Students completing the Rhetoric and Public Writing minor will successfully undertake a three credit internships at a site such as a non-profit or civic organization, a government office, or a business where they will apply concepts learning in their coursework to meet the needs of the broader community. Internship activities might include writing grants, designing informational materials, composing correspondence, editing documents, producing web content, or similar projects. Students should contact the Loras College Center for Experiential Learning to pursue internship possibilities.

L.ENG-277: Rhetoric & Political Engagement

This course surveys the field of rhetoric (the study of argumentation), observing how these long-revered concepts come to life in political rhetoric of the twenty-first century. Prerequisites: L.LIB-105 or L.ENG-111. 3 credits.

L.ENG-278: Grant & Proposal Writing

In this course students explore and learn the complex process of securing funding for non-profit organizations. Students gain actual experience in grant writing through partnerships with community organizations. Prerequisites: L.LIB-105 or L.ENG-111. 3 credits.

L.ENG-279: Writing for New Media

This course focuses on concepts of effective online writing. Although specific writing platforms (websites, blogs, social media, etc.) change constantly, these concepts prepare students to adapt to these changes thoughtfully, ethically, and strategically. Prerequisites: L.LIB-105 or L.ENG-111. 3 credits.

L.ENG-390: Writing as Social Action

In this course students learn how to apply rhetorical concepts to community needs by partnering with local organizations on projects related to social justice, civic engagement, and public dialogue. Prerequisites: L.LIB-105 or L.ENG-111. 3 credits.

L.ENG-237: Fiction Writing

An introductory creative writing class focused on the short story. The class is conducted as a workshop/seminar of approximately 15 students, with heavy emphasis on student- composed fiction. To complete the course, students must write three short stories for a cumulative total of at least 25 final pages, participate actively in class, and critique other students’ work in writing. Prerequisites: L.LIB-105 or L.ENG-111. 3 credits.

L.ENG-238: Poetry Writing

An introductory workshop course in the art of writing poetry, and an introduction to poetics. Students will develop techniques for writing vivid descriptions and figures of speech, using precise diction, achieving rhythm and other pleasurable sound effects, deploying the energy of syntax, choosing rhetorical moods for emotional effect, and writing satisfying endings. Prerequisites: L.LIB-105, or L.ENG-111. 3 credits

L.ENG-236: Writing the Midwest Landscape

An introductory creative nonfiction workshop course specifically focused on the Midwest landscape. Students will write, workshop, and revise two works of creative nonfiction, including one memoir/narrative and one literary journalism essay. In addition, students will read published works of creative nonfiction, write literary analyses focusing on techniques of creative nonfiction, participate in three required local winter hikes/photography shoots, and deliver a photo-essay presentation involving a reading of their creative work with a backdrop of digital photography. Prerequisite: L.LIB-105. 3 credits. January term.

L.ENG-239: Creative Nonfiction Writing

An introductory level workshop in which students write and receive feedback on creative nonfiction essay forms. Students also analyze the writing techniques of published authors. Editing workshops focus on stylistic polish. Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB110, and one course from L.LIB-130, L.LIB-135, or L.LIB-220. 3 credits.

L.ENG-380: Nature Writing

An advanced-level workshop course in nonfiction nature writing. Students write in various sub-genres of creative nonfiction, and also study technique and theme in contemporary nonfiction nature writing. 3 credits.

L.ENG-383: Nonfiction Literature & Workshop

An advanced-level workshop in which students write memoir, meditative, and literary journalism essays while analyzing the works of published authors. 3 credits.

L.ENG-384: Adv. Fiction Writing

An advanced course in the art and craft of writing fiction. Prerequisite: L.ENG-237 or equivalent. May be taken twice. 3 credits.

L.ENG-385: Adv. Poetry Writing

An advanced course in the art and craft of writing poetry, intended for students with strong backgrounds in reading, writing and critiquing poetry. Prerequisite: L.ENG-238 or equivalent, or permission of  the instructor. May be taken twice. 3 credits.

L.ENG-389: Revision, Editing & Publishing

An advanced workshop seminar devoted to a detailed study of writing style, grammar and mechanics, based on original and extensively revised student work. Prerequisites: LIB 105; at least one (1) 200-level writing class, one (1) 300-level writing class highly recommended. 3 credits. January term.

L.COM-164: Digital Imaging

This course combines the basic techniques of creating and manipulating images in a digital format through digital photography and Photoshop software. 3 credits.

L.COM-202: Public Relations Writing

A fundamental skills course in writing, editing and designing materials for use in public relations. For students majoring in public relation, the program requires a minimum grade of B- in this course. Prerequisite or concurrent: L.LIB-105 or ENG 111. 3 credits.

L.COM-204: Organizational Communication

A review of the classic and contemporary perspectives of organizational communication, including cultural and critical approaches. This course also explores organizational communication processes such as decision-making and conflict management. Prerequisites: L.COM-190 or concurrent enrollment. 3 credits.

L.COM-262: Photojournalism (J-term)

Hands-on examination of the process of telling journalistic stories through photography. Includes work in interviewing, topical research and image composition. 3 credits. January term or offered as needed.

L.COM-264: Desktop Publishing

Principles and theories of design and layout used in developing a variety of publications. Includes typography, graphics, and copy fitting. Emphasizes computer-assisted publishing based on page layout and graphics programs. Students must demonstrate computer competency. Open only to public relations majors and minors. 3 credits.

L.POL-101: Issues in American Politics

This course is a basic introduction to the primary features of the American political system, examining such things as the Constitution, elections, public opinion, parties and interest groups, the media, Congress, the presidency, the courts, and civil rights and liberties. Woven throughout the course is an exploration of some of the most pressing issues in contemporary American politics. 3 credits. Fall semester.

L.POL-121: Issues in Global Politics

This course introduces the major problems confronting the international community and that community’s efforts to address them. The focus is on common global issues such as globalization, nationalism, human rights, war, economic development, poverty, the status of women, and the environment. 3 credits. Spring semester.

L.POL-201: Campaign & Elections

This course examines the nature of political campaigns and elections in the United States, with particular attention to presidential and Congressional elections. 3 credits. Fall semesters in even numbered years.

L.POL-203: The Road to the White House

This course provides students the opportunity to both study and participate in the Iowa caucuses. Students will examine the issues, voters, interest groups, campaigns, and candidates. Through direct observation of the campaigns and candidates, and the collection of campaign artifacts students will analyze political tactics and decisions, as well as the electorate. As part of the course students will choose what party to caucus with and ultimately which presidential candidate they support by caucusing for that candidate on election night. 3 credits. January term.

L.PSY-190: The Working Poor (J-term)

Through a hands-on simulation, readings, class discussions, guest speakers, and media presentations, students will gain a foundational knowledge of the history of the working poor in the U.S., the theories regarding causation and reduction, and the grassroots efforts for change as they relate to the social class referred to as the working poor. Students will build on this foundation by developing a specific knowledge of the working poor in the Dubuque community. 3 credits. January term.

L.SOC-254: Race & Ethnicity

The primary emphasis in this course is on introducing and exploring important issues related to race and ethnicity in the United States. The course analyzes information comprehensively and includes historical evidence in order to better  understand culture. Students will explore probable causes and consequences of inequality rooted in race/ethnicity. Students will incorporate an analysis of values, including understanding how personal and cultural values result from social forces and structures, into their examination of race and ethnicity. Prerequisites: L.LIB-100, L.LIB-105, L.LIB-110, and one course from L.LIB-130, L.LIB-135, or L.LIB-220. 3 credits.

L.SOC-216: Social Problems

Consideration is given to a number of contemporary social problems. Sociological principles are employed in the analysis of such topics as poverty, crime, racial and ethnic relations, health care issues, sexism, environmental degradation and other types of inequality. 3 credits.

L.SOC-375: Social Movements

The primary focus of this course is the examination and application of social movement theory. Students will examine factors that influence movement emergence, culture, tactics, organizational strength, and outcomes. In doing so, they will assess the relative strength and weaknesses of social movement theory as they apply to a range of both progressive and conservative movements. Prerequisite: L.SOC-101 or L.SOC-115. 3 credits.

L.SPW-285: Asset Mapping Iowa Lations

Taught in English. This community-based learning course will examine the use of asset mapping as a tool for promoting and creating community action in Latino population centers across Iowa and within Dubuque. Issues of class, race and gender identity are critical to the asset mapping process and will be analyzed in conjunction with the structure of community relations. Prerequisites: L.LIB-100; L.LIB-105; L.LIB-110; and one course from L.LIB-130, L.LIB-135, or L.LIB-220. 3 credits.