Dec 03, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2017-2018 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Rhetoric & Public Advocacy, BA Major in


Candidates for graduation from Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences  with the degree of Bachelor of Arts must fulfill the BA requirements  as listed under Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. In addition, students majoring in the Department of Rhetoric  must choose a concentration in one of these options: speech communication or political communication.

Note: The concentration in speech communication is recommended for students wishing to double major in 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 rhetorical studies.

The requirements for each concentration are listed below the Complete BA Requirements.

Complete BA Requirements


BA Requirements  in HCLAS.

Concentration in Speech Communication


The concentration in speech communication provides students with an overview of the discipline of communication studies, as well as focused course work in culture and identity, performance studies and public persuasion.

Program Requirements: - Total Semester Hours: 36


E. Semester Hours: 3


Chosen from among the following:

Additionally:


Designated sections of RHET 150 /151 , 170 /171 , RHET 180 to 189 A-Z , 197 , 198 , and 199  may also fulfill Speech Communication concentration requirements.

Notes


Students with a concentration in speech communication are also required to take 6 s.h. chosen from comparative literature, linguistics, literature in translation, drama, English, economics, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology and anthropology.

NOTE: Majors in 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 Rhetoric  Department, 400 New Academic Building.

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 their major adviser.

Concentration in Political Communication


Law, government, issue advocacy, and social activism all rely on effective communication. Leaders in all of these fields are required to both 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 political communication concentration 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 - Total Semester Hours: 36


A. Core Courses - Semester Hours: 6


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


Chosen from among the following:

D. Supporting Course Work in Politics and Public Affairs - Semester Hours: 6


Notes


Majors in 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.

NOTE: Students who are interested in majoring in combined disciplines should inquire in the Rhetoric  Department, 400 New Academic Building.

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.