The speech curriculum has as its main focus the history, theory, criticism and performance of rhetoric. Public persuasion, as an area of study as well as a practiced skill, has been central to the human experience throughout the history of Western Civilization. The advent of democracy in ancient Greece gave rise to the necessity of its citizens to be equipped with rhetorical understanding and ability. The major in speech follows in this Western tradition of rhetoric. The speech curriculum is designed to encourage in students an understanding of the nature and function of rhetorical communication in a free society, while guiding them in the development of effective, ethical skills in the expression and analysis of ideas.

The student may also elect to pursue the concentration in speech or the rhetoric minor in conjunction with the requirements of the Teacher Education Program. Speech is permitted as a secondary education certification only. A student choosing either of these programs is required to take Speech 285, Interpersonal Communication. Teacher Education Program students in speech may also receive an endorsement in theatre. Interested students should see the Director of Speech Studies for current requirements.

Forensics Coach Wins National Award

Former Individual Events Coach and Hillsdale College alumna Jen Marmo was awarded the prestigious Bob Derryberry Award for Outstanding New Forensics Educator in 2007 by the Pi Kappa Delta National Forensics Honorary.  This honor was given at the National Communication Association Conference in Chicago, Illinois.  "This is a great individual accomplishment for Jen, but it also reflects upon the good work that the students have done in the program over the past two years, so it is really a celebration of Individual Events and Debate at Hillsdale College," states Hillsdale's Director of Forensics James Brandon. Miss Marmo is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Arizona.