ENG 208 - Composing the Self

Students explore the relationship between identity and writing. Students will study a variety of genres (personal essays, researched essays, academic articles, news reports, case studies, and ethnographies) and theoretical approaches to learn how and why writers create versions of themselves for rhetorical effect. While investigating identity construction in writing, students will hone their own rhetorical and stylistic skills. Students will compose narratives, essays, reports, and multi-genre compositions, drawing from personal experience, observation, and primary and secondary sources. The course will also address the role of self in the research-writing process by requiring students to conduct original academic research projects. This course is appropriate for all majors, and no specialized writing experience is assumed. Letter grade with Pass/No Pass option. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits