Larianna Ward, a senior oat Milwaukee High School of the Arts, listens as her teammate reads a description of their group’s assigned character. (UWM photo/L. Dooley-Menet)
Some 140 Milwaukee area high school students got a glimpse of college-level intellectual pursuit last week – with the help of zombies.
UW-Milwaukee (UWM) hosted students from six high schools at the annual “UWM Rhetoric & _____ Conference: Practicing Rhetoric in New Contexts.” The half-day event brought together students who are enrolled in UWM English 101 courses taught at their schools through the university’s Office of Dual Enrollment.
The conference offered students a unique opportunity to experience college life firsthand while deepening their understanding of rhetoric and its relevance in today’s world. Through interactive workshops led by UWM English faculty, students explored the power of language and built confidence in their academic journeys.
One of the most popular sessions was the “Rhetoric & Zombie Apocalypse” workshop, led by Katie Wright, a teaching assistant for English at UWM. In this imaginative scenario, students were divided into small groups and assigned fictional characters — each with quirks or flaws — and tasked with crafting persuasive arguments to receive a lifesaving vaccine during a global zombie outbreak.
“This workshop gives students a chance to think critically and creatively in a high-stakes scenario,” Wright said. “It’s amazing to see how they use rhetorical strategies to advocate for their characters — and in doing so, they begin to see the real-world power of language.”
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’s selflessness and community-mindedness, proposing that his immunity could be studied to benefit the broader population. The students’ thoughtful rhetoric showcased their ability to apply persuasive techniques in creative and meaningful ways.
“This conference is more than just a day of learning — it’s a celebration of student voice and intellectual curiosity,” said Kathleen Breuer, UWM’s senior manager of dual enrollment. “We want students to see themselves as UWM students, and events like this help bridge the gap between high school and higher education.”
About dual enrollment
UWM’s 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 UWM instructors or credentialed high school teachers.
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.
“We want students to see themselves as college students,” Breuer said. “Taking and passing college courses in high school builds confidence and saves money.”
High school students interested in participating are encouraged to speak with their school guidance counselors or contact UWM’s Office of Dual Enrollment for more information.
Written by Luella Dooley-Menet
Link to original story: https://uwm.edu/news/consider-the-zombie-imaginative-scenarios-help-high-school-students-tackle-college-level-academics/