At a Glance
I’m interested in this field of study. Can you tell me more about it?
Scripps’ writing and rhetoric major focuses on persuasion in nonfiction prose genres such as memoir, journalism, and the personal essay, the study of which is crucial to communication across national, cultural, and ideological borders.
Writing and rhetoric students extend their academic studies to contemporary political participation, social movements and protest, social media, and other evolving forms of discourse. As you explore and practice genres of writing and rhetorical persuasion, you’ll develop the ability to interpret and analyze complex messages and to respond with thoughtful, effective communication to a wide range of audiences. You’ll also take our courses in writing and writing center pedagogy, and may even become a tutor at Scripps’ Writing Center!
What are some courses appropriate for first-year students interested in exploring this field of study?
First-year students may take any of our courses, although we recommend that you meet with a faculty member in the department in your first semester.
If I decide to major or minor in this field, are there certain courses that need to be taken in a specific sequence?
Our courses may be taken in any order, but we recommend that you take our three foundational courses early in your time at Scripps.
Can students who major or minor in this field complete a second major or minor (as a double major or a major/minor combination)? If so, what are some common pairings?
Majors and minors in writing and rhetoric combine well with other majors at The Claremont Colleges, allowing graduates to embed disciplinary expertise in accessible and cogent prose for a general or academic audience.
Students have pursued dual majors in media studies, politics, and environmental analysis and double majors in anthropology, sociology, and economics. They have completed minors in human biology, art history, music, and psychology.
What other useful information should I know about this field of study?
You may complete your senior thesis requirements in the genres of memoir, personal essay, literary journalism, and media productions such as podcasting. Our graduates find fulfilling careers in education, editing, social media, communications, media production, technical writing, journalism, and more.
Scripps Catalog link to specific requirements for the major/minor:
https://catalog.scrippscollege.edu/preview_entity.php?catoid=33&ent_oid=2480
Link to profiles of faculty who teach in this field:
https://www.scrippscollege.edu/offices/profile/kimberly-drake
https://www.scrippscollege.edu/offices/profile/glenn-simshaw
