Rhetoric and Composition

To determine which rhetoric and composition course or courses you will be taking, you will need to complete the Directed Self Placement (DSP). International students may be required to take the in-person English Placement Test and AEM courses before starting the Core A2 curriculum. Please check your placement test scores page.

The Directed Self Placement (DSP) self-assessment should take between 1–2 hours to complete. First, make sure you have created a myUSF account. Then:

• Log in to myUSF
• On your main dashboard, click the square button that says "Canvas" OR the "Canvas Link" as shown below.

OR

• Click on "Dashboard" in Canvas, and you should see the Directed Self Placement. If you do not see the DSP, please email rhetoricandlanguage@usfca.edu with your 8 digit student ID number.

• Follow the directions within the Directed Self Placement

When you complete the DSP, you'll be instructed to choose which Rhetoric course to register for. 

If you choose RHET 120, you may enroll in this course directly. Completion of RHET 120 fulfills your Core A2 requirement. Please note that RHET 120 is an advanced course designed for students with some prior experience and capability in college-level writing, reading, and research.

If you choose RHET 110, you must also complete RHET 120 (or other selected equivalent course options carrying A2 credit). RHET 120 (or an equivalent course) fulfills your Core A2 requirement.  

If you choose RHET 106, you must also complete RHET 110 and RHET 120 (or other selected equivalent course options carrying A2 credit).  RHET 120 (or an equivalent course) fulfills your Core A2 requirement. 

Transfer students: Many transfer students will take core A2 classes such as RHET 250, or a specialized writing course designed for certain majors or focused on particular fields. Some transfer students choose to start with RHET 110 and then take RHET 120 (or an equivalent course).  Your writing requirement is fulfilled upon successful completion of any Core A2 class.