Skip to main content
Scenes from Writing and Rhetoric

The Writing & Rhetoric Major

The requirements for the B.A. in Writing and Rhetoric are listed below, for informational purposes. Please note that definitive information about majors, requirements, and degree programs is in the URI Course Catalog. Consult the catalog that corresponds to the year you began studies at URI (i.e., your "catalog year").

Writing and rhetoric majors must complete 30 credits (maximum 51), including the core courses of WRT 201, 235, 360, 490, and 495. Acceptable substitutions for WRT 490 are WRT 435, 484, or 512 (with curriculum modification form). At least 15 credits for the major must be completed from writing courses numbered 300 or above. Writing and rhetoric majors are strongly encouraged to complete a practicum experience, such as an internship (WRT 484) or a field experience course (WRT 383 or 385). A maximum of three credits for each of these experiential courses can count towards the major, unless the project substantially changes.

Required Courses for the WRT Major (17 credits)

Please note that some required classes are offered only in Fall or Spring.

Course Code Course Title and Credits When to Enroll
WRT 201 Writing Argumentative & Persuasive Texts (3 cr.) Any Time
WRT 235 Writing in Electronic Environments (4 cr.) Any Time
WRT 360* Composing Processes & Canons of Rhetoric (3 cr.) Sophomore or Junior (Fall)
WRT 490** Writing and Rhetoric (3 cr.) Junior (Spring)
WRT 495*** Capstone in Electronic Portfolios (4 cr.) Senior (Fall or Spring)

*WRT 360 Prerequisite: WRT 201
**WRT 490 Prerequisite: WRT 360
***WRT 495 Prerequisite: WRT 360 and Senior standing

Also note: For the WRT 495 Capstone course you will prepare a portfolio of your work in the major throughout your time as a student here. Be sure to save your work for all WRT classes so you can share it in your Electronic Portfolio.

To graduate from URI, you'll need 120 total credits.

Please note that 42 of the total 120 must be at the 300+ level.

Total Major Credit Hours: 30
General Education Core and Distribution Requirements Credit Hours: 39
Free Elective Credit Hours: 51
Total Credit Hours: 120