Writing and Library Science
- Mission Statement
- Faculty and Staff
- Minors
- Course Descriptions
- Writing and Library Science Department Contact Information
Mission Statement 
The Department of Writing and Library Science supports the University of Wisconsin Superior's liberal arts mission by promoting literacy across disciplines. In doing so, the Department refines skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and thinking (both critical and creative) for both native and non-native speakers of English. Moreover, the Department develops in its students, skills in accessing, processing, creating, evaluating, and sharing print and non-print media including today's technologies.
Faculty and Staff 
Britton, Carmen - Academic Dept Assoc
Clark, Amy - Lecturer
Cross, Ella - Assoc Prof, Library Science
Faul, Deborah - Senior Lecturer, ELS
Gard, Julie - Asst Professor, Writing
Gardner, Carolyn - Assistant Professor
Grbavcich, Elizabeth - Sr Lecturer, Writing
Hanick, Riley - Senior Lecturer, Writing
Higgins, Tina - Lecturer, Writing
Isaksen, Susie - Senior Lecturer, Writing
Iwen, Jayson - Asst Professor, Writing
Jacobs, Laura - Assoc. Prof, Library Science
Lindquist, Kristen - Asst Prof, Library Science
Maeshima, Elizabeth - Lecturer, ELS
McCormick, John - Senior Lecturer, Writing
McGrew, Heather - Sr Lecturer, English
Rutford, Yvonne - Assistant Professor, Writing
Schlacks, Deborah - Professor, English
Sharp, Linda - Acad Assoc,Library Science/ESL
Shepard, Allen - Senior Lecturer, Writing
Tu, Yunhong - Assistant Professor
White-Farnham, Jamie - Asst Professor, Writing
Minors 
Course Descriptions 
ESL - English as a Second Language | ||
Catalog Nbr. | Course Title/Course Topics | Credits |
---|---|---|
ESL 131 | Reading Academic Texts | 3.00 |
Provides high-intermediate and advanced-level ESL students with opportunities to become more efficient and flexible readers. The content of the course is broad and of general interest, and consists mainly of unadapted academic material. | ||
ESL 132 | Writing for Academic Purposes | 3.00 |
Focus on English composition beyond the paragraph level with an emphasis on writing for academic purposes. The writing process of thinking, planning, writing, rewriting and editing is practiced along with control of grammar. Students are introduced to the major rhetorical modes of English writing. Also discusses the issues of limiting a topic, determining an approach to a topic, organizing content and assessing the audience. | ||
ESL 133 | Listening to Academic English | 2.00 |
Provides structured practice in the skills and subskills of listening to university lectures and taking notes. Begins with adapted materials and moves on to semi-adapted materials and finishes with student visits to class lectures on campus. Specific practice in subskills like listening to large numbers and developing a personal set of abbreviations for use is also included. | ||
ESL 134 | Speaking for Academic Purposes | 2.00 |
Focus on developing oral skills needed to participate effectively in classroom discussions on an advanced level. Students are introduced to aspects of effective discussion and elements which make or break communication. Emphasizes the process of controlling a conversation, participating in a group discussion, leading a group discussion and debating. In addition to group discussions, students will learn about the process of planning, organizing and delivering an effective presentation. | ||
LIBS - Library Science | ||
Catalog Nbr. | Course Title/Course Topics | Credits |
LIBS 189 | Library Science Elective | 1.00 - 9.00 |
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course. | ||
LIBS 199 | Foundations of Information Literacy | 1.00 |
Overview of how information is created and shared in different disciplines and how knowledge of this publication process cycle informs methods of finding information. Includes the theoretical and practical exploration of the various skills and critical thinking abilities needed to identify, use, and evaluate information found in traditional and emerging environments. . | ||
LIBS 289 | Library Science Elective | 1.00 - 9.00 |
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course. | ||
LIBS 303 | Information Resources and Services | 3.00 |
Principles and philosophies of library reference service, information literacy, reading, listening and viewing guidance, and information resources with special emphasis on the Application of Wisconsin Model Academic Standards within the school library media center. Knowledge and use of major reference resources as well as discussions of strategies for effective information services. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall Term Every Other Year | ||
LIBS 307 | Selecting and Organizing Library Resources | 3.00 |
Develops the ability to build and maintain resource collections by studying the principles and practices of selection, acquisition, and evaluation for resources to support the library's goals. Includes the study and application of standardized procedures for classifying and cataloging resources and maintaining electronics systems of collections. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall Term Every Other Year | ||
LIBS 308 | Organizing Library/Media Materials | 3.00 |
Begins to apply strategies for organizing, disseminating and promoting flexible access to materials that best meet library users information needs. Includes the study of basic principles and purposes of organizing, storing, and arranging books and non-book materials in a library. In addition, there is practice in the application of the principles involved, including use of the MARC formats, and an introduction to computer-based cataloging systems. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall Term Only | ||
LIBS 309 | Information Literacy Leadership | 3.00 |
Introduction to information literacy program development in a range of libraries. Examines leadership roles as they relate to information literacy and the collaborative teaching responsibility of librarians. | ||
Typically Offered: Spring Term Only | ||
LIBS 310 | Young Adult Literature | 3.00 |
Examination of the range of print and mediated literature available to young adults. Criteria for evaluation, selection, and guidance in use to meet both student and curriculum uses are discussed. An appreciation for the literature is developed through experiences in reading, viewing, and classroom reporting. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall Term Only | ||
LIBS 325 | Administration of Library Media Programs | 3.00 |
Introduction to administration of library/media programs with emphasis on leadership in the library/media program, the school, and the broader community of the library/media program and the library/media specialist profession. Examines the state and national guidelines appropriate to library/ media programs. | ||
Typically Offered: Spring Term Every Other Year | ||
LIBS 389 | Library Science Elective | 1.00 - 9.00 |
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course. | ||
LIBS 406 | Children's Literature | 3.00 |
Study of the various types of fiction and nonfiction literatures published for, used with, or selected by children birth to age 12. Emphasis is on using children's literature across the content area with best practice instruction. Includes the selection, evaluation, appreciation, and use of children's literature and related media. Explores methods to help develop a child's interest in reading and ability to appreciate quality children's literature. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall and Spring Terms | ||
LIBS 435 | Technology for Teaching and Learning | 3.00 |
Effective use of technology with students and faculty to facilitate teaching and learning. Educational media selection, design, production, and instructional delivery to meet Wisconsin and Minnesota information and technology literacy standards. Management and planning concepts for technology in schools and libraries. | ||
Typically Offered: Spring Term Only | ||
LIBS 450 | Topics in Library Science | 1.00 - 3.00 |
Concentrated study of current special or advanced topics/issues in librarianship. Topics are selected by library faculty based upon student/library community interest. Course may be repeated when topics are different. Summer only. | ||
LIBS 485 | Library Practice | 1.00 - 3.00 |
Supervised practice in library situations providing opportunity for practical application of library principles. Primarily for those in non-teaching areas. Requires consent of the instructor. (N.B. For prospective teachers the practicum in school library media centers is included in the student teacher's professional sequence.) | ||
Typically Offered: Fall and Spring Terms | ||
LIBS 489 | Library Science Elective | 0.00 - 9.00 |
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course. | ||
LIBS 499 | Directed Studies In Librarianship | 1.00 - 3.00 |
Individualized study of a particular area or problem in librarianship. Topic selected requires approval of the instructor within the program who will be directing the study. May be taken in several units providing a different topic is taken each time. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall and Spring Terms | ||
WRIT - Writing | ||
Catalog Nbr. | Course Title/Course Topics | Credits |
WRIT 099 | Fundamentals of Writing | 3.00 |
Fundamentals of academic writing: active reading strategies, writing processes, revision, audience awareness, full development of ideas, adherence to rules of standard edited English. Credits in this course cannot be used to fulfill General Education requirements, graduation requirements, or the requirements of a major or minor. Credits count for transcript only. | ||
Prerequisites: Placement based on score of ACT English or SAT verbal or Wisconsin English Placement Test; or approval of the Writing Coordinator for students taking ESL 132. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall and Spring Terms | ||
WRIT 101 | College Writing I | 3.00 |
Fundamentals of expository writing: writing of short essays, critical reading, introduction to library research. | ||
General Education Requirements (2016-17 and Prior Catalogs): English | ||
Prerequisites: Prerequisite for this course is completion of ENGL/WRIT 099 with a grade of C- or better; or qualifying score on ACT English or SAT verbal or Wisconsin English Placement Test; or approval of Writing Coordinator for students taking ESL 132. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall and Spring Terms | ||
WRIT 102 | College Writing II | 3.00 |
Continuation of ENGL 101 or WRIT 101, more advanced critical writing and reading, writing the documented library research essay. Prerequisite: C- or better in ENGL 101 or WRIT 101 or FYS 116; or qualifying score on ACT English or SAT Verbal or WEPT or AP Literature and Composition test or AP Language and Composition test; or approval of Writing Coordinator for students taking ESL 132. Students must pass with a C- or better to complete the College Writing Sequence. | ||
General Education Requirements (2016-17 and Prior Catalogs): English | ||
Prerequisites: All students must pass with a grade of C- or better to complete the College Writing Sequence. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms | ||
WRIT 189 | Writing Elective | 0.00 - 12.00 |
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course. | ||
WRIT 208 | Journaling for Study Away Students | 1.00 |
The practice of journaling during study away. Students read and think about the journaling of other travelers from many time periods and cultures and keep their own journals that center on their lived experience and their developing understanding of such phenomena as culture shock, intercultural sensitivity, communication complications, and reverse culture shock. Online format. Students must complete this course during their semester away or during the first semester of their academic year away. | ||
Prerequisites: Prerequisite for taking this course is completion of ENGL 102, WRIT 102, or instructor consent. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall and Spring Terms | ||
WRIT 209 | Business and Professional Writing | 3.00 |
Foundations of business, professional, and technical communication, primarily in writing but including oral and nonverbal forms. Emphasizes the rhetorical situations, languages, and cultural environments of domestic and international business, of the helping professions, and of technical/professional interests. | ||
Prerequisites: Prerequisites for this course is completion of ENGL/WRIT 102 and COMM 110 with a grade of C- or better. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall and Spring Terms | ||
WRIT 215 | The Writer's Craft: Poetry and Drama | 3.00 |
The study of poems and plays, with emphasis on form and technique, increases awareness and appreciation of available subjects and strategies developed by writers over time. | ||
General Education Requirements (2016-17 and Prior Catalogs): Fine Arts Appreciation | ||
Typically Offered: Fall Term Only | ||
WRIT 216 | The Writer's Craft: Fiction | 3.00 |
The study of short stories and novels, with emphasis on form and technique, increases awareness and appreciation of available subjects and strategies developed by writers over time. | ||
General Education Requirements (2016-17 and Prior Catalogs): Fine Arts Appreciation | ||
Typically Offered: Spring Term Only | ||
WRIT 250 | Introduction to Creative Writing | 3.00 |
Introductory creative writing course in which students develop their ability to write in a variety of genres. Study of contemporary works in genres including literary prose, poetry, and drama; composition in genres including literary prose, poetry, and drama; development of a writing process and writerly identity; workshop critiques of student writing. | ||
General Education Requirements (2016-17 and Prior Catalogs): Fine Arts Aesthetic Experience | ||
Typically Offered: Fall and Spring Terms | ||
WRIT 251 | Creative Writing: Memoir | 3.00 |
Introductory creative writing course in which students develop their ability to write autobiographical essays. Study of exemplary contemporary texts; composition of brief memoirs; workshop critiques of student writing. | ||
General Education Requirements (2016-17 and Prior Catalogs): Fine Arts Aesthetic Experience | ||
Typically Offered: Fall Term Only | ||
WRIT 252 | Creative Writing: Poetry | 3.00 |
Introductory creative writing course in which students develop their ability to write poetry. Study of exemplary contemporary texts; composition of poems in both free verse and traditional forms; workshop critiques of student writing. | ||
General Education Requirements (2016-17 and Prior Catalogs): Fine Arts Aesthetic Experience | ||
Typically Offered: Spring Term Only | ||
WRIT 253 | Creative Writing: Fiction | 3.00 |
Introductory creative writing course in which students develop their ability to write short fiction. Study of exemplary contemporary texts; composition of short fiction; workshop critiques of student writing. | ||
General Education Requirements (2016-17 and Prior Catalogs): Fine Arts Aesthetic Experience | ||
Typically Offered: Fall Term Only | ||
WRIT 255 | Gender and Sexuality in Writing | 3.00 |
Explores writing on gender and sexuality with a focus on texts by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex (LGBTQI) and allied writers from diverse cultures, classes, races, and ethnicities. Students discover and deepen their own perspectives through writing and reading. Students of all genders and gender identities are welcome. Cross listed as WRIT/WST 255. | ||
General Education Requirements (2016-17 and Prior Catalogs): Diversity | ||
Typically Offered: Spring Term Only | ||
WRIT 265 | Writing Center Internship | 1.00 |
Training for and supervised practice of one-to-one instruction as writing consultants at the University Writing Center. Report writing and data analysis. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall and Spring Terms | ||
WRIT 270 | Contemporary Topics in Writing | 3.00 |
Studies in writing. May be repeated for credit with different content. | ||
General Education Requirements (2016-17 and Prior Catalogs): Fine Arts Aesthetic Experience | ||
Prerequisites: Prerequisite for taking this course is completion of ENGL 102, WRIT 102, or instructor consent. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall Term Only | ||
WRIT 289 | Writing Elective | 0.00 - 12.00 |
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course. | ||
WRIT 298 | Prior Learning Portfolio Development | 1.00 |
Facilitation of students' creation of portfolios that document prior learning. Reflection and analysis of prior learning experiences to articulate knowledge, understanding, and skills that may meet college-level learning outcomes. Designed for students with significant work and life experiences. Course requires instructor permission. Must be taken Pass/Fail. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms | ||
WRIT 301 | Writing Creative Nonfiction | 3.00 |
Writing of nonfiction prose. | ||
Prerequisites: Prerequisite for taking this course is completion of ENGL 102, WRIT 102, or instructor consent. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall Term Only | ||
WRIT 303 | Introduction to Rhetoric | 3.00 |
Introduction to the field of rhetoric, including discussion of ancient and contemporary theories and practices. | ||
Prerequisites: Prerequisite for taking this course is completion of ENGL 102 or WRIT 102 or consent of instructor. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall Term Only | ||
WRIT 307 | English Grammar | 3.00 |
Introductory linguistic explanation and analysis of the traditional and the transformational generative models of English grammar. | ||
Prerequisites: Prerequisite for taking this course is completion of ENGL 102 or WRIT 102 or consent of instructor. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall Term Every Other Year | ||
WRIT 308 | Nature Writing | 3.00 |
Study of exemplary contemporary and/or classic works of nature writing. Writing of essays related to nature, science, and/or the environment. Research and writing in areas of student interest. | ||
Prerequisites: Prerequisite for taking this course is completion of ENGL 102 or WRIT 102 or consent of instructor. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall Term Every Other Year | ||
WRIT 325 | Writing Women, Women Writing | 3.00 |
Women's non-fiction writing from a variety of time periods and cultures as models for the students' own writing projects. Cross-listed as ENGL/WST 325. | ||
Prerequisites: Prerequisite for taking this course is completion of ENGL 102 or WRIT 102 or consent of instructor. | ||
Typically Offered: Spring Term Only | ||
WRIT 348 | Women's Autobiography | 3.00 |
Study of contemporary and/or classic works of women's autobiography. Writing of autobiographical and analytic essays related to gender by both female and male students. Study of theoretical perspectives on gender and autobiography. Prerequisites: ENGL 102 or WRIT 102 or consent of instructor. Cross-listed as WRIT/WST 348. | ||
General Education Requirements (2016-17 and Prior Catalogs): Diversity | ||
Prerequisites: ENGL 102 is a prerequisite | ||
Typically Offered: Fall Term Only | ||
WRIT 350 | Advanced Creative Writing: Fiction | 3.00 |
Advanced creative writing course in which students further develop their ability to write fiction. Study of contemporary works of fiction; examination of and practice in elements of craft; composition of fiction (drafts and revisions); further development of a writing process and writerly identity; workshop critiques of student writing. | ||
Prerequisites: Successful completion of ENGL/WRIT 250 or 253 is prerequisite for enrolling in this course, or with instructor consent | ||
Typically Offered: Fall Term Only | ||
WRIT 352 | Advanced Creative Writing: Poetry | 3.00 |
Advanced creative writing course in which students further develop their ability to write poetry. Study of contemporary works of poetry; examination of and practice in elements of poetic craft; composition of poetry (drafts and revisions); further development of a writing process and writerly identity; workshop critiques of student writing. | ||
Prerequisites: Prerequisite for taking this course is having completed WRIT 250 or 252. | ||
Typically Offered: Spring Term Every Other Year | ||
WRIT 389 | Writing Elective | 1.00 - 12.00 |
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course. | ||
WRIT 401 | Art of Persuasive Writing | 3.00 |
Study of persuasive writing. Students learn classical and contemporary approaches to the arts of persuasion and apply them in reading and writing contemporary discourse. | ||
Prerequisites: Prerequisite for taking this course is completion of ENGL 102 or WRIT 102 or consent of instructor. | ||
Typically Offered: Spring Term Only | ||
WRIT 450 | Special Topics in Rhetoric | 1.00 - 6.00 |
Studies in language, rhetoric, or poetics. May be repeated for credit with different content. | ||
Prerequisites: Prerequisite for taking this course is completion of ENGL 102 or WRIT 102 or consent of instructor. | ||
Typically Offered: Spring Term Only | ||
WRIT 470 | Special Topics in Writing | 1.00 - 6.00 |
Studies in writing. May be repeated for credit with different topics. | ||
Prerequisites: Prerequisite for taking this course is completion of ENGL 102 or WRIT 102 or consent of instructor. | ||
Typically Offered: Spring Term Only | ||
WRIT 489 | Writing Elective | 1.00 - 12.00 |
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course. | ||
WRIT 498 | Independent Study | 1.00 - 6.00 |
Advanced study for students who have shown themselves capable of independent work, carried on under direction of a staff member chosen by the student with approval of the department chair. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. | ||
Typically Offered: Fall and Spring Terms |
Writing and Library Science Department Contact Information 
Writing and Library Science Department
University of Wisconsin - Superior
Swenson Hall 3061
Belknap and Catlin Ave.
P.O. Box 2000
Superior, WI 54880
Phone: 715-394-8195
Email: infowls@uwsuper.edu