Interim Chair and Associate Professor: C. Smitherman (PhD) , 450-3345
Professor: S. Vanderslice ( MFA, PhD)
Associate Professors: L. Burley (PhD), S. Payne (PhD), G. Craig Powell (MFA), ), M. Spitzer (MFA),  J. Vanderslice (MFA, PhD)
Assistant Professors: R. Escamilla (PhD), K. Mattson (PhD), J. Talbot (PhD)
Senior Lecturers: S. Dix (MA), L. Mongno (MA), E. Stengel (PhD)
Lecturer II: C. Allen (MA), T. Gifford (MA), L. Grate (PhD), S Lance (PhD)
Visiting Lecturer: K. Parker Lamb (MA), M. Beavers (MA), M. Kubit (MFA), J. Atkins-Gordeeva (MA), L. Thacker (MA)
Lecturer I: L. Bowles (MEd), B. May (MFA), E. Smith (MA)
Part-time Instructor: D. Forssman Hill (PhD)

[1] Purposes

In addition to offering general education writing courses supporting the university’s emphasis on writing and thinking skills across the curriculum, the Department of Writing offers a variety of courses in creative writing, linguistics, rhetoric and composition, professional and technical writing, and the teaching of writing. The department offers majors and minors in writing, professional writing, creative writing, and linguistics.

[2] Baccalaureate Degrees

[2.1] Bachelor of Arts in Writing, Creative Writing, and Linguistics

The degree of Bachelor of Arts in Writing, Creative Writing, or Linguistics requires successful completion of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: completion of 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (see the UCA Core requirements) and completion of  upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated courses (see the UCA Core requirements); (2) completion of a sophomore-level foreign language course; (3) completion of a a major as described below; (4) 40 upper-division hours; and (5) completion of a minor.

Three degrees are offered: (1) the BA in Writing; (2) the BA in Creative Writing; and (3) the BA in Linguistics.

 

[2.1.1] Major in Writing (36 hours)

Writing Core courses are used to satisfy the lower-division UCA Core requirement in Responsible Living (R) and the upper-division UCA Core requirement in Diversity (D), Critical Inquiry (I), Responsible Living (R), and Effective Communication (C).  Students will take Writing 4308, Writing for Change, as the required UCA Core capstone.

Writing Core Courses (12 hours):

WRTG 2325 Introduction to Rhetoric [ UCA Core: R ]
WRTG 3305 Writing as Information Design
WRTG 3310 Technical Writing [ UCA Core: C, D ]
WRTG 3390 Discourse Analysis [ UCA Core: I, R ]

[2.1.1.1] General Writing Track (24 hours)

Required Courses (15 hours):

LING 2320 Introduction to Language and Linguistics
WRTG 2310 Introduction to Creative Writing [ UCA Core: D ]
One Creative Writing forms course; prerequisite WRTG 2310
One upper-division linguistics course
One upper-division rhetoric or professional writing course

Choose Three (9 hours):

LING 3315 Semantics
LING 3325 Sociolinguistics [ UCA Core: D ]
LING 4320 Grammatical Structures
LING 4330 Educational Linguistics [ UCA Core: C ]
LING 4345 Analytical Methods of Morphology and Syntax [ UCA Core: Z ]
LING 4350 Phonology
LING 4355 Special Topics in Linguistics
LING 4360 Historical Linguistics and Language Change
LING 4370 Field Methods in Linguistics [ UCA Core: R, I ]
SPCH 3311 Evolution of Rhetorical Theory
SPCH 3312 Persuasion
Any creative writing forms course
Any creative writing workshop
WRTG 2315 Introduction to Dramatic Writing
WRTG 3306 Information Design II: Usability and Accessibility
WRTG 3307 Introduction to Editing
WRTG 3315 Writing Center Practicum
WRTG 4305 Contemporary Composition
WRTG 4306 Information Design III: Clients and Project Management
WRTG 4308 Writing for Change [ UCA Core: Z ]
WRTG 4309 Introduction to Publishing
WRTG 4320 Intercultural Rhetoric and Writing [ UCA Core: D ]
WRTG 4324 Topics in Creative Writing [ UCA Core: Z ]
WRTG 4340 Teaching Creative Writing
WRTG 4381 Special Topics in Writing
WRTG 4385 Internship in Writing
WRTG 4180/4280 4380 Directed Study in Writing

[2.1.1.2] Professional Writing Track (24 hours)

Required Courses (9 hours):

WRTG 3306 Information Design II: Usability and Accessibility
WRTG 4307 Practical Rhetoric
WRTG 4308 Writing for Change [ UCA Core: Z ]

Choose Three (9 hours):

WRTG 3307 Introduction to Editing
WRTG 4305 Contemporary Composition
WRTG 4306 Information Design III: Clients and Project Management
WRTG 4309 Introduction to Publishing
WRTG 4320 Intercultural Rhetoric and Writing [ UCA Core: D ]
WRTG 4385 Internship in Writing

Choose Two (6 hours):

LING 2320 Introduction to Language and Linguistics
LING 3315 Semantics
LING 3325 Sociolinguistics [ UCA Core: D ]
LING 4320 Grammatical Structures
LING 4360 Historical Linguistics and Language Change
LING 4370 Field Methods in Linguistics [ UCA Core: R, I ]
SPCH 3311 Evolution of Rhetorical Theory
SPCH 3312 Persuasion
WRTG 2310 Introduction to Creative Writing [ UCA Core: D ]
Any creative writing forms course
Any creative writing workshop
WRTG 2315 Introduction to Dramatic Writing
WRTG 3307 Introduction to Editing
WRTG 3315 Writing Center Practicum
WRTG 4305 Contemporary Composition
WRTG 4306 Information Design III: Clients and Project Management
WRTG 4309 Introduction to Publishing
WRTG 4320 Intercultural Rhetoric and Writing [ UCA Core: D ]
WRTG 4324 Topics in Creative Writing
WRTG 4340 Teaching Creative Writing
WRTG 4381 Special Topics in Writing
WRTG 4385 Internship in Writing
WRTG 4180, 4280, 4380 Directed Study in Writing

[2.1.3] Major in Creative Writing (36 hours)

One Creative Writing required course (WRTG 2310, Introduction to Creative Writing) satisfies the lower-division UCA Core requirement in Diversity (D). Students may take WRTG 4324, Topics in Creative Writing, to satisfy the UCA Core capstone (Z) requirement.
Required courses (24 hours):

WRTG 2310 Introduction to Creative Writing [ UCA Core: D ]
WRTG 3305 Writing as Information Design
6 hours WRTG “Forms” courses (WRTG 3320, 3325, 3330, 3331, 3335, or 3345)
6 hours WRTG “Workshop” courses (WRTG 3370, 3371, 3372, 3373, 3374, 3375, 3376 or 3377)
6 hours WRTG “Topics” courses (WRTG 4310, 4324, 4340 or 4371)

Creative Writing Electives (12 hours chosen from the following):

WRTG 2315 Introduction to Dramatic Writing
WRTG 3320 Forms of Scriptwriting
WRTG 3325 Forms of Poetry
WRTG 3330 Forms of Creative Nonfiction
WRTG 3331 Forms of Illustrated Narrative
WRTG 3335 Forms of Fiction
WRTG 3345 Forms of Writing for Children
WRTG 3370 Poetry Workshop
WRTG 3371 Fiction Workshop
WRTG 3372 Creative Nonfiction Workshop
WRTG 3373 Illustrated Narrative Workshop
WRTG 3374 Travel Writing Workshop
WRTG 3375 Writing for Children Workshop
WRTG 3376 Screenwriting Workshop
WRTG 3377 Genre Fiction Workshop
WRTG 4310 Creative Writing with Hypertexts
WRTG 4324 Topics in Creative Writing [ UCA Core: Z ]
WRTG 4340 Teaching Creative Writing
WRTG 4371 Novel Writing Workshop

Other Writing and Linguistics Electives:

LING 2320 Introduction to Language and Linguistics
LING 3315 Semantics
LING 3325 Sociolinguistics [ UCA Core: D ]
WRTG 2325 Introduction to Rhetoric [ UCA Core: R ]
WRTG 3301 Rhetoric and Composition
WRTG 3306 Information Design II: Usability and Accessibility
WRTG 3307 Introduction to Editing
WRTG 3310 Technical Writing [ UCA Core: C, D ]
WRTG 3315 Writing Center Practicum
WRTG 3340 Writing Acquisition: Theory and Practice
WRTG 3345 Forms of Writing For Children
WRTG 3390 Discourse Analysis [ UCA Core: I, R ]
WRTG 4305 Contemporary Composition
WRTG 4306 Information Design III: Clients and Project Management
WRTG 4308 Writing for Change [ UCA Core: Z ]
WRTG 4309 Introduction to Publishing
WRTG 4320 Intercultural Rhetoric and Writing [ UCA Core: D ]
WRTG 4180/4280/4380 Directed Study in Writing
WRTG 4381 Special Topics in Writing
WRTG 4385 Internship in Writing

Note on Prerequisites

Introduction to Creative Writing (WRTG 2310) is a prerequisite to taking upper-division creative writing classes. A genre-appropriate forms class (WRTG 3320-3345) must be taken before enrolling in a corresponding workshop class (WRTG 3370-3377). Before enrolling in a senior-level course, a student must complete nine hours of creative writing courses in the major.

[2.1.4] Major in Linguistics (36 hours)

Linguistics Core courses are used to satisfy the upper-division UCA Core requirement in Diversity, Critical Inquiry, and Responsible Living. The program has also designated courses (required for certain tracks, available as electives in others) which satisfy the lower-division UCA Core requirements in Critical Inquiry, and the upper-division UCA Core requirement in Communication. All students will take LING 4345, Analytical Methods of Morphology and Syntax, as the required UCA Core capstone.
Linguistics Core (18 hours):

Required courses (15 hours)

LING 2320 Introduction to Language and Linguistics
LING 3315 Semantics
LING 3325 Sociolinguistics [ UCA Core: D ]
LING 4345 Analytical Methods of Morphology and Syntax [ UCA Core: Z ]
LING 4350 Phonology

One course from the following (3 hours)

ENGL 4360 History and Structure of the English Language
LING 4355 Special Topics in Linguistics
LING 4370 Field Methods in Linguistics [ UCA Core: R, I ]

Students then choose from one of the following four tracks for the additional 18 hours

[2.1.4.1] Track One: Language

18 hours in one language (Spanish, French, German, Chinese) beyond the language requirement for the Bachelor of Arts degree

[2.1.4.2] Track Two: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Required courses (12 hours):

LING/WLAN 2350 World Languages [ UCA Core: I ]
WLAN 4315 Methods of Teaching Second Languages
WLAN 4325 Second Language Acquisition
LING 4330 Educational Linguistics [ UCA Core: C ]

Any two of the following (6 hours):

WRTG 4320 Intercultural Rhetoric and Writing [ UCA Core: D ]
CDS (formerly SPTH) 2322 Applied Phonetics
WLAN 4330 Second Language Assessment
ENGL 4360 History and Structure of the English Language

[2.1.4.3] Track Three: Computer Science

Required courses (14 hours):

CSCI 1470 Computer Science I
CSCI 1480 Computer Science II
CSCI 2320 Data Structures
CSCI 3345 Human Computer Interaction
or
CSCI 3370 Principles of Programming Languages
Four hours of electives chosen in consultation with the major advisor

[2.1.4.4] Track Four: General Linguistics

Choose 18 hours from among the following courses:

LING 2350 World Languages [ UCA Core: I ]
LING 4330 Educational Linguistics [ UCA Core: C ]
LING 4355 Special Topics in Linguistics* (may be repeated up to three times with different topics
LING 4360 Historical Linguistics and Language Change
LING 4370 Field Methods in Linguistics [ UCA Core: R, I ]
ENGL 3315 Gender and Language
ENGL 4360 History and Structure of the English Language
PHIL 2310 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 4330 Philosophy of Language
PSYC 3325 Cognitive Psychology
CDS (formerly SPTH) 2322 Applied Phonetics
CDS (formerly SPTH) 3300 Phonological Acquisition (prerequisite for linguistics majors: CDS 2322)
CDS (formerly SPTH) 3320 Language Disorders in Children (prerequisite for linguistics majors: CDS 2322)
CDS (formerly SPTH) 3321 Language Acquisition and Literacy (prerequisite for linguistics majors: CDS 2322)

[2.1.5] Minor in General Writing (24 hours)

Required courses (18 hours):

LING 2320 Introduction to Language and Linguistics (prerequisite WRTG 1320)
WRTG 2310 Introduction to Creative Writing (prerequisite: WRTG 1320) [ UCA Core: D ]
WRTG 2325 Introduction to Rhetoric [ UCA Core: R ]
WRTG 3310 Technical Writing (prerequisite: WRTG 1320 and at least junior standing) [ UCA Core: C, D ]
One creative WRTG forms course (prerequisite: WRTG 2310)
One upper-division linguistics course

Electives (6 hours, chosen from the following):

LING 3315 Semantics
LING 3325 Sociolinguistics [ UCA Core: D ]
LING 4320 Grammatical Structures (prerequisite LING 2320)
LING 4330 Educational Linguistics (prerequisite WRTG 1320) [ UCA Core: C]
LING 4345 Analytical Methods of Morphology and Syntax (prerequisite LING 2320 or permission of instructor) [ UCA Core: Z ]
LING 4350 Phonology (prerequisite: LING 2320 or permission of instructor)
LING 4355 Special Topics in Linguistics (prerequisite: LING 2320 or permission of instructor)
LING 4360 Historical Linguistics and Language Change
LING 4370 Field Methods in Linguistics [ UCA Core: R, I ]
Any creative writing forms course (prerequisite: WRTG 2310)
Any creative writing workshop (prerequisite: WRTG 2310 and the appropriate forms course)
WRTG 2315 Introduction to Dramatic Writing
WRTG 3305 Writing as Information Design (prerequisite: WRTG 1320)
WRTG 3306 Information Design II: Usability and Accessibility (prerequisite: WRTG 3305)
WRTG 3307 Introduction to Editing (prerequisite: at least junior standing)
WRTG 3315 Writing Center Practicum
WRTG 3390 Discourse Analysis [UD UCA Core: I, R]
WRTG 4180/4280/4380 Directed Study in Writing (variable credit 1-3 hours)
WRTG 4305 Contemporary Composition (prerequisite: WRTG 1320)
WRTG 4306 Information Design III: Clients and Project Management (prerequisite: WRTG 3306)
WRTG 4308 Writing for Change (prerequisite:at least junior standing or permission of the instructor) [ UCA Core: Z ]
WRTG 4309 Introduction to Publishing (prerequisite: WRTG 3305)
WRTG 4320 Intercultural Rhetoric and Writing (prerequisite: WRTG 1320) [ UCA Core: D ]
WRTG 4324 Topics in Creative Writing (prerequisite: WRTG 2310 and completion of six hours of upper-division creative writing courses) [ UCA Core: Z ]
WRTG 4340 Teaching Creative Writing (prerequisite: WRTG 2310)
WRTG 4381 Special Topics in Writing (prerequisite: senior status and writing major or minor)
WRTG 4385 Internship in Writing (prerequisite: WRTG 1310, 1320, one 3000 level writing course, and consent of department chair)
SPCH 3311 Evolution of Rhetorical Theory (prerequisite SPCH 1300)
SPCH 3312 Persuasion (prerequisite: SPCH 1300 or consent of instructor)

[2.1.6] Minor in Creative Writing (24 hours)

Required courses (15 hours):

WRTG 2310 Introduction to Creative Writing [ UCA Core: D ]
WRTG 3305 Writing as Information Design
3 hours WRTG “Forms” course (WRTG 3320, 3325, 3330, 3331, 3335, or 3345)
3 hours WRTG “Workshop” course (WRTG 3370, 3371, 3372, 3373, 3374, 3375, 3376, or 3377)
WRTG 4324 Topics in Creative Writing [ UCA Core: Z ]

Electives (9 hours) from the following:

WRTG 2315 Introduction to Dramatic Writing
WRTG 3320 Forms of Scriptwriting
WRTG 3325 Forms of Poetry
WRTG 3330 Forms of Creative Nonfiction
WRTG 3331 Forms of Illustrated Narrative
WRTG 3335 Forms of Fiction
WRTG 3345 Forms of Writing For Children
WRTG 3370 Poetry Workshop
WRTG 3371 Fiction Workshop
WRTG 3372 Creative Nonfiction Workshop
WRTG 3373 Illustrated Narrative Workshop
WRTG 3374 Travel Writing Workshop
WRTG 3375 Writing for Children Workshop
WRTG 3376 Screenwriting Workshop
WRTG 3377 Genre Fiction Workshop
WRTG 4310 Creative Writing with Hypertexts
WRTG 4324 Topics in Creative Writing [ UCA Core: Z ]
WRTG 4340 Teaching Creative Writing
WRTG 4371 Novel Writing Workshop
WRTG 4180/4280/4380 Directed Study in Writing
WRTG 4385 Internship in Writing

Professional Writing and Linguistics:

LING 2320 Introduction to Language and Linguistics
LING 3315 Semantics
LING 3325 Sociolinguistics [ UCA Core: D ]
WRTG 2325 Introduction to Rhetoric [ UCA Core: R ]
WRTG 3301 Rhetoric and Composition
WRTG 3306 Information Design II: Usability and Accessibility
WRTG 3307 Introduction to Editing
WRTG 3310 Technical Writing [ UCA Core: C, D ]
WRTG 3315 Writing Center Practicum
WRTG 3340 Writing Acquisition: Theory and Practice
WRTG 3345 Forms of Writing For Children
WRTG 3390 Discourse Analysis [ UCA Core: I, R ]
WRTG 4305 Contemporary Composition
WRTG 4306 Information Design III: Clients and Project Management
WRTG 4308 Writing for Change [ UCA Core: Z ]
WRTG 4309 Introduction to Publishing
WRTG 4320 Intercultural Rhetoric and Writing [ UCA Core: D ]
WRTG 4180/4280/4380 Directed Study in Writing
WRTG 4381 Special Topics in Writing
WRTG 4385 Internship in Writing

Note on prerequisites:
Introduction to Creative Writing (WRTG 2310) is a prerequisite to taking upper-division creative writing classes. A genre-appropriate forms class (WRTG 3320-3345) must be taken before enrolling in a corresponding workshop class (WRTG 3370-3377). Before enrolling in a senior-level course, a student must complete nine hours of creative writing courses in the major.

[2.1.7] Minor in Linguistics (24 hours + sophomore level foreign language course)

Required courses (12 hours):

LING 2320 Introduction to Language and Linguistics
LING 3315 Semantics
LING 3325 Sociolinguistics [ UCA Core: D ]
LING 4345 Analytical Methods of Morphology and Syntax [ UCA Core: Z ]
or
LING 4350 Phonology

Electives (12 hours):

LING 2350 World Languages [ UCA Core: I ]
LING 4330 Educational Linguistics [ UCA Core: C ]
LING 4345 Analytical Methods of Morphology and Syntax [ UCA Core: Z ]
LING 4350 Phonology
LING 4355 Special Topics in Linguistics
LING 4360 Historical Linguistics and Language Change
LING 4370 Field Methods in Linguistics [ UCA Core: R, I ]
ENGL 3315 Gender and Language
ENGL 4360 History and Structure of the English Language
PSYC 3325 Cognitive Psychology
WLAN 4325 Second Language Acquisition
WLAN 4330 Second Language Assessment
PHIL 2310 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 4330  Philosophy of Language
CDS (formerly SPTH) 2322 Applied Phonetics
CDS (formerly SPTH) 3300 Phonological Acquisition (Prerequisite CDS 2322)
CDS (formerly SPTH) 3320 Language Disorders in Children (Prerequisite CDS 2322)
CDS (formerly SPTH) 3321 Language Acquisition and Literacy (Prerequisite CDS 2322)

[2.1.8] Minor in Professional Writing (24 hours)

Required courses (15 hours):

WRTG 2325 Introduction to Rhetoric [ UCA Core: R ]
WRTG 3305 Writing as Information Design
WRTG 3306 Information Design II: Usability and Accessibility
WRTG 3310 Technical Writing [ UCA Core: C, D ]
WRTG 3390 Discourse Analysis [ UCA Core: I, R ]

Electives (9 hours) from the following:

SPCH 3311 Evolution of Rhetorical Theory
SPCH 3312 Persuasion
WRTG 3307 Introduction to Editing
WRTG 4306 Information Design III: Clients and Project Management
WRTG 4308 Writing for Change [ UCA Core: Z ]
WRTG 4309 Introduction to Publishing
WRTG 4320 Intercultural Rhetoric and Writing [ UCA Core: D ]
WRTG 4180/4280/4380 Directed Study in Writing
WRTG 4381 Special Topics in Writing
WRTG 4385 Internship in Writing

[3] Resources

[3.1] The UCA Writing Center

The UCA Writing Center, located in Thompson Hall 109,  http://www.uca.edu/writingcenter, offers individual assistance with all types of writing and oral presentations. Students may schedule time with a trained peer tutor and use the center’s computers, video cameras, and writing materials to develop essays or presentations for any course at the university. The center also provides handouts and free workshops on various oral and written communication topics. Call 450-5123 for appointments.

[3.2] The Great Bear Writing Project of Central Arkansas

The Great Bear Writing Project of Central Arkansas is one of three Arkansas sites of the National Writing Project, a federally funded program that seeks to improve student writings in grades K-12. It has been recognized by the American Association for Higher Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as an “outstanding and nationally specific example of how schools and colleges can collaborate to improve American education.” Each year the site offers a four-week invitational summer writing institute for K-12 teachers across subject matter areas during which they study contemporary composition theory, experience of the act of writing, devise effective pedagogy, and earn 3 graduate credits. Graduates of this institute become teacher-consultants able to provide in-service workshops to  local educators in teaching writing-across-the-curriculum and join a network of colleagues who meet regularly to renew and update skills and knowledge.

[3.3] The Artists in Residence Series

The Central Arkansas Writing Arts Series invites three to six distinguished writers to the campus each year. Visiting writers conduct workshops for students interested in creative writing and perform readings open to the community.

[4] Course Links

[4.1] Courses in Writing (WRTG)

Follow this link to WRTG course descriptions: course link.

[4.2] Courses in Linguistics (LING)

Follow this link to LING course descriptions: course link