Minor in Writing, Speaking, and Critical Reasoning
To leave college with the ability to write well, to speak in public, and to think critically is one of the most valuable outcomes of a college education. The minor in writing, speaking, and critical reasoning offers students a coherent program of courses that will strengthen their abilities in all three essential areas. This interdisciplinary minor is built on courses in English, Writing, and Philosophy, and is taught by professors from English, Philosophy, and the Honors College. The minor is open to all University of Oregon undergraduates in any major. Undergraduates who want even more concentrated work in this area may enroll in the Certificate program, which requires 36 credits (9 courses, including a senior capstone course). For information on the Certificate program, go to: Certificate Program.
The minor requires 24 credits (6 courses) spread across the three areas.
1. Writing
Two courses (8 credits) in Writing from this list:
- WR 123 College Composition III
- WR 320 Scientific and Technical Writing
- WR 321 Business Communication
- WR 423 Advanced Composition
- ENG 404 Community Literacy Internship (for a minimum of 4 credits)
- ENG 413 Theories of Literacy
2. Rhetoric
Two courses (8 credits) in Rhetoric from this list (at least one of which must be ENG 200 or 330):
- ENG 200 Public Speaking
- ENG 330 Oral Controversy and Advocacy
- ENG 491 Rhetoric and Ethics
- ENG 492 History of Rhetoric and Composition
- ENG 493 Modern Rhetorical Criticism
3. Reasoning
Two courses (8 credits) in Reasoning from this list:
- PHIL 103 Critical Reasoning
- PHIL 325 Logic, Inquiry, and Argument
- ENG 335 Inventing Arguments
Optional (may be used in any of the above categories):
ENG 494 Reasoning, Speaking, Writing
There are three steps to graduating with a minor in Writing, Speaking, and Critical Reasoning.
1. Declare the Minor. This will give you priority enrollment in Minor courses. You can declare the minor here:
Declare a Minor in Writing Speaking, and Critical Reasoning.
2. Complete the courses in the areas listed above: six courses (24 credits) distributed apprpriately among the three areas.
3. Apply to graduate with the Minor. You must complete this application and submit it to the English Department during the term you expect to graduate:
Apply to graduate with the minor.
Here are some guidelines for completing the minor.
To count in the Minor, all classes must be taken for a grade and be passed with a grade of mid-C or better.
Only two courses taken for the Minor may be used to fulfill the requirements for any other minor or major. WR 123 may be used for the Minor and to complete the University Writing Requirement.
All upper-division coursework for the Minor must be taken in residency at the University of Oregon.
In order to receive priority registration in Minor courses for the following term, students must declare the Minor at least two weeks before the beginning of the registration period.
Not all of the above courses are offered every academic year. A list of available courses (including any special topics courses not listed above) for a given academic year is available in the English Department, 118 PLC.
For inquiries or advising, call the English Department office, 346-3911, or the Center for Teaching Writing, 346-3922.