Undergraduate
Minors In Communication Studies
Oratory
Background
Increasingly, employers are looking for employees who are good communicators both as writers and as speakers. However, universities across the country have emphasized writing (a skill that we agree is necessary), while almost entirely ignoring speaking. The Minor in Oratory will address this need by providing students with the opportunity to improve not only their writing skills (as required by the College of Arts & Sciences curriculum), but also by enabling students to improve their speaking abilities.
Connection to the World
The Communication Studies Department has a wealth of strength in the area of Oratory as illustrated by the courses it offers in professional speaking, argumentation, and rhetoric. Drawing on professionals and scholars in these fields, the Department can train students in speaking self-assuredly, arguing persuasively, and establishing themselves as confident professionals.
The Minor in Oratory is appropriate for students interested in improving their ability to speak professionally and persuasively. The Minor will be attractive to students majoring in Communication Studies, Economics, English, History, Journalism, Music, Political Science, Social Science, Urban Affairs & Public Policy, and Theatre, although students from any major are welcome.
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Rhetoric
Background
As in most universities, rhetoric has a home in two departments at Northeastern: in Communication Studies and in English. The rhetoricians in both departments have designed this interdisciplinary minor to offer students a way of exploring their interest in the field across departmental boundaries.
The ancients theorized and taught rhetoric as the art of speaking necessary for participation in democratic societies in a range of forums such as political assemblies, law courts, and public ceremonies. Contemporary rhetorical education extends this investigation beyond the spoken to include exploration of any form of human discourse that persuades others to change their minds or take action, creates knowledge, and/or shapes identity and culture. The proposed minor gives students a foundation in the classical tradition as well as opportunities to consider contemporary theories and critical practices.
Connection to the World
The minor in rhetoric is appropriate for any student interested in the ways that symbols work to influence thought and action. We imagine the minor will be most attractive to students majoring in Communication Studies, English, History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Psychology, although students from any major are welcome.
The minor consists of five courses. To ensure an interdisciplinary experience, at least two courses must come from Communication and two from English.
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