Department of Writing and Rhetoric

Explore the relationship between language and culture. Develop a deep understanding of written, oral, and visual communication.

Students share comments on each other’s work in a group exercise during a writing and rhetoric class.
Students share comments on each other’s work in a group exercise during a writing and rhetoric class.

Rhetoric has branches in modern technology and roots in ancient Greece — it is both the oldest and newest interdisciplinary academic field.

Students pursuing the department’s minor in writing and rhetoric learn to persuade through the spoken and written word. They discover how texts generate knowledge, mediate power, and enact change.

Consequently, they are well-prepared for postgraduate training and careers in publishing, journalism, and other communications media.

LEARN ABOUT THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Department Contacts

Chair: Kermit Campbell
Academic division coordinator: Laura Billings
Office: 200 Lathrop Hall (University Studies)
Phone: 315-228-7807

Associate Professor Margaret Darby leads a small group discussion during a writing and rhetoric class session
Course Offerings

Learn about required and elective courses available to Colgate students minoring in writing and rhetoric.

Writing and rhetoric Professor Kermit Campbell addresses students and faculty in the ALANA Cultural Center
Faculty and Staff

Meet the faculty and staff of the writing and rhetoric department, and learn about their ongoing work.

The student awards convocation in Colgate Memorial Chapel
Student Awards

Each year, Colgate honors students who demonstrate excellence in many fields of rhetorical expression.