RHE 309S

2,000-3,500 words, 3+ Sources, MLA 9

750-1,000 words (Persuade or Inform)

• Equipment Checkout

• Assignment Page

• Resources

• Examples

• Assignment Page

• Resources

• Examples

• Assignment Page

• Resources

• Examples

• Assignment Page

• Resources

• Examples

Op-Ed, Popular Science Article, Press Release, or Policy Brief

Short Article (Required) +15 points

Schedule a Meeting!!

PAR 23 TTh 11:30 am - 12:30 pm & 2:00 - 2:30 pm, & by appointment

Office Hours

• Course Objectives & Educational Outcomes

• Objectives & Outcomes

• Writing Handouts

• Library Services

• Rhetorical Analysis

• Primary Texts

• Writing Rubric

• Multimodal Composition

• Lecture Videos

• Writing Requirements

• iClicker Course Link

• Writing Center

• MLA 9 Documentation

• Scientific Controversies

• MLA Document Format

+15

(See assignment for options.)

+30

Course Info

PAR 210TTh - 9:30-11:00 am 43325 UT Campus

Documents, Presentations, Multimodal

Project 1

• JSTOR

• Texas Scholar Works

• UT Library Databases

• Google Scholar

• Opposing Viewpoints

• UT Library

• Research Resources

• Owl @ Purdue (MLA)

• UNC-Chapel Hill Resources

• Textbook

• Shanafelt Writing Guide

• Shanafelt Rhetoric Guide

• Course Calendar

Colin Shanafelt

Assistant Professor of InstructionDepartment of Rhetoric & Writing The University of Texas at Austin colin.shanafelt@utexas.edu (512) 400-9414

RHE 309S is an advanced rhetoric and writing course for College of Natural Sciences Dean's Scholars focused on effectively communicating complex scientific ideas to diverse audiences. Students will create compelling, multimodal documents, craft persuasive research proposals, and adapt strategies for engaging stakeholders, non-experts, and potential investors through clear, impactful communication.

Position Paper, Feature Article, or Grant Proposal

Documentary, Op-Ed Video, Science Story, Mini-Ted Talk, or Science Sketch

• Syllabus

Professor

(5-10 Minute Presentation)

+15

Optional Projects +15 points

Optional

+25

Multimodal (Required) +25 points

Project 2

Long Article (Required) +30 points

Project 3

• Gastel, Barbara, and Robert A. Day. How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper. 9th ed., Greenwood, 30 June 2022. E-Book. ISBN: 978-1440878848. (Required)
• Textbook Location: Longhorn Textbook Program (Canvas > Main Menu > My Textbooks)
• A computer, laptop, or tablet with a working mic/camera and reliable internet access suggested
• iClicker App (No Subscription): Instructions, RHE 309S Course Registration Link

Course Description & Objectives

Textbook & Materials Required

Resources

Research

Course Docs

Spring 2025 (Jan 13 - May 5, 2025) | The University of Texas at Austin

RHE 309s: Critical Reading and Persuasive Writing