Our advocacy and public communication emphasis provides a broad-based program of study that allows you to take courses throughout the field of communication. Courses focus on helping you become an effective and ethical speaker, listener and writer. You will become a more alert critic of information and argument and gain responsible advocacy and leadership skills that are essential in business, nonprofit and civic settings. The emphasis provides an ideal mix of practical and theoretical coursework: Classes in public speaking, argumentation and debate and business and professional communication help students develop skills of research, strategic analysis, writing and public presentation. Classes in rhetorical theory and rhetorical criticism help students understand and evaluate strategies of information management and persuasion across personal, technical, professiona and public settings. Classes in political communication, intercultural communication and gender communication help increase students' cultural competence and leadership potential. Classes in rhetoric and media help students develop a pragmatic understanding of the ways digital technologies shape the production and exchange of messages. Classes in communication law and ethics help students gain an understanding of their legal rights and ethical responsibilities as professionals and as citizens.