Mar 28, 2024  
2012-2013 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2012-2013 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 choose a concentration in one of three areas: speech communication; communication, citizenship, and public advocacy; or communication, culture, and social action.

Note: The concentration in speech communication is recommended for students wishing to double major in speech communication and rhetorical studies and another major. Students in other concentrations who wish to double major should consult with a department adviser as soon as they choose a major, in order to complete the major requirements on time.

Incoming freshmen and transfer students may declare a major in speech communication and rhetorical studies; matriculated Hofstra University students must have a grade point average of at least 2.0 to declare a major in speech communication and rhetorical studies. All declared majors in speech communication and rhetorical studies must maintain a minimum grade point average in the major of 2.5 and a grade point average overall of 2.0 to remain in the major.

The requirements for each concentration are listed below.

See Also: Communication B.A. Program Requirements


B.A. Requirements  for School of Communication majors.

Program Requirements: - Total Semester Hours: 36


Choose From - Semester Hours: 3


Additionally:


Designated sections of SPCM 150/151, 170/171, 180-89, 197, 198, and 199 may also fulfill Speech Communication concentration requirements.

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.

NOTE: Majors in speech communication and rhetorical studies who are also elementary education  majors are required to take 6 s.h. in mathematics and/or science to satisfy this requirement.

NOTE: Students who are interested in majoring in combined disciplines should inquire in the School of Communication Dean’s Office, Room 318 Dempster Hall.

Students with a concentration in speech communication are also encouraged to take course work and/or minor in radio, television, film; journalism; media studies; psychology; linguistics; English; drama; literature in translation; comparative literature; management; and marketing, in consultation with the major adviser.
 

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, 197, 198 and 199 may also fulfill CCPA concentration requirements.

A. SPCM Core Courses - Semester Hours: 12


B. Concentration Core Courses - Semester Hours: 18


C. Departmental Elective Courses - Semester Hours: a minimum of 6-9


chosen from among the following:

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


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 department provides a rich diversity of courses that includes a variety of theoretical, historical, critical, analytical, and interactive approaches to communication. The CCSA is divided into three major areas: departmental required courses; communication courses focused on language culture and identity; and courses in related disciplines.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 39


A. SPCM Core Courses - Semester Hours: 15


B. Communication and Culture Requirement


C. Concentrative Elective Courses


Cultural Performance and Social Action - Choose 9 Semester Hours From:

Designated sections of SPCM 150/151, 170/171, 180-189 A-Z, 197, 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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