Communication Rhetoric and Public Advocacy Concentration

Communication Rhetoric and Public Advocacy Concentration
Department of Communication  
College of Arts and Sciences

Neff Hall 230 ~ 260-481-6825

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.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Rhetoric and Public Advocacy Concentration:
Upon completion of this concentration, students 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
• Form judgments about the significance of rhetoric for understanding social and political issues and about the value of rhetoric for citizens.

Program Requirements:

• A grade of C- or higher for all courses required in the concentration and a GPA of 2.00 or higher for all major department courses taken
• COM 32300 is not available for credit toward any Communication major or minor

To earn the B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Rhetoric and Public Advocacy, students must fulfill the General Requirements and Communication core requirements as outlined in Program Description of the Communication B.A.  program in this catalog, and the following concentration requirements: