Reflections: A Journal of Community-Engaged Writing and Rhetoric Apr 2005 Open Access

Selling Peace in a Time of War: The Rhetorical and Ethical Challenges of a Graduate-Level Service-Learning Course

Kathryn Rentz ; Ashley Mattingly

Abstract

This article describes a service-learning-based capstone course for MA students in Professional Writing and Editing at the University of Cincinnati and illuminates the potential advantages of service-learning on an advanced level. Of particular benefit are the rhetorical and ethical challenges that partnerships with nonprofits can raise, requiring students to draw not only on their writing and design skills but also on their informed judgment. Our experience suggests, however, that, for students preparing for writing careers, the goals of “doing good” or “becoming good citizens,” often cited as desirable outcomes for service-learning, should be secondary to the goal of developing a strong professional ethic.

Journal
Reflections: A Journal of Community-Engaged Writing and Rhetoric
Published
2005-04-01
DOI
10.59236/rjv4i2pp103-122
CompPile
Open Access
OA PDF Gold
Topics
rhetorical criticism service learning professional writing
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