Communication Division

Rhetoric and Leadership

Although the information below is excerpted from the Seaver catalog this is not an official binding document. To view the actual catalog visit http://seaver.pepperdine.edu/academics/catalog/

Rhetoric and Leadership Major

The Rhetoric and Leadership Sequence prepares students for their roles as leaders in the community, politics, law, business, the church, and more. It focuses on how persuasive messages are created and delivered to audiences. Sometimes the audiences are receptive, like those at a political campaign rally; sometimes the audiences are not so receptive, as when a corporate executive must convince union members to support an unpopular company policy. Regardless of the reason, students who study rhetoric develop a diverse set of skills that enable them to seek careers in the nonprofit sector, business, religion, education, government, and law.

Mission Statement

The Rhetoric and Leadership sequence emphasizes the power of persuasion in society. The program provides students with the tools they need to ethically and effectively communicate visions for the future and mobilize people to achieve common goals within organizations, communities, and society as a whole. By highlighting Christian values as foundational to effective and ethical leadership, the Rhetoric and Leadership Program seeks to fulfill Pepperdine’s mission of “strengthening lives for purpose, service, and leadership.”

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Rhetoric and Leadership Program are able to

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the central role that rhetoric and communication play at all levels of social and cultural life;

2. Identify and explain the major periods, figures, developments, and conceptions of persuasion within the history of Western rhetorical theory;

3. Apply rhetorical theory and criticism to analyze persuasive public messages and develop ethical and effective persuasive presentations for diverse situations; and

4. Identify and explain characteristics and examples of ethical and effective rhetorical leadership.

Rhetoric and Leadership Requirements

Freshman-Year Program

The speech communication major should enroll in the regular freshman program, taking COM 200, COM 180 (formerly SPE) and foreign languages as part of the general education work. The general education courses should be completed during the first two years.