The rhetoric minor appeals to students interested in history, theory, and the criticism of civic discourse and cultural practices. The minor integrates courses from the Department of Communication Studies and the Department of English that explore the nature and function of rhetoric in politics, the professions, and the media. The rhetoric minor offers students an opportunity to be better citizens, members of the community, and leaders in the workplace by learning how to use language strategically, to speak with integrity, and to appreciate the power of their own voice.
Complete all courses listed below unless otherwise indicated. Also complete any corequisite labs, recitations, clinicals, or tools courses where indicated.
Students must complete a minimum of three courses exclusive to this minor beyond the courses required for the student’s declared major(s) and additional minor(s).
Foundational Course
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | 4 | |
| Persuasion and Rhetoric | ||
| Introduction to Rhetoric | ||
Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Note: For English majors, only one course from the major may also count toward this elective section of the minor. | ||
| Complete four of the following: | 16 | |
| Legal Argumentation, Advocacy, and Citizenship | ||
| Great Speakers and Speeches | ||
| Communication Criticism | ||
| Free Speech: Law and Practice | ||
| Contemporary Rhetorical Theory | ||
| Rhetoric of Law | ||
| The Practice and Theory of Teaching Writing | ||
| African American Rhetorical Traditions | ||
GPA Requirement
2.000 GPA required in the minor