Program Requirements

Rhetoric and Media Studies

A major in Rhetoric and Media Studies is intended to provide an appreciation of the role of rhetoric in the creation and maintenance of human understanding; to promote exploration of the role of the symbol in the human condition; to foster an understanding of the role of communication media in contemporary society; and to enhance the ability to critique all forms of human communication. The Rhetoric and Media Studies Department works toward these ends in the context of a liberal arts environment.

Willamette University Debate Union

The department sponsors a speech and debate program for students interested in intercollegiate debate and speaking competition. Work and competition is under the guidance of the Director of Forensics and several forensic assistants.

Internships

During their junior and senior years, Rhetoric and Media Studies majors have the opportunity to participate in internships in political communication, radio and television stations, newspapers, hospitals, public relations and corporate communication departments. Students interested in internships should contact their advisor or the chair of the department.

Requirements for the Rhetoric And Media Studies Major (8.25-9 Credits)

Core requirements

Oral proficiency: RHET 061X, 062X, or 150 (AR) with minimum grade of B (.25 or 1)
RHET 231 Classical Rhetoric (1)
RHET 261 (W) Rhetorical Criticism (1)
Successful completion of written and oral comprehensive exams

Two theory courses at the 300 level (2)

RHET 331 Argumentation Theory
RHET 335 Dramatism
RHET 341 Narrative Theory
RHET 350 Topics in Rhetoric and Media Studies
RHET 362 (W) Media Framing (May count toward theory or criticism track, but not both)
RHET 372 (W) Metaphor and Communication

Two criticism courses drawn from the following list (2)

RHET 210 (W; AR; IT) Media and the Environment
RHET 244 (AR; IT) Latino/Latina Voices in the U.S.
RHET 320 Mass Media and Society
RHET 365 Rhetoric of Religion
IDS 327 (AR; W) The American Story and the Legacy of Vietnam
RHET 333 (W) Political Communication
RHET 350 Topics in Rhetoric and Media Studies
RHET 360 Rhetoric of War and Peace
RHET 361 Visual Rhetoric: Memory and Memorials
RHET 362 (W) Media Framing (May count toward theory or criticism track, but not both)
RHET 370 Communication Ethics

One additional course from the above theory or criticism courses or from (1)

RHET 125 (CA) Creating Visual Rhetoric
RHET 160 (AR) Argumentation and Society
RHET 232 (AR) Persuasion, Propaganda and the Mass Media
RHET 242 Leadership and Group Communication
RHET 355 (US) Gender and Communication

Senior year experience

RHET 496 (W) Senior Seminar (1)

Rhetoric/Media Studies Minor (5.25 or 6 Credits)

Oral proficiency: RHET 061X, 062X, or 150 (AR) with minimum grade of B (.25 or 1)
RHET 231 Classical Rhetoric (1)
RHET 261 (W) Rhetorical Criticism (1)
One 300 level theory course as in the major (1)
One 300 level criticism course as in the major (1)
One additional Rhetoric/Media Studies course as in the major (1)

Faculty

Catherine Collins, Professor of Rhetoric and Media Studies, Chair
Jeanne E. Clark, Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Media Studies
Nathaniel Cordova, Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Media Studies
Courtney Dillard, Visiting Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Media Studies
David Douglass, Professor of Rhetoric and Media Studies
Robert Trapp, Professor of Rhetoric and Media Studies and Director of Forensics
Paul Turpin, Visiting Instructor of Rhetoric and Media Studies