ENGL 4360 Studies in Composition: "Weird Videogames" (Hybrid)

Dr. Kendall Gerdes
Section 001 (MW 12:00-1:20 PM)
CRN: 14790
Section D01 (MW 12:00-1:20PM)
CRN: 37084

Some people think videogames are an art form—a medium akin to literary fiction that enables players (like readers) to take on other people's lives and perspectives. Others view videogames as technical challenges to be mastered, quickly and thoroughly (if you're any good). This class will explore a variety of weird videogames, games that pose problems for both these points of view. Want to play videogames in class? This is the class for you. Students will play videogames together and for homework. You'll use rhetoric to write about the arguments that games make. And, you'll learn to make your own videogames (no prior experience required).

ENGL 4363 Case Studies in Scientific Rhetoric (Hybrid)

Dr. Ken Baake
Section 001 (MW 4:00-5:20pm)
CRN: 39485

Section D01 (MW 4:00-5:20pm)
CRN: 39486

As a technical writers, English teachers, or practitioners of most any profession—or even just as citizens, we all encounter science. Whether the issue genetically modified foods, climate change, or health care, science is ever present in our lives. Yet, have you ever stopped to ask how scientists communicate their knowledge and how society decides what to do about it? In this class we will do just that—consider the language that scientists and writers of science use to develop and spread scientific knowledge. No prior background in science is necessary, just an interest in scientific matters and language. You will be surprised how much you can learn with just curiosity and a willingness to explore science topics online and in class.

Our readings and discussion will fall into five sections as follows.

Foundations, where we develop background knowledge in the field, asking “What is scientific knowledge? “and “How is it rhetorical?”

Revolutions in Scientific Thought, where we consider the argument that science progresses through paradigm shifts in theory that require new terminology and discourse conventions.

Case studies in the physical sciences. We will introduce other cases studies in physics, chemistry, and geology. These might include the 18th century debate over what fire is, or studies in early geological science about whether the earth's structure developing gradually or suddenly through a series of catastrophic upheavals.

Case studies in biology, including Darwin and His Scientific Offspring, where we take a close look at Charles Darwin and the revolution he led through The Origin of Species. We will also look at recent scientific debates that have their roots in the Darwinian revolution.

Science, the Environment, and Human Frontiers, where we look briefly at contemporary issues in science, such as global warming, genetically modified food, and post humanism.

The course will involve reading, along with a take-home midterm and final (short answer and essay exams), class discussion and activities, and a group teaching and presentation. I presume that much of this material will be new and unfamiliar to those taking this course. The main goals are understanding and knowledge acquisition rather than learning specific writing techniques. You will learn how to analyze information and gain insights into the ways that writing about science is a kind of technical writing.