DEPARTMENT OF

WRITING STUDIES AND RHETORIC

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About the Department

The Department of Writing Studies and Rhetoric helps all students become strong, ethical communicators through courses in writing, rhetoric, performance studies, and oral communication. Rhetoric is the oldest of the liberal arts, helping people express ideas in a compelling way as something essential for self-government and the realization of freedom. Students enrolled in our classes explore language across various contexts, from composition to public advocacy to health communication, while gaining practical experience through internships and research. Our faculty are passionate about their work and serve as active mentors across campus and outside the university.

The Department of Writing Studies and Rhetoric also houses the Writing Center, which offers free one-on-one tutoring sessions and our award-winning Speech and Debate Team.

Find Your Voice

If you have ever felt passionate about a cause, movement, or idea, we can help you acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience you need to inspire an audience, persuade skeptics, counter critics, and make a lasting impact on the world around you.
Learn to shape arguments, command presence, and move audiences across civic, cultural, and professional arenas.

Faculty

Meet the Faculty

The writing studies and rhetoric faculty are scholar-teachers whose work explores writing, rhetoric, literacy, and communication across academic, professional, and public contexts. Through research-informed teaching and close mentorship, they help students develop critical thinking, effective argumentation, and adaptable writing skills essential for civic engagement, professional success, and lifelong learning.

The Student Experience

Writing Center

The Hofstra University Writing Center offers free, one-to-one support for undergraduate and graduate writers at every stage of the writing process. Through in-person and online appointments, students work with trained tutors to develop ideas, strengthen arguments, and refine drafts. The Writing Center provides a supportive, confidential space that helps writers build confidence and become more effective communicators across disciplines.

Explore the Writing Center

Speech and Debate Team

Hofstra Forensics, the speech and debate team, housed in the Department of Writing Studies and Rhetoric, offers students from all disciplines the opportunity to develop advanced skills in debate, public speaking, and advocacy. Through rigorous training and national competition, team members sharpen their critical thinking, persuasion, and performance skills. The program’s record of competitive success reflects a strong commitment to excellence, voice, and ethical public engagement.

Learn About Speech and Debate Team

Departmental Honors

Departmental Honors in writing studies and rhetorical studies offers advanced students the opportunity to pursue sustained, independent research on a topic of personal and scholarly interest under close faculty mentorship. Serving as the culmination of undergraduate study, the project demonstrates mastery of disciplinary methods while building advanced research, writing, and presentation skills that prepare students for graduate study, professional careers, and competitive fellowships.

Consider Departmental Honors

Degrees & Programs

We offer a range of interdisciplinary majors and minors that encourage students to explore their potential as leaders, thinkers, and communicators while allowing them the freedom to explore various co-majors. Our graduates pursue graduate education and exciting careers.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES & PROGRAMS

BA in Writing Studies BA in Rhetoric and Public Advocacy Minor in Writing Studies Minor in Professional Writing Minor in Rhetoric & Public Advocacy Minor in Health Communication Minor in Organizational Communication

Courses

Writing Studies & Rhetoric

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Writing and Rhetoric Benefits Everyone

All Hofstra students can benefit from courses in public speaking, composition, oral communication, and writing. Outstanding students enrolled in public speaking and composition classes are encouraged to participate in periodic contests and competitions.

Explore our course offerings

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Internships in Rhetoric

Internships in rhetorical studies give students the opportunity to apply communication theory in real-world settings while preparing for careers beyond the classroom. Drawing on Hofstra’s proximity to New York City and Long Island, students gain hands-on experience across media, arts, nonprofits, government, and education. Supported by faculty mentorship, internships strengthen professional skills, expand networks, and enhance career and graduate school readiness.

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