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2019-2020 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]
Rhetoric and Public Advocacy, BA Major in
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Want to change the world? Maybe your cause is sustainable energy. Healthcare reform. Affordable housing. Whatever it is, our program in Rhetoric and Public Advocacy offers knowledge, skills, and practical experience you need to analyze, inform, and shape discourse and policy in public, corporate, and government sectors.
Public advocacy is about the practicalities of exercising power in a diverse world. To be an effective advocate requires competence in speaking and writing, familiarity with various types of information, research skills, the ability to tell powerful stories and make strong arguments, and the capacity to engage community groups and institutions in a variety of contexts. Our program was developed by faculty with expertise in these areas. We are internationally recognized scholars and teachers with experience in political, health, labor, and civil rights campaigns.
Students in the program will complete a rigorous course of study that integrates communication and performance theory and practice with opportunities for real-world advocacy experience. Successful graduates will have completed a culminating senior research project and will amass a portfolio of work demonstrating knowledge and skill in areas of oral, written, and social media formats for graduate schools or professional careers.
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 Rhetoric and Public Advocacy may choose a political communication concentration.
Note: The Rhetoric and Public Advocacy degree is recommended for students wishing to double major in Rhetoric and Public Advocacy 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 Rhetoric and Public Advocacy.
The requirements for each concentration are listed below the Complete BA Requirements.
BA in Rhetoric and Public Advocacy
Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 36
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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
A. Core Courses - Semester Hours: 15
B. Culture and Identity - Semester Hours: at least 6
Chosen from among the following:
C. Performance Studies - Semester Hours: at least 6
Chosen from among the following:
D. Public Persuasion - Semester Hours: at least 6
Chosen from among the following:
E. Semester Hours: 3
Chosen from among the following: 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
B. Concentration Core Courses - Semester Hours: 18
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
One of the Following Courses - Semester Hours: 3
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.
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