Mar 28, 2024  
2008-2009 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2008-2009 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Speech Communication and Rhetorical Studies, B.A. Major in


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Candidates for graduation from the School of Communication with the degree of Bachelor of Arts must fulfill the B.A. requirements as listed under the School of Communication. In addition, students majoring in the Department of Speech Communication, Rhetoric, and Performance Studies must complete the program requirements listed under one of the B.A. majors.

Program Requirements: - Total Semester Hours: 36 to 39


Choose From - Semester Hours: 3


The School of Communication Also Requires


The School of Communication also requires that Speech Communication and Rhetorical Studies majors take the following:

Speech Communication and Rhetorical Studies Majors


are also required to take:

6 semester hours chosen from comparative literature, linguistics, literature in translation, drama, English,  economics, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, and anthropology.

Incoming freshman and transfer students may declare a Speech Communication and Rhetorical Studies Major;  matriculated Hofstra University students must have a grade point average of at least 2.0 to declare a major in Speech  Communication. All declared Speech Communication majors must maintain a minimum grade point average in the  major of 2.5 and a grade point average of 2.0 overall in order to remain in the major.

Concentration in Communication, Citizenship and Public Advocacy


Law, government, issue advocacy, and social activism all rely on effective communication. Leaders in all these fields are required both to craft and respond to arguments as they persuade others, mobilize public opinion, forge consensus and share information. This concentration offers students both a theoretical foundation necessary for understanding the role of communication in a diverse society and intensive practice in creating and presenting messages to a variety of audiences. Through courses in the history and theory of rhetoric, social protest, persuasion, and mass media and politics, students learn about the importance of communication in political and social processes. Through courses in public speaking, argumentation and debate, and speechwriting, students learn to prepare, present, and respond critically to messages aimed at a variety of publics. By combining communication courses with supporting course work in political science, history, sociology, economics, and other areas, students develop a rich understanding of politics and society.

The concentration in Communication, Citizenship and Public Advocacy (CCPA) is intended for students who are interested in positions of leadership in civic life, whether in government, public service, educational or cultural institutions, or non-governmental organizations or social advocacy groups. It is also an excellent program of study for students preparing for law school or for graduate school in communication or public affairs.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 39


Designated sections of SPCM 150/151, 170/171, 180-189 A-Z, 198 and 199 may also fulfill CCPA concentration requirements.

A. SPCM Core Courses - Semester Hours: 12


C. Departmental Elective Courses - Semester Hours: at least 9


chosen from among the following:

Supporting Course Work in Politics and Public Affairs - Semester Hours: 18


A. Political Science - Semester Hours : 3


Concentration in Communication, Culture and Social Action


Drawing primarily from communication, performance and rhetorical studies, the concentration in Communication, Culture and Social Action (CCSA) is intended for students who want to pursue a fulfilling career that requires an understanding of social issues and cultural difference.  This concentration gives students the flexibility to pursue a broad range of occupations in the public, private and government sectors.  Some of these possibilities include: diplomacy, international business, law, public service, and human resources development.

The concentration in Communication, Culture and Social Action comprises a rich diversity of courses with a variety of theoretical, historical, critical, analytical, and interactive approaches to communication. The CCSA is divided into three major areas: departmental core courses; departmental elective courses focused on language, culture and identity; and courses in related disciplines.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 39


A. SPCM Core Courses - Semester Hours: 15


C. Departmental Elective Courses - Choose 9 Semester Hours From:


Designated sections of SPCM 150/151, 170/171, 180-189 A-Z, 198 and 199 may also fulfill CCSA departmental elective requirements.

Supporting Course Work - Semester Hours: 18


Notes


Majors in speech communication and rhetorical studies who are also elementary education majors are required to take 6 semester hours in mathematics and/or science courses to satisfy this requirement.

For students interested in majoring in combined disciplines, inquiry should be made in the School of Communication Dean’s Office, Room 318, Dempster Hall.

Speech Communication and Rhetorical Studies majors are encouraged to take course work and/or minor in audio, video, film, journalism, mass media studies, psychology, linguistics, English, drama, literature in translation, comparative literature, management and marketing in consultation with the major adviser.

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