BA in Rhetoric

Rhetoric is the study and practice of ethical persuasion. This ancient discipline brings enduring currency through the ages to the marketplace and civic life to engage today's global community. Rhetoric combines ethical concern for contemporary issues with artful public persuasion. It reflects the department's strong philosophical and humanities focus. Argumentation and persuasion are skills fundamental to this major and are informed by rhetorical theory and philosophy of communication. As Rhetoric major, students will analyze the practice of these theories in areas such as religion, free speech, organizational communication, and popular culture. Rhetoric offers a rigorous liberal arts education with practical implications. Students can develop competencies in areas like debate, argumentation, persuasion, rhetoric and popular culture, philosophy of communication, free speech and responsibility, and political communication. Rhetoric majors pursue careers in law, public policy, health policy and administration, or business and, through an enhanced major, work in countless other fields. Enhanced major: Students may take up to 15 additional credits for an enhanced major. An enhanced major allows students to supplement the 30-credit major with additional coursework and internships. This option requires consultation with the Undergraduate Directors. Learning Outcomes: Rhetoric Degree - Students will explain the ethical function of rhetoric in a democratic society. Students will articulate the role of faith in relation to reason within the narrative/faith/religious tradition or world view within which they find meaning.