Communication Rhetoric and Public Advocacy Concentration

Department of Communication
College of Arts and Sciences

Neff Hall 230 ~ 260-481-6825 ~ ipfw.edu/comm

 A concentration in rhetoric will provide students with the tools to read, analyze, and criticize human discourse in relationship to persuasion.  The pursuit of encouraging students to be more actively and critically engaged citizens is foundational to this emphasis.  Grounded in argumentation and the symbolic dimensions of discourse, students within this concentration will learn both ancient and contemporary rhetorical theories.  The ability to evaluate communication in its diverse formats prepares students (in combination with other majors and minors) for careers, in law, higher education, social and political activism, speech writing, film making, and business.

Suggested minors: Political science, women’s studies, history, psychology, sociology, film & media studies, and criminal justice.

Students completing the Rhetoric and Public Advocacy concentration will be able to:

• Identify and apply the various concepts, processes, contexts,and theories of rhetoric;
• Discuss the ethical responsibilities of the rhetor and the rhetorical critic;
• Analyze various rhetorical discourses to become informed, critical receivers of persuasive messages in their professional and everyday lives;
• Recognize the relationships that exist among rhetoric, critical thinking, and democracy;
• Develop and deliver strategic messages that employ effective techniques for advocacy and are tailored to specific audiences in deliberative forums; and
• Form judgments about the significance of rhetoric for understanding social and political issues and about the value of rhetoric for citizens.