The ability to speak clearly, eloquently, and effectively has
been recognized as the hallmark of an educated person since the
beginning of recorded history. Under the label "rhetoric," the
study of the theory and practice of communication was a central
concern of Greek, Roman, medieval, Renaissance, and early modern
education. In the United States, rhetorical training has been a
part of formal education since Harvard's founding in 1636. As a new
millenium dawns, rhetoric has once again assumed a central role in
discussions of the "post-modern" world.
Excellent communication skills are important in both social and
career settings. A U.S. Department of Labor study indicated that
there are 16 qualities for high job performance. Ten of these
qualities are commonly studied in the field of communication:
listening, speaking, creative thinking, decision making, problem
solving, reasoning, self-esteem, sociability, self-management, and
integrity/honesty. Another study indicates that the most essential
skills need to be a competent employee are: interviewing,
listening, planning and conducting meetings, resolving conflicts,
and public speaking. All of these are communication skills.
By majoring or minoring in Public Address at St. John's, you
will gain invaluable skills that can be applied in a variety of
careers including law, education, business, religious vocations,
media, and public service. More importantly, the study of
communication will equip you for leadership in whatever career you
eventually pursue. Stop by the Speech Department at St. John's
Hall, Room 344, for a free copy of Pathways to Careers in
Communication.
Courses and Requirements
In addition to the basic course, Public Speaking for the College
Student (Speech 1000C), the Rhetoric, Communication and Theatre
Department offers a variety of courses that emphasize the history,
theory, and criticism of communication as well as performance
skills. Courses recently offered include College Debate,
Persuasion, Argumentation, American Public Address, Rhetoric of Pop
Culture, Rhetoric of Social Movements, Intercultural Communication,
Legal Argumentation, and others.
Rhetoric and Public Address Major
The major consists of 39 semester hours including: Public Speaking
for the College Student and Special Topics Seminar. Nine
credits in Rhetorical Performance (courses such as College Debate,
Advanced Public Speaking, Argumentation); six credits in Rhetorical
History (American Public Address, for example); six credits in
Rhetorical Criticism (such as Rhetoric of Pop Culture); six credits
in Rhetorical Theory (such as Persuasion or Classical Rhetoric);
six credits in communication, internship, and/or independent
study. Internships in the field are often available.
Rhetoric and Public Address Minor
The minor requires 21 semester hours including Public Speaking for
the College Student, Classical Rhetoric, and a variety of
electives.
Minors in Religious Communication and Business Communication are
also available. Consult the university bulletin for full
details.
Undergraduate Admission
Contacts
Queens
Office of Admission
St. John’s University
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
1 (888) 9STJOHNS
admissions@stjohns.edu
Staten Island
Office of Admission
St. John’s University
300 Howard Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10301
(718) 390-4500
siadmhelp@stjohns.edu