Program Overview
Rhetoric and Writing, BA
Department of Writing and Rhetoric, College of Arts and Sciences
School of Communication and Journalism
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing
The Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing provides practical and theoretical training in writing and composing, rhetorical literacy and analysis, and communication and presentation. Students learn the foundations of rhetoric, including how individuals use language, symbols, and texts in various ways to generate meaning and develop worldviews. The program prepares students to apply the art of persuasion to real-world situations through developing and analyzing various texts, verbal and nonverbal communication, digital, multimedia, and visual content, and other creative works.
Simultaneously, students build competencies as scholars and leaders in their communities, to help them understand, assess, and think critically about rhetorical influences that have the power to shape, reinforce, and intervene in systemic inequalities, discrimination, and injustice. Students emerge from this degree prepared with both the theoretical and technical skills they need to successfully process, synthesize, and evaluate persuasive appeals and communication. They are empowered to become critical consumers and producers of messages and can apply their skills to a wide variety of professional, civic, and academic contexts, preparing them for competitive careers in an evolving global workforce that depends on exceptional writing skills and rhetorical competencies.
This degree is jointly offered by the Department of Writing and Rhetoric and the School of Communication and Journalism.
Degree Requirements
Required Courses (33 Credits)
- COM 100 - Introduction to Communication (3 credits)
- WRT 102 - Intermediate Writing Workshop (3 credits)
- COM 120 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3 credits)
- WRT 200 - The Rhetoric of Grammar and Style (3 credits)
- WRT 201 - Principles of Professional Writing (3 credits)
- COM 202 - Intercultural Communication (3 credits)
- COM 206 - Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
- WRT 300 - Theories and Methods in Rhetoric and Writing (3 credits)
- WRT 380 - Advanced Research Writing: Theories, Methods, Practices (3 credits)
- WRT 381 - Advanced Analytic and Argumentative Writing (3 credits)
- WRT 490 - Rhetoric and Writing Senior Project (3 credits)
Electives (12 credits)
Choose four of the following:
- WRT 301 - Writing in the Disciplines: Special Topics (3 credits)
- WRT 302 - Critical Writing Seminar: Special Topics (3 credits)
- WRT 303 - The Personal Essay (3 credits)
- WRT 304 - Writing for Your Profession (3 credits)
- WRT 305 - Writing for the Health Professions (3 credits)
- WRT 320 - Rhetoric and Culture (3 credits)
- WRT 321 - Writing for Social Justice (3 credits)
- WRT 375 - Technical Communication (3 credits)
- WRT 376 - Digital Rhetorics (3 credits)
- WRT 377 - Special Topics in Digital Writing (3 credits)
- WRT 382 - Grant Writing (3 credits)
- COM 346 - Race, Class, and Gender in Media (3 credits)
- COM 351 - Team Collaboration (3 credits)
- COM 357 - Health Communication (3 credits)
- COM 358 - Nonverbal Communication (3 credits)
- COM 386 - Special Topics: Issues in Communication (3 credits)
- COM 401 - Organizational Communication (3 credits)
- COM 402 - Crisis Communication (3 credits)
- COM 403 - Strategic Communication (3 credits)
- COM 404 - Communication for Social Change & Public Advocacy (3 credits)
- COM 405 - Political Communication (3 credits)
- COM 406 - Risk Communication (3 credits)
- COM 415 - Data Analysis and Storytelling (3 credits)
- COM 434 - Argumentation and Persuasion (3 credits)
- COM 436 - Environmental Communication (3 credits)
- COM 487 - Independent Study (0-6 credits)
- COM 496 - Communication Internship (1-6 credits)
SBC Courses
This table illustrates major courses that can also be used to fulfill SBC requirements.
| SBC Category | Required Major Courses | Optional Major Courses |
|---|---|---|
| ARTS | ||
| GLO | COM 202 | |
| HUM | COM 100, WRT 200 | |
| LANG | ||
| QPS | ||
| SBS | COM 100 | |
| SNW | ||
| TECH | WRT 377 | |
| USA | ||
| WRT | WRT 102 | |
| STAS | COM 415 | |
| EXP+ | WRT 490 | COM 351, COM 496 |
| HFA+ | WRT 300 | WRT 302, WRT 377 |
| SBS+ | ||
| STEM+ | ||
| CER | WRT 300 | |
| DIV | COM 202 | |
| ESI | WRT 200, WRT 201, WRT 380, WRT 381 | WRT 305, WRT 382 |
| SPK | COM 120, WRT 201 | WRT 375 |
| WRTD | WRT 490 |
- Freshmen who matriculate in the Fall of 2019 or later
- Transfer students who matriculate in the Spring of 2020 or later
- Students who rematriculate in the Fall of 2019 or later
Stony Brook University
Overview:
Stony Brook University is a public research university located in Stony Brook, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and is known for its strong academic programs, extensive research facilities, and vibrant campus life.
Services Offered:
Stony Brook University offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Resources:
Academic advising, libraries, IT support, and registrar services.Student Support:
Financial aid, bursar services, health services, and career services.Campus Life:
Housing, dining, student activities, and wellness programs.Additional Programs:
Online education, summer sessions, winter session, pre-college programs, and study abroad opportunities.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at Stony Brook University can expect a diverse and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, as well as opportunities for leadership development and community service. The campus is also home to a variety of cultural and entertainment venues, including a performing arts center, a museum, and a planetarium.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Programs:
Stony Brook University is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and medicine.Research Opportunities:
The university has a strong research focus and offers students opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects.Vibrant Campus Life:
Stony Brook University has a vibrant campus life with a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities.Beautiful Campus:
The university is located on a beautiful campus with a variety of green spaces and recreational facilities.Academic Programs:
Stony Brook University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
Arts, music, literature, history, and philosophy.Social Sciences:
Psychology, sociology, economics, and political science.Sciences:
Biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science.Engineering:
Mechanical, electrical, civil, and biomedical engineering.Health Sciences:
Medicine, nursing, dentistry, and pharmacy.Other:
Stony Brook University is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Brookhaven National Laboratory, the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and the Stony Brook University Medical Center. The university is committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact.
