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Rhetoric and Writing

First-Year Composition

Good writing skills are part of your educational toolbox and a part of your professional toolbox. The first year composition sequence consists of Rhetoric 1311 (Composition I) and Rhetoric 1312 (Composition II). These classes fulfill core curriculum requirements. Students must complete Rhetoric 1311 with a grade of C or better before enrolling in Rhetoric 1312. Together, these courses help students develop the writing skills needed to pursue a college degree.

In addition, Rhetoric 0310 (Composition Fundamentals) is offered for students who are not prepared for Rhetoric 1311.

Students transferring 60 or more hours to UALR who have met the first year composition requirement at the college previously attended may be exempted from UALR’s freshman composition requirement. The decision to exempt a student is made by the student’s major department chairperson when the student files a degree plan.


Honors Composition

Students with an ACT English score of 27 or better who have an A or B in high school English are invited to enroll in Rhetoric 1320 (Honors Composition). Students who feel they qualify for Honors Composition but who did not receive invitations should contact the Department of Rhetoric and Writing office by calling (501) 569-3160. The three-hour Honors Composition course satisfies both Comp I and II requirements in written literacy.

Exemptions

Students with an ACT English Score of 29 or better are automatically exempt from Rhetoric 1311 (Composition I). They may enroll in either Rhetoric 1320 (Honors Composition) or Rhetoric 1312 (Composition II) to complete the core curriculum requirement.

Testing Out of Composition

Students who feel they already have the requisite skills of either Rhetoric 1311 or 1312 may attempt to complete these requirements by examination or testing out. For information about test dates, required fees, and test content, students should contact the Office of Testing Services and Student Life Research. The tests parallel the contents of Rhetoric 1311 and 1312. A student who successfully tests out of a course will receive no grade but will receive three credit hours, per course, toward graduation.

Updated 2.7.2008