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2013-2014 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]
Rhetoric Courses
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Rhetoric
Rhetoric (RHET) (*Formerly SPCM*)
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RHET 200 - Introduction to Graduate Study
Semester Hours: 3
Once a Year
This course provides a “road map” of the field of human communication studies and the graduate educational experience. Students will be introduced to the breadth of the field, major authors, and works in the discipline, and conventions of scholarly writing.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 202 - Research Methods in Communication
Semester Hours: 3
Once a Year
This course is designed to improve the ability to understand, critique, and begin conducting communication research. Students are introduced to a variety of critical research techniques and tools.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 210 - Performance Methods
Semester Hours: 3
Once a Year
This course introduces graduate students to a variety of methodological approaches to performance studies and the objects or sites of performance those methods presume, construct, and privilege.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 212 - Performance History
Semester Hours: 3
Periodically
This course examines the subject of performance history in the United States, introduces students to methods involved in conducting historical research in performance studies, and addresses current theoretical questions of historiography.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 214 - Ethnography and Performance
Semester Hours: 3
Periodically
This course explores the relationship of performance to the study and writing of cultures. The course begins with the influences of anthropology and theatre on ethnography and traces various methods, theories, and practices of ethnography that have emerged within performance studies.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 216 - Platform, Podium, and Performance
Semester Hours: 3
Periodically
This course explorers the nineteenth-century as a significant moment in the development of women’s public voice. The course investigates the texts, rhetorical strategies, historical contexts, and perception of several significant nineteenth-century female orators and contrasts these public performances with those of actresses and platform readers whose public performances were designed to “entertain” or “educate” their audiences.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 219 - Advanced Studies in Small Group Communication
Semester Hours: 3
Periodically
Study and practice in public address for educators, administrators and other school personnel. The course includes experiences in a variety of speaking situations, types and forms of discussion and parliamentary procedure. Problem-solving and decisionmaking conferences and meetings; conference leadership experiences are included.
Prerequisite(s)/Course Notes:
Undergraduate study in public speaking, debate or small group communication or permission of instructor.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 220 - Theories of Persuasion
Semester Hours: 3
Periodically
This course examines diverse theories of the communication associated with the development, maintenance, and modification of beliefs, attitudes, opinion and action with particular emphasis on public address, advertising, and political campaigns.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 221 - Literature in Performance
Semester Hours: 3
Periodically
Provides an experience in the communication of literature to an audience. Oral and theatrical techniques are combined to project the work of the author to stimulate and excite the imagination of the audience. This course is particularly geared to teachers.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 222 - Rhetoric and Popular Culture
Semester Hours: 3
Periodically
Seminar discussions link contemporary rhetorical theory with modern critical theory concerning the functions and analysis of popular culture. Readings examine rhetorical aspect of popular discourse, particularly as they define social relations and shape public perceptions of social reality.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 224 - Rhetorical Criticism
Semester Hours: 3
Periodically
This course introduces graduate students to a variety of perspectives and methods for critical analysis of rhetorical texts.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 225 - Narrative Theory and Performance Studies
Semester Hours: 3
Periodically
Traces the development of narrative theory in communication studies, focusing upon its role in the disciplinary shift from oral interpretation to performance studies. The course explores the social construction of identity through narrative and the political implications of the performance of personal narrative.
Prerequisite(s)/Course Notes:
Prerequisite: RHET 212 . May not be taken on a Pass/Fail basis.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 226 - Rhetorical Theory
Semester Hours: 3
Once a Year
This course explores traditional forms and function of rhetorical as persuasion in public address as well as contemporary theories of symbolic communication. A broad survey of rhetorical theory, from classical to 20th century, reviews rhetorical functions such as argumentative, critical inquiry, informative discourse, and epistemic formation. This course focuses primarily on the western rhetorical tradition, although attention is given to the contributions of nonwestern and nonpatriarchal cultures to contemporary theories. The course exposes students to significant theories for analyzing and constructing a variety of forms of public discourse.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 228 - Language and Social Interaction
Semester Hours: 3
Periodically
This course explores the theoretical and empirical approaches to the study of the human symbol use. Students examine how human beings use language to produce meaning and order in and through social interaction. Class research tasks include taking field notes, interviewing, recording and transcribing conversations, and repeated listening in order to study and find out how people make sense of the situations they encounter in everyday life.
Prerequisite(s)/Course Notes:
May not be taken on a Pass/Fail basis.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 230 - Critical Approaches to Organizational Communication
Semester Hours: 3
Periodically
This course introduces students to critical theoretical, postmodern, and feminist approaches to the study of organizational communication. The course explicates the communicative dimensions of power, ideology, and hegemony to understand overt and subtle constraints on organizational behavior and dialogues.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 232 - Communication Rights and Ethics
Semester Hours: 3
Periodically
Communication in diverse contexts is shaped by the rights and constraints associated with expression. This course will introduce graduate students to legal and ethical considerations and precepts to explore the points at which legal and ethical issues of communication are in concert or conflict.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 250 - Readings in Speech Communication
Semester Hours: 3
Periodically
Designed to permit students to pursue an individualized plan of study in subject areas of interest under the guidance of a member of the speech communication faculty. Students must obtain the written approval of the faculty member with whom they will work in order to register.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 260 - Advanced Seminar in Speech Communication and Rhetorical Studies
Semester Hours: 3
Periodically
Presentation of an advanced topic that reflects broad understanding of communication theory and modes of analysis with relevance to the discipline. Through joint readings and individual research, students develop projects and papers relevant to the theme of the course. Topics vary from semester to semester.
Prerequisite(s)/Course Notes:
May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 281 - Political Communication
Semester Hours: 3
Once a Year
This course provides a survey of theories and findings regarding the role of communication in the political process. It examines candidate rhetoric, message reception via various channels, message effects, public communication, new media, citizen participation and considers each from the perspective of the democratic ethic.
Prerequisite(s)/Course Notes:
May not be taken on a Pass/Fail basis.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 282 - Sports, Media and Society
Semester Hours: 3
Once a Year
This course explores the rhetorical, social, and cultural aspects of sports in contemporary American society, focusing on the functions and critical analysis of sport as a social institution. Readings and activities will explore critically how power, gender, race and ethnicity, and other issues are played out in sports in popular culture. May not be offered on a Pass/Fail basis.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 302 - Non-Thesis Project
Semester Hours: 3
Fall, Spring
The non-thesis elective is a culminating independent article length research project or production conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Students register with permission of their adviser.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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RHET 303 - Thesis
Semester Hours: 3-6
Fall, Spring
The thesis elective is a culminating independent research project conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Students register with the permission of adviser.
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Summer Session I 2026
Summer Session II 2026
Summer Session III 2026
Fall 2026
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