8 1/4-9 credits are required for a major in Rhetoric and Media Studies


Core Courses

RHET 231 Classical Rhetoric (1 cr)
RHET 261 Rhetorical Criticism (1 cr)

These two classes are required for other major courses. Ideally, they will be completed before the junior year.

Theory Courses

You need to take at least two upper division theory classes. RHET 231 must be completed before you enroll in the theory courses. Both theory courses must be completed before you can enroll in RHET 496 Seminar in Rhetoric and Media Studies, the course component of the senior year experience.

RHET 331 Argumentation Theory (1 cr)
RHET 335 Dramatism (1 cr)
RHET 341 Narrative Theory (1 cr)
RHET 350 Topics (Theory emphasis)
RHET 372 Metaphor and Communication (1 cr)

Criticism Courses

You need to take at least two upper division criticism courses. RHET 261 must be completed before you enroll in the criticism courses.

RHET 320 Mass Media and Society (1 cr)
RHET 327 Language and the American Tradition: Vietnam
RHET 333 Political Communication (1 cr)
RHET 350 Topics (Criticism emphasis) (1 cr)
RHET 360 Rhetoric of War and Peace (1 cr)
RHET 362 Media Framing (1 cr)
RHET 370 Communication Ethics (1 cr)

Elective Course

You need to take one additional course from the following options: any additional theory or criticism course from the above lists or from

RHET 160 Argumentation and Society
RHET 232 Persuasion, Propaganda and the Mass Media
RHET 242 Leadership and Group Communication
RHET 355 Gender and Communication
SB 372 Intercultural Communication

Senior Year Experience

RHET 496 Seminar in Rhetoric and Media Studies

Majors must pass comprehensive written and oral exams.

Oral Communication Proficiency must be demonstrated by the end of the junior year by completing RHET 150 with a minimum grade of B or by completing either RHET 061X or RHET 062X.

Majors must take a 300 level departmental course designated as writing intensive before enrolling in RHET 496 Seminar in Rhetoric and Media Studies: RHET 333 Political Communication; RHET 362 Media Framing; RHET 372 Metaphor and Communication.