Rhetorical Studies can be understood as attempts to reflect upon and understand the process by which communities are generated and maintained by the persuasive use of symbols—linguistic, visual, and material.
A rhetorical education is a crucial part of the liberal arts trivium and has long been understood as crucial to democratic participation because of the skills it offers in advocacy, as well as in critical analysis of political symbols and their influences. Through the use of critical and interpretive methods, rhetorical studies focuses on how communication comes to have meanings for audiences. This is an ideal pre-law major or a strong preparation for careers in advocacy, politics, or social justice work.
Introductory Courses (1000 level)
Students must complete the 3 required introductory courses:
- COM 1000 - Surv of Communication Studies
- COM 1100 - Public Speaking
- COM 1200 - Intro to COM Research
Theory Courses (2000 level)
The following theory course is required for this specialization:
- COM 2200 - Theories of Rhetoric
Students must choose one (1) additional theory class from the following:
- COM 2240 - Theories of Perform Studies
- COM 2280 - Theories of Persuasion
- COM 2300 - Theories of Mass Communication
- COM 2340 - Theories of Visual Com & Cultu
Advanced Topics Courses (3000 level)
Students must choose three (3) Rhetoric classes from the following:
- COM 3201 - Rhetoric & Social Justice
- COM 3202 - Rhetoric, Identity & Conflict
- COM 3203 - Communication Law & Policy
- COM 3204 - Rhetoric and Democracy
- COM 3205 - Adv Speaking & Speechwriting
- COM 3206 - Argumentation & Advocacy
- COM 3207 - African American Rhetoric
- COM 3208 - Rhetoric and Myth
- COM 3290 - Spec Top in Rhetoric & Perf
Students must choose two (2) other classes from two (2) distinct areas:
- Performance: COM 3240 - Performance for Social Change ; COM 3241 - Performance of Literature ; COM 3244 - Folklore & Oral Traditions ; COM 3246 - Performance of Greek Lit
- Media Studies: COM 3341 - Gender and Film ; COM 3351 - Media & Society ; COM 3353 - Media & Politics ; COM 3354 - Media Criticism
- Interpersonal Communication: COM 3404 - Communication & Conflict ; COM 3460 - Public Relations
- Journalism: COM 3360 - Introduction to Journalism
Advanced Research Course (4000 level)
Students must take:
- COM 4001 - Qualitative Research in COM
Capstone Course (5000 level)
Students must complete the Capstone Course:
- COM 5050 - Senior Project
