Some 140 Milwaukee area high school students got a glimpse of college-level intellectual pursuit last week \u2013 with the help of zombies.<\/p>\n
51ÁÔÆæ hosted students from six high schools at the annual \u201c51ÁÔÆæ Rhetoric & _____ Conference: Practicing Rhetoric in New Contexts.\u201d The half-day event brought together students who are enrolled in 51ÁÔÆæ English 101 courses taught at their schools through the university\u2019s Office of Dual Enrollment.<\/p>\n
The conference offered students a unique opportunity to experience college life firsthand while deepening their understanding of rhetoric and its relevance in today\u2019s world. Through interactive workshops led by 51ÁÔÆæ English faculty, students explored the power of language and built confidence in their academic journeys.<\/p>\n
One of the most popular sessions was the \u201cRhetoric & Zombie Apocalypse\u201d workshop, led by Katie Wright, a teaching assistant for English at 51ÁÔÆæ. In this imaginative scenario, students were divided into small groups and assigned fictional characters \u2014 each with quirks or flaws \u2014 and tasked with crafting persuasive arguments to receive a lifesaving vaccine during a global zombie outbreak.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis workshop gives students a chance to think critically and creatively in a high-stakes scenario,\u201d Wright said. \u201cIt\u2019s amazing to see how they use rhetorical strategies to advocate for their characters \u2014 and in doing so, they begin to see the real-world power of language.\u201d<\/p>\n
A standout group of students from Riverside High School and Milwaukee Academy of Science was assigned the character of an 80-year-old military veteran with natural immunity. Their argument emphasized the character\u2019s selflessness and community-mindedness, proposing that his immunity could be studied to benefit the broader population. The students\u2019 thoughtful rhetoric showcased their ability to apply persuasive techniques in creative and meaningful ways.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis conference is more than just a day of learning \u2014 it\u2019s a celebration of student voice and intellectual curiosity,\u201d said Kathleen Breuer, 51ÁÔÆæ\u2019s senior manager of dual enrollment. \u201cWe want students to see themselves as 51ÁÔÆæ students, and events like this help bridge the gap between high school and higher education.\u201d<\/p>\n
51ÁÔÆæ\u2019s Office of Dual Enrollment was created to provide more dual enrollment opportunities and support for high school students and expanding college access. It allows high school students to earn college credit, often at little or no cost, without leaving their high school classrooms. Courses are taught by 51ÁÔÆæ instructors or credentialed high school teachers.<\/p>\n
Launched five years ago with just 12 students, the program has grown rapidly and now serves approximately 2,800 students, primarily in the city of Milwaukee. Popular courses include English 101, Introduction to Education and various math classes. Credits earned through the program are transferable to any college or university.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want students to see themselves as college students,\u201d Breuer said. \u201cTaking and passing college courses in high school builds confidence and saves money.\u201d<\/p>\n