undergraduate
Rhetoric, Minor
- Academics
- Experiences
- Interests
It brings together courses from both the communication studies and English departments, from which students may learn about the nature and function of rhetoric in politics, the professions, and the media. 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 and as a necessity for the participation throughout diverse forums in democratic societies. 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 to take action; creates knowledge; and/or shapes identity and culture. The minor gives students a foundation in the classical tradition as well as vast opportunities to consider theories and critical practices The minor in rhetoric is appropriate for any student interested in the ways that symbols work to influence thought and action. Students from any major are welcome, although it is typically most attractive to students majoring in communication studies, English, history, political science, philosophy, and psychology. The minor consists of five courses. To ensure an interdisciplinary experience, at least two courses must come from Communication and two from English.
View University Course CatalogInterests of Rhetoric, Minor Students
- advertising
- audio
- communication
- digital
- entertainment
- health
- intercultural
- interpersonal
- law
- marketing
- mass communication
- oral
- oratory
- organizational
- political
- production
- public relations
- public speaking
- rhetoric
- social media
- speech
- strategic communication
- television
- video
Co-op Opportunities
- Zipcar
Boston, MA - Wayfair
Boston, MA - TJMaxx and HomeGoods
Framingham, MA - Strong Women Strong Girls
Boston, MA - Southwest Airlines
Dallas, TX - Liberty Mutual
Boston, MA - Johnson & Johnson
Boston, MA - John Hancock
Massachusetts, US - Institute of Contemporary Art
Boston, MA - Eaton Vance Management
Boston, MA - Donna Karan International
Boston, MA - Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, MA - Constant Contact
Waltham, MA - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, MA - Arnold Worldwide
Boston, MA - Amazon
Seattle, WA
Career Opportunities
- Multidisciplinary Skills
- ability to work under pressure
- creative problem-solving skills
- critical thinking thinking
- leadership skills
- listening
- performance and presentation skills
- project management skills
- verbal and written communication skills
- Careers of Tomorrow
- account executive
- brand manager
- campaign manager
- campaign worker
- creative director
- development officer
- human resources professional
- lawyer
- legislative assistant
- lobbyist
- media planner
- meeting/event planner
- personnel recruiter
- public information officer
- public relations specialist
- sales representative
- social media manager
- speech writer
- researcher
- health educator
- writer
Rhetoric, Minor Requirements
Electives
Note: For English majors, only one course from the major may also count toward this elective section of the minor.
*For complete program course listing, visit the University course catalog.
Resources for Current Students
Course Catalog
Visit the Registrar�s website for a course catalog and information on university core requirements.