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Writing and communication have been at the center of the University of Iowa’s educational mission for a century. Rhetoric is an essential part.

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Why is rhetoric required?

It’s simple: writing and speaking well is essential for any career path you choose. Excellent writing and speaking skills—what universities call “rhetoric”—will set you apart from your peers in the job market and help you succeed.

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Employers say the top skill they need is communication. They want you to know how to present your ideas clearly and persuasively. We'll prepare you to do just that so you can succeed in the classroom and workplace.

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News and announcements

Scholarly Teaching Program

Friday, January 16, 2026
The Center for Teaching is pleased to share that two members of your department, Elizabeth Crawford and Spencer Jones, have been accepted into the Scholarly Teaching Program.

Wishing Associate Professor Takis Poulakos a happy retirement.

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Certificate in Artificial Intelligence

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

CLAS Teaching Excellence Showcase

Sunday, December 7, 2025
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Events

Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, February 6, 2026 6:00pm to 8:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Join the long, rich, historical tradition of artists creating in our spaces.

Professional, aspiring, and amateur artists alike, make our museum your muse. The return of this popular program series welcomes guests into the Museum of Natural History's magical gallery spaces after-hours to work on sketching or writing projects with other campus and community artists.

Tell a friend, grab a notebook, and join us on the first Friday of each month. We'll provide a new inspo prompt for each session and...

Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, March 6, 2026 6:00pm to 8:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Join the long, rich, historical tradition of artists creating in our spaces.

Professional, aspiring, and amateur artists alike, make our museum your muse. The return of this popular program series welcomes guests into the Museum of Natural History's magical gallery spaces after-hours to work on sketching or writing projects with other campus and community artists.

Tell a friend, grab a notebook, and join us on the first Friday of each month. We'll provide a new inspo prompt for each session and...

Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, April 3, 2026 6:00pm to 8:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Join the long, rich, historical tradition of artists creating in our spaces.

Professional, aspiring, and amateur artists alike, make our museum your muse. The return of this popular program series welcomes guests into the Museum of Natural History's magical gallery spaces after-hours to work on sketching or writing projects with other campus and community artists.

Tell a friend, grab a notebook, and join us on the first Friday of each month. We'll provide a new inspo prompt for each session and...

Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, May 1, 2026 6:00pm to 8:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Join the long, rich, historical tradition of artists creating in our spaces.

Professional, aspiring, and amateur artists alike, make our museum your muse. The return of this popular program series welcomes guests into the Museum of Natural History's magical gallery spaces after-hours to work on sketching or writing projects with other campus and community artists.

Tell a friend, grab a notebook, and join us on the first Friday of each month. We'll provide a new inspo prompt for each session and...

View more events