Rhetoric, Writing, and Public Discourse

In general, the Rhetoric, Writing and Public Discourse program recommends that students who wish to study off campus discuss their plans as soon as possible with their major advisor.

• In their first and second year at Whitman and prior to Off-Campus Studies, students who believe they may wish to major in Rhetoric should enroll in at least one rhetoric course. It is strongly recommended that students take RWPD 230 Introduction to Rhetoric and Public Culture before studying abroad.
  
  
• We recommend that students study abroad in the spring semester of their third year so that they can take RWPD 387 Rhetorical Criticism in residence at Whitman in the fall of their third year. Students will still need to take RWPD 330 Rhetoric, Theory and the Human Condition, which is offered every spring semester, and should discuss with their major advisor if it would be appropriate to take this course in the spring of their fourth year.

Which requirements can Rhetoric, Writing, and Public Discourse majors fulfill while off campus?

• Elective major credit
• Research that can be used for Senior Thesis, if IRB approved

Major Credit Limitations

• The maximum number of credits that can be applied to the Rhetoric, Writing, and Public Discourse major from off-campus studies (including credits from other U.S. institutions) is 8 credits with the approval of your major adviser.

Minor Credit Limitations

• A minimum of three-fifths of the specific course and credit requirements for the minor must be completed in the on-campus program of the college.

Students interested in Off-Campus Studies should attend an OCS First Step meeting in the fall of their second year, discuss their interests with their major adviser, and schedule an appointment with an OCS adviser.