Department Overview

From its humanistic roots in ancient Greece to current investigations of the impact of digital technology, rhetoric and media studies is a dynamic and unique field of study—both one of the oldest and one of the newest disciplines. Our department  addresses contemporary concerns about how we use messages (both verbal and visual) to construct meaning and coordinate action in various domains, including the processes of persuasion in politics and civic life, the effects of media on beliefs and behavior, the power of film and image to frame reality, and the development of identities and relationships in everyday life. While these processes touch us daily and are part of every human interaction, no other discipline takes messages and their consequences as its unique focus.

The Department of Rhetoric and Media Studies offers a challenging and integrated study of theory and practice. Our discipline is rooted in the classical liberal arts tradition of rhetorical theory and has evolved to include social science theories of the causes and effects of messages as well as critical theories of the relationship between media, culture, and society. Our curriculum focuses on the content, transmission, and consequences of oral, print, visual, interpersonal, and electronic messages. Understanding how messages construct meaning, identity, relationships, and communities is central to the life of a liberally educated person and to the development of critical and creative thinking, speaking, listening, and writing.

Course sizes range from six students (at the upper level) to 40 students (at the introductory level).

Courses in interpersonal and organizational communication consider the processes of human communication in face-to-face situations. Areas of concern include how people attribute meaning to words and actions, the significance of nonverbal behavior, the role of communication in the social and cultural construction of gender, how people negotiate personal identities and relationships, and communication in groups ranging from intimate friendships to large organizations.

Courses in rhetoric and public advocacy examine the construction, delivery, effects, and criticism of public discourse, ranging from classic speeches to television advertising. In these contexts, students are exposed to the basics of argumentation and debate, consider historical and contemporary rhetorical theories, engage in criticism of individual rhetoricians, and examine the rhetorical strategies and effects of social movements.

Students taking media studies courses examine the role and impact of communication media — print and electronic, mass and narrow audience — in contemporary society. Special topics of concern include ethical and regulatory issues in mass media, media uses and gratifications, the effects of media on children and adolescents, media aesthetics and criticism, and new developments in digital technology. In addition, skills-related courses are offered in media writing and video production.

Many students pursue their personal research interests through independent study projects and honors theses, and others work as partners in faculty research.

Many students also participate in rhetoric & media studies-related campus organizations. Academic credit for participation in these organizations is available for qualified students through the department’s practicum program.

Lewis & Clark’s student newspaper, the Pioneer Log, has regularly received national college journalism awards and has been ranked first among small-college newspapers.

KLC radio is one of the most popular student activities at Lewis & Clark. The station broadcasts 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Public Advocacy, Lewis & Clark’s forensics association, sponsors competitive forensics and noncompetitive public forum activities, sending students to national competitions in policy debate, parliamentary debate, and individual events. Lewis & Clark’s forensics squad is consistently ranked among the top teams in the country. For example, in 2004 Lewis & Clark was ranked second nationally by the National Parliamentary Debate Association.

Students interested in media production have access to digital editing equipment, digital camcorders, and a multiple-camera color production and editing studio in Aubrey R. Watzek Library.

In addition to on-campus co-curricular opportunities, the department offers a practicum/internship program. Students compete successfully for a wealth of internship opportunities in the Portland area as well as in New York and Washington, D.C.

Lewis & Clark Rhetoric & Media Studies graduates pursue a wide variety of career paths, including broadcast management, journalism, public relations and advertising, organizational development, business and marketing, higher education, and law. About 20 percent of the graduates in a typical year go on to graduate study or law school.

Examples of student internships

• National Wildlife Federation, public information intern in Washington, D.C., office.
• Nike, media event management, New York City and Portland offices.
• NBC-TV, London, news field assistant.
• Wieden and Kennedy, Portland advertising agency, copyright assistant.
• Oregon Public Broadcasting, Portland, radio newswriting.
• Congressional internships, Washington, D.C., constituent services.

Examples of student research

• “Creation of a Woman’s Language: A Rhetorical Criticism of Suzette Haden Elgin’s Native Tongue.”
• “Reforming American Libel Law.”
• “Great American Video: Web-Based Marketing for Small Business.”
• “The Tragically Hip: A Divided Country’s Musical Symbol of Unification.”
• “Power Within the Sphere: Gender Role Portrayals in Japanese Advertising.”
• “Long-Distance Romantic Relationships and New Technologies.”
• “Ways of Seeing, Ways of Knowing: A Documentary of the Arctic North.”

Examples of positions obtained by rhetoric & media studies graduates

• Deputy district attorney, Marin County, California.
• Video producer, Ibex Communication, Portland.
• Newscast producer, KGW-TV, Portland.
• Professor of communication, University of Illinois.
• Multimedia designer, Pierian Springs Software, Portland.
• Public relations professional, Waggener Edstrom, Lake Oswego.