This major requires a minimum of 52 semester hours. The Rhetoric and Communication Studies major prepares students for careers that demand good communication skills and theoretical understanding of communication, including social and human services, business, and law. It emphasizes communication theory, the study and practice of rhetoric, and basic research methods (as well as context-specific training).
Degree Requirements
Total Program: 52 semester hours
Core Requirements
36 Semester Hours
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| RCS 100 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 4 |
| RCS 120 | Introduction to Speech Communication Theory and Practice | 4 |
| RCS 260 | Plato to Hashtags: Intro to Rhetoric | 4 |
| RCS 300 | Advanced Argumentative Writing for Public Discourse | 4 |
| RCS 460 | Rhetorical Criticism | 4 |
| RCS 499 | Senior Project | 4 |
| Select a minimum of three of the following: | 12 | |
RCS 210 | Interpersonal Communication | |
RCS 220 | Intercultural Communication | |
RCS 240 | Persuasion and Social Influence | |
RCS 250 | Spin Doctoring | |
RCS 265 | Decolonial Rhetorics | |
RCS 270 | Peer Tutoring in Writing | |
| Total Semester Hours | 36 | |
Electives
16 semester hours
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| RCS 310 | The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication | 4 |
| RCS 330 | Interviewing Princpl & Prac | 4 |
| RCS 350 | Argumentation and Debate | 4 |
| RCS 360 | Leadership Communication | 4 |
| RCS 380 | Feminist Rhetorics | 4 |
| RCS 390 | Queer Theory and BIPOC Rhetorics | 4 |
| RCS 400 | Voices of Revolution | 4 |
| RCS 410 | Advanced Interpersonal Communication | 4 |
| RCS 420 | Health Communication | 4 |
| RCS 450 | Political Communication | 4 |
| RCS 490 | Special Topics in Rhetoric and Communication Studies | 4-8 |