhetorical history and theory from Greek antiquity to the present, including rhetorics of the Americas. Students will analyze contemporary multimodal (written, oral, visual) performances and arguments using rhetorical theories, in order to understand how individuals and groups communicate belief and action in civic life and in other public discourses. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.

Decolonial rhetorics introduces students to theories and practices of decolonial rhetorical traditions (e.g. LatinX, indigenous) that challenge Eurocentric thinking and influence. Not challengeable.

Explores theories of creative writing while critically examining their orientations, preferences, and practices. May be taken for letter grade only. Not Challengeable.

This advanced writing course is designed for students who intend to use their writing and communication skills to effect change through public discourse. Students study theories and practices of written argumentation, and compose arguments on contemporary issues, engaging with public audiences through written, digital, and oral modes. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.

Focuses on various theories, communication concepts, and academic research to explore and understand the more harmful and dysfunctional aspects of interpersonal relationships. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.

Examines interviewing using various paradigms, including industry and academic research. Not challengeable.

Rhetorical principles of argumentation in theory and practice. Participation in forensics tournaments advised. For law students and those interested in engaging in rational discussion and reasoned advocacy. Course may be repeated multiple times for up to 16 semester hours of credit. Not challengeable.

Adapts academic theories from rhetoric and communication studies to leadership. Requires a minimum of 24 hours of volunteer service. Not challengeable.

Feminist Rhetorics examines the rhetorical strategies of activists during the first, second, and third waves of U.S. feminist movements. The course explores tactics feminists used to confront ideological opposition as well as the cultural contexts and historical developments of feminism in American culture. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.

This course focuses on analysis and practice of various forms of scientific discourse, with attention to research methods, design of papers, technical style, citation conventions, and editing strategies. Students develop their command of scientific discourse through multi-stage writing processes, rhetorical communication, active in-class learning workshops, peer review, and individual feedback. Also BIOL 381. Not challengeable.

This course is an introduction to the study of sexuality, queer theory, and the interdisciplinary field of queer and LGBTQ studies. The course historicizes LGBTQ+ scholarship and activism and provides a theoretical framework for understanding contemporary LGBTQ+ issues. Not challengeable.

Engages students registered at the University of La Verne and enrolled at The Washington Center in the wealth of personal, professional, and academic experiences offered as part of TWC's LEAD Colloquium. Meets 4 to 8 hours on Fridays during the student's TWC semester in the nation's capital and includes distinguished lectures, site visits, public policy dialogues, networking, informational interviews, strengths assessment, a career readiness portfolio, resume building, and a capstone reflection. Open to TWC Participants only. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.

Student-designed courses approved by a faculty member. Prior approval of goals, objectives, procedures, and assessment plan as directed in the Independent Study Manual is required. May be taken multiple times with a different topic for credit. Not challengeable.

Throughout history, audiences have been compelled into action by the powerful words of great leaders. Yet, in the age of the Internet, cell phones, and sound bites, these voices appear to be silent. Through the academic intersection of historical contextualization and applied rhetorical theory, this course will examine these historical speeches. In the process, the application of the devices and mechanisms employed in these speeches will be analyzed, along with their effect in emboldening a new generation of orators to take their place on the podium, behind the lectern and in creating their own history. Not challengeable.

Examines interpersonal communication, focusing on specific relational contexts such as romantic, interpersonal, family, friendship, workplace, and stepfamily. Not challengeable.

Introduces interpersonal, organizational, persuasion, and media communication processes within the study and practice of issues in health and medicine.

Focuses on various theories, communication concepts, and academic research in relation to political speeches, to public discourses, debates, the election cycle, and the binary discourse that relates from historical to the contemporary political structure. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.

Examines fundamentals of rhetorical criticism. Filters rhetorical methods through contemporary events and controversies using critical thinking and discourse. Not challengeable.

Selected topics in rhetoric and communication studies relating to current issues or special fields of study. Offerings are faculty designed courses in areas of expertise. May be taken four times with a different topic for credit. May be taken for letter grade only. Not challengeable.

Culminating activity required by majors in all departments. Papers/theses/projects researched, prepared, and written under the guidance of a faculty member. Comprehensive exams or recitals required in some departments. Academically, Students must be in Good Standing to enroll in 499. Can be taken for letter grade only.