The Center for Writing Studies brings together faculty and graduate students with shared interests in writing studies, broadly defined. Graduate students can get involved in a variety of ways—by attending talks and workshops, teaching undergraduate writing courses, consulting in the Writers Workshop, or pursuing the Graduate Concentration in Writing Studies alongside an MA or a Ph.D. Curious about our participating programs? Visit the Academic Catalog page to learn more!
Why Affiliate with the Center for Writing Studies?
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The study of writing flourishes where diverse perspectives meet. At Illinois, graduate students interested in fostering collaborative inquiry into writing, rhetoric, composition, and literacy can affiliate with the Center for Writing Studies to receive emails about upcoming events and relevant opportunities and to make themselves visible to the broader writing studies community at UIUC. The Graduate Concentration in Writing Studies further connects graduate students across six academic programs—Communications; Curriculum and Instruction; Education Policy, Organization & Leadership; English; Information Sciences; and Linguistics—the concentration provides official documentation of the student’s expertise in writing studies. The Center for Writing Studies strengthens these interdisciplinary links to enrich graduate students’ coursework and research.
Critical Inquiry
Our faculty and students explore how writing evolves, impacts lives, and shapes the world—both positively and negatively. Through seminars like Rhetoric and the Body (Dr. Lindsay Rose Russell), History and Historiography in Writing Studies (Dr. Peter L. Mortensen), Social Movement Communication (Dr. Josue David Cisneros), and Visual Rhetoric (Dr. Cara Finnegan), we engage in critical conversations about writing’s role in justice and injustice. These discussions are enriched by visiting speakers, coursework in gender and ethnic studies, and initiatives like the Education Justice Project.
Teaching and Leadership Opportunities
We blend scholarship with practical experience. Writing Studies students enjoy the freedom to design and teach courses like Writing Across Media, tailoring their instruction to their unique strengths and interests. They also contribute to impactful research projects, such as Writing Across Engineering and Science, and take on leadership roles within the Center and the Writers Workshop.
Success Beyond Graduation
For over 30 years, our graduates have secured fulfilling careers in academia and beyond. With a strong alumni network, we provide support for professional growth, mentorship, and career development opportunities. Our graduates continue to lead as researchers, educators, and innovators in their fields.
Get Involved—Your Way!
Looking for an easy way to explore Writing Studies? Start by taking our introductory course “Writing Studies” (ENGL 505 / CI 563; click here to view a recent syllabus), to get a feel for the field, or join us at one of the many events hosted by the Center for Writing Studies. From guest lectures and workshops to casual meetups with faculty and peers, these opportunities offer a low-pressure way to engage with our community, learn more about interdisciplinary approaches to writing, and connect with others who share your interests.
Take the Next Step
Learn how to declare your affiliation and join our interdisciplinary network of graduate students [here]. Feel free to email us if you'd like to talk more about how our program can support your interests and goals.