Majoring & Minoring

The Major Program

The major in Rhetoric and Media studies combines core requirements with the flexibility of electives. Requirements involve the historical and contemporary study of rhetoric; the critical evaluation of communication theories and practices related to interpersonal interactions, organizations, public discourse, interpersonal rhetoric, and interpersonal media; engagement with both quantitative and qualitative research methods; and the satisfactory completion of a capstone course. These requirements are essential for the student who intends to pursue graduate study or enter a rhetoric or media studies-related field.

Students should declare the rhetoric and media studies major by the end of the sophomore year to provide maximum flexibility in planning for core requirements and electives. Students are also encouraged to consult with their department advisors about coursework from other departments that can be appropriately integrated into their study of rhetoric and media studies. Each major is expected to complete a capstone during the senior year. 

Major Requirements

A minimum of 40 semester credits, distributed as follows:

• RHMS 100 Introduction to Rhetoric and Media Studies
• RHMS 203 Rhetorical Theory
• RHMS 260 Empirical Research Methods
• RHMS 301 Rhetorical Criticism
• RHMS 302 Mass Communication Theory
• At least one of these three courses:

RHMS 200	Mass Media Messages: Design and Analysis
RHMS 270	Interpersonal Media
RHMS 275	Interpersonal Rhetoric

• One of the following 400-level capstone courses: 

RHMS 406	Race, Rhetoric, and Resistance
RHMS 420	Health Narratives
RHMS 425	American Cinema Studies: Advanced Analysis and Criticism
RHMS 470	Popular Culture and Socialization

• Twelve additional semester credits to complete the 40-credit requirement. Eight of these semester credits must be at the 300 or 400 level.

Students may apply up to 4 semester credits of practicum or independent study to the major.

Minor Requirements

A minimum of 24 semester credits, distributed as follows:

• RHMS 100 Introduction to Rhetoric and Media Studies
• One of the following combinations selected in consultation with your minor advisor to complement your rhetoric and media studies coursework and your major:

RHMS 203	Rhetorical Theory
and an additional rhetoric course at the 300 or 400 level                   or
RHMS 260	Empirical Research Methods
and an additional media studies course at the 300 or 400 level

• One 400-level capstone course from the following:
  
  RHMS 406 Race, Rhetoric, and Resistance
  RHMS 420 Health Narratives
  RHMS 425 American Cinema Studies: Advanced Analysis and Criticism
  RHMS 470 Popular Culture and Socialization
• Eight semester credits of rhetoric and media studies electives, 4 of which must be at the 300 or 400 level.

Practicum and independent study coursework do not count toward the minor.

Activities

Public Advocacy. Competitive forensics and noncompetitive public forum activities. Students may compete in parliamentary debate, extemporaneous speaking, oratory, expository, after-dinner speaking, and oral interpretation in intercollegiate tournaments. Participation in forensics includes research and weekly practices. Students may qualify for Pi Kappa Delta, a national speech honorary. The forensics squad has earned national recognition. Credit is available for qualified students through the practicum program.

KLC Radio. One of the largest campus activities, with a station staff of 40 to 60 students each semester. Staff members participate in all aspects of broadcasting, station management, and operations, including programming, production, news, and promotions. The station broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at klcradio.net. KLC is a cocurricular activity sponsored by the Department of Rhetoric and Media Studies. Credit is available to qualified students through the practicum program.

Pioneer Log. The weekly student newspaper of Lewis & Clark. Students work in all phases of newspaper production: reporting, editing, photography, electronic publishing, advertising, and layout. Credit is available for qualified students through the practicum program.

Resources for Nonmajors

Nonmajors can obtain an overview of theories and research in the field through Introduction to Rhetoric and Media Studies. Courses in interpersonal media, interpersonal rhetoric, argumentation, and public discourse are open to all students and provide opportunities to apply theory to everyday life. Our flexible minor requirements enable students to create a concentration of courses to complement any major. Nearly all of our advanced courses are open to nonmajors so long as they have completed the prerequisites. (Internship credit requires department approval.)  

 Activities

Public Advocacy. Competitive forensics and noncompetitive public forum activities. Students may compete in parliamentary debate, extemporaneous speaking, oratory, expository, after-dinner speaking, and oral interpretation in intercollegiate tournaments. Participation in forensics includes research and weekly practices. Students may qualify for Pi Kappa Delta, a national speech honorary. The forensics squad has earned national recognition. Credit is available for qualified students through the practicum program.

KLC Radio. One of the largest campus activities, with a station staff of 40 to 60 students each semester. Staff members participate in all aspects of broadcasting, station management, and operations, including programming, production, news, and promotions. The station broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at klcradio.net. KLC is a cocurricular activity sponsored by the Department of Rhetoric and Media Studies. Credit is available to qualified students through the practicum program.

Pioneer Log. The weekly student newspaper of Lewis & Clark. Students work in all phases of newspaper production: reporting, editing, photography, electronic publishing, advertising, and layout. Credit is available for qualified students through the practicum program.

Facilities

Radio. Located in Templeton Campus Center, KLC Radio includes two fully equipped stereo studios, a newsroom, and offices. The station webcasts on and off campus.

Print. Pioneer Log offices are located in Templeton Campus Center. Students have use of electronic publishing technology and digital cameras.

Video. Lewis & Clark’s video production facility includes digital editing capabilities, computer graphics, portable cameras and recording equipment, and a multiple-camera production studio. Additional video recording systems are available on campus.

See L&C College Catalog: Rhetoric & Media Studies