Rhetorical Studies
The rhetorical studies area explores classic questions posed by communication scholars since the time of the pre-Socratics as well as the most contemporary issues in philosophy and rhetorical theory. Students may focus upon rhetorical theory, rhetorical criticism, communication and politics, the rhetoric of social movements, rhetorical studies and law, argumentation, and philosophical approaches to communication. Students become familiar with the rich tradition of rhetorical and communication theory, the major trends, events, figures and uses of rhetoric, and the historical-critical methods of studying public communication.
Reasons to Study Rhetoric at Purdue
- Obtain a degree from one of the top-ranked communication programs in the nation
- Work with respected and productive scholars in the discipline
- Participate in stimulating courses covering a wide variety of areas
- Design a personally-tailored plan of study that best suits your interests
- Collaborate with faculty members and fellow graduate students on research projects
- Teach or assist with undergraduate communication courses
Program Strengths and Faculty Interests
Rhetorical history and criticism, health communication, visual studies: Robin Jensen
Rhetorical Theory: Samuel McCormick
Political communication: Henry Scheele
Intercultural communication, performance of literature: Robert E. Smith, Jr.
Persuasion and social movements: Charles Stewart
Selected Course Offerings
Apologetic Rhetoric (Burke: 1945-1993) (COM 590A)
Corporate Advocacy (COM 610C)
Early Works of Burke (COM 621D)
Extremist Rhetoric on the Internet (COM 610E)
Presidential Communication (COM 590S)
The Rhetoric of Conspiracy (COM 610S)