About Writing, Rhetoric, and Literacy Studies
Beginning in fall '24: English majors, primary or secondary, will be able to declare a Concentration in Writing, Rhetoric, and Literacy Studies (WRLS). Non-majors may earn a letter of specialization.
The Writing, Rhetoric, and Literacy Studies (WRLS) Concentration prepares students for successful careers as writers or teachers and equips them with important critical skills for thinking about language and literacy. English majors, primary or secondary, can declare a Concentration in Writing, Rhetoric, and Literacy Studies (WRLS).
Requirements
To complete an English major with a WRLS concentration, students take 12 courses—just 2 more courses than the default 10-course English major.
Complete the 7 core English major requirements:
- ENGL 200: Intro. to Literary Studies
- Survey 1: Brit Lit before 1700
- Survey 2: Brit Lit after 1700 or Am Lit early or late
- Survey 3: Brit Lit after 1700 or Am Lit early or late
- Survey 4: Global or Ethnic American Lit
- ENGL 300: Junior Year Writing
- ENGL 494: Integrative Experience
Complete 5 electives:
- ENGL 250: Intro to Writing, Rhetoric, & Literacy Studies (fulfills 200+ elective)
- One Public or Professional Writing course (to fulfill either the 300+ elective or the 400+ elective)
- One Writing Theory or Teaching of Writing course (to fulfill either the 300+ elective or the 400+ elective)
- One elective from any WRLS category below* (200+ through 400+)
- One elective from any WRLS category below* (200+ through 400+)
* at least one course 300+, at least one course 400+
* encouraged: a credited internship or practicum
* encouraged: one course with technology designation
Note: Students may add a certificate in Professional Writing and Technical Communication (PWTC) to their WRLS concentration by taking as few as 3 additional courses.
Elective course categories
Complementary credentials
- Professional Writing and Technical Communication (PWTC)
Students interested in pursuing careers as professional writers, editors, or UX/information designers may wish to add a PWTC Certificate to their WRLS concentration. - Teaching the English Language Arts (TELA)
Students planning to pursue teaching careers may wish to pair the TELA letter of specialization with their WRLS concentration.
Once you have completed the concentration requirements, please declare your completion of the concentration.
Contact
For further information, contact the Director of WRLS, Professor Janine Solberg, E461 South College, jlsolber@english.umass.edu.
Co-Director, PWTC Program
Office: E461 South College