Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Public Advocacy - Political Communication

Want to change the world Maybe your cause is sustainable energy. Healthcare reform. Affordable housing. Whatever it is, our program in Rhetoric and Public Advocacy offers knowledge, skills, and practical experience you need to analyze, inform, and shape discourse and policy in public, corporate, and government sectors.

Public advocacy is about the practicalities of exercising power in a diverse world. To be an effective advocate requires competence in speaking and writing, familiarity with various types of information, research skills, the ability to tell powerful stories and make strong arguments, and the capacity to engage community groups and institutions in a variety of contexts. Our program was developed by faculty with expertise in these areas. We are internationally recognized scholars and teachers with experience in political, health, labor, and civil rights campaigns.

Students in the program will complete a rigorous course of study that integrates communication and performance theory and practice with opportunities for real-world advocacy experience. Successful graduates will have completed a culminating senior research project and will amass a portfolio of work demonstrating knowledge and skill in areas of oral, written, and social media formats for graduate schools or professional careers.

Candidates for graduation from Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with the degree of Bachelor of Arts must fulfill the BA requirements as listed under Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. In addition, students majoring in Rhetoric and Public Advocacy may choose a political communication concentration.

Note: The Rhetoric and Public Advocacy degree is recommended for students wishing to double major in Rhetoric and Public Advocacy and another major. Students in other concentrations who wish to double major should consult with a department adviser as soon as they choose a major, in order to complete the major requirements on time.
Law, government, issue advocacy, and social activism all rely on effective communication. Leaders in all of these fields are required to both craft and respond to arguments as they persuade others, mobilize public opinion, forge consensus, and share information. This concentration offers students both a theoretical foundation necessary for understanding the role of communication in a diverse society, and intensive practice in creating and presenting messages to a variety of audiences. Through courses in the history and theory of rhetoric, social protest, persuasion, and mass media and politics, students learn about the importance of communication in political and social processes. Through courses in public speaking, argumentation and debate, and speechwriting, students learn to prepare, present, and respond critically to messages aimed at a variety of publics. By combining communication courses with supporting course work in political science, history, sociology, economics, and other areas, students develop a rich understanding of politics and society.

The political communication concentration is intended for students who are interested in positions of leadership in civic life, whether in government, public service, educational or cultural institutions, or non-governmental organizations or social advocacy groups. It is also an excellent program of study for students preparing for law school or for graduate school in communication or public affairs.

Secondary school transcript: Your complete 9, 10, and 11th grade transcript and official translation in English, or any national exam or government certificates earned. TOEFL, internet-based-TOEFL (IBT) - Score of 80 or higher IELTS - 6.5 or higher