Humanities
Rhetoric and Public Address
The Classical Western Art of Rhetoric
Serious civic conversation and meaningful debate depend on rational and thoughtful rhetoric. That’s why eloquence in public discourse—and more generally, communication—has always been an essential part of the classical liberal arts education. Our program emphasizes Western civilization’s greatest thinkers and orators to help you master the art of rhetoric from its ancient roots to its current place in modern communication. With minors in Rhetoric, Organizational Communication, and Media Studies, Hillsdale ensures you’ll graduate as a more compelling speaker, masterful thinker, and responsible critic. Hone those skills in our nationally recognized forensics programs in debate, individual events, mock trial, and our annual, all-campus oratory competition. Rhetoric and Public Address is offered as both a major and minor.
Featured Faculty
Rhetoric and Public Address
Ethan William Stoneman
“I think nothing is more admirable than being able, through speech, to have a hold on human minds, to win over their inclinations, to drive them at will in one direction, and to draw them at will from another. It is this ability, more than anything else, that has ever flourished, ever reigned supreme in every free nation and especially in quiet and peaceful communities.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero, De Oratore
Ethan William Stoneman, Rhetoric and Public Address
Rhetoric and Public Address
Brita Stoneman
Featured Courses
The theory and process of preparing and delivering specialized forms of public speeches. Emphasis is placed on a variety of types of persuasive and ceremonial speeches. Students are provided the opportunity to develop a personal rhetorical style appropriate for impromptu, ex…
Read More about "Advanced Public Speaking"Featured Course
Fundamentals of Speech Communication
Read More about "Fundamentals of Speech Communication"The theory and process of shaping ideas into an effective oral presentation. Particular attention is paid to selecting supporting materials, arranging ideas in a logical manner, and delivering the speech effectively. Emphasis is placed on an extemporaneous style of presentin…
Read More about "Fundamentals of Speech Communication"Includes discussion of the development of the broadcast media in the U.S. and elsewhere, the regulatory function of the Federal Communications Commission, and the organization of the media, both at network and local levels. It provides some practical experience with writing …
Read More about "Introduction to Broadcasting"The Edward Everett Prize
The Edward Everett Prize in Oratory encourages and fosters the spoken word. Open to all Hillsdale College students of good standing, regardless of major or year in school, the contest features cash prizes of $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 to the top three finishers.
Competitive Speaking
Hillsdale College offers three distinct opportunities for students interested in pursuing speech at a competitive-level: the debate, individual events, and mock trial teams.
Lambda Pi Eta
This national speech and communications honorary was established under the auspices of the National Communication Association in 1984.
Pi Kappa Delta
Pi Kappa Delta is an honorary consisting of educators, students, and alumni that cultivates articulate citizenship which seeks to expand access to intercollegiate speech and debate activities.