Rhetoric

Master's Requirements

Candidates for a master's degree in Rhetoric are required to take:

Two courses in rhetorical theory (CA 570, Classical Rhetorical Theory, and CA 571, Modern Rhetorical Theory)
One course in critical method (CA 576, Principles of Rhetorical Criticism)
Two courses in public discourse (CA 372, Rhetoric of Campaigns and Revolutions, CA 667, History of American Public Address, or CA 675, Women's Social and Political Discourse)

Some of the preceding courses may be waived if a student has taken the equivalent elsewhere. All other courses will be chosen in consultation with the student's advisor. At least two courses must be at the 700 level or above.

Students who plan to continue in the Ph.D. program are required to write a master's thesis, the subject of which is chosen in consultation with the student's advisor and master's committee. Students who write a master's thesis are required to take a minimum of 21 credits of graduate-level course work at UW-Madison, exclusive of CA 905 (Rhetoric Colloquium) and CA 990 (Research and Thesis). Completion of the master's thesis is followed by an oral defense of the thesis. At the conclusion of this defense, the student's committee decides whether the student should be admitted to the Ph.D. program. This decision is based on the entirety of the student's record and not solely on his or her thesis. A thesis is not required for the terminal M.A. Students who seek a terminal M.A. are required to take a minimum of 27 credits of graduate-level course work, exclusive of CA 905 (Rhetoric Colloquium). In addition, they must take and pass three one-hour written examinations at the conclusion of their course work. Students who pursue the non-thesis option are not eligible for admission to the doctoral program.