Writing Place (1). Our course will explore the way that place shapes writing—and the way that writing shapes place. How can stories, memoirs, and essays help us build more inclusive and just places? How can writing help us feel at home in our shared world? We’ll answer these questions by exploring Beloit itself—its history, its culture, and its controversies. This course aims to help you claim a place at Beloit by writing about it. And it also aims to help you build basic skills in academic research and writing that will serve you throughout your career at Beloit and beyond. Throughout the term, members of this writing-intensive class will build confidence constructing arguments, revising their writing, conducting research, giving oral presentations, and building bridges between academic disciplines. Expect to write over 20 pages in a range of genres, including short essays, personal reflections, research papers, and informal writing exercises. You will also collaborate with your peers to polish your writing—and meet with me to work one-on-one to build your skills. May be taken only once if a grade of “C” or better is received; otherwise a second course may be taken under a different topic. (5T) Topics course. Offered each semester.