Nearly two centuries ago, Hamilton began to distinguish itself as one of the nation's most prestigious and innovative liberal arts colleges by identifying its educational mission as the mastery of "rhetoric and elocution." That mission remains central to the College's educational philosophy today. It is evident not only in the campus-wide commitment to strong writing skills, but in the oral communication program, where students learn the speaking and critical-thinking skills that have produced some of the nation's most eminent diplomats, accomplished professionals, authoritative scholars and effective activists.
The Oral Communication Program holds a unique place in the Hamilton curriculum — neither a major nor a minor, but a rich and continuing resource for the entire College community. Oral communication courses prepare students for those studies and professional settings in which clear, credible, effective presentations and productive teamwork are crucial. Courses contribute variable credit toward graduation requirements and provide a variety of learning formats, from classroom discussion to lab training and fieldwork.
Speaking and presentation skills are part of many courses at Hamilton, especially through seminar classes and the senior project. Even in courses that do not require formal presentations, small class size and the Hamilton emphasis on student-faculty interaction mean that clear, authoritative speaking is a highly valued part of the learning process.
The Oral Communication Program covers a spectrum of skills: oral presentation, debate, negotiation, teaching and intercultural communication. Building on resources as old as classical rhetoric and as new as multimedia technology, oral communication courses combine traditional principles and innovative approaches to fit the needs of each student.
Effective speaking is always part of a conversation; listening is a crucial part of that conversation, too. The Oral Communication Program focuses not only on the mechanics of speaking well, but on active listening, feedback and understanding. Those skills play a key role as Hamilton students and graduates emerge as leaders.
Speaking and presentation skills are part of many courses at Hamilton, especially through seminar classes and the senior project. Even in courses that do not require formal presentations, small class size and the Hamilton emphasis on student-faculty interaction mean that clear, authoritative speaking is a highly valued part of the learning process.
The Oral Communication Program covers a spectrum of skills: oral presentation, debate, negotiation, teaching and intercultural communication. Building on resources as old as classical rhetoric and as new as multimedia technology, oral communication courses combine traditional principles and innovative approaches to fit the needs of each student.
Effective speaking is always part of a conversation; listening is a crucial part of that conversation, too. The Oral Communication Program focuses not only on the mechanics of speaking well, but on active listening, feedback and understanding. Those skills play a key role as Hamilton students and graduates emerge as leaders.
Speaking and presentation skills are part of many courses at Hamilton, especially through seminar classes and the senior project. Even in courses that do not require formal presentations, small class size and the Hamilton emphasis on student-faculty interaction mean that clear, authoritative speaking is a highly valued part of the learning process.
The Oral Communication Program covers a spectrum of skills: oral presentation, debate, negotiation, teaching and intercultural communication. Building on resources as old as classical rhetoric and as new as multimedia technology, oral communication courses combine traditional principles and innovative approaches to fit the needs of each student.
Effective speaking is always part of a conversation; listening is a crucial part of that conversation, too. The Oral Communication Program focuses not only on the mechanics of speaking well, but on active listening, feedback and understanding. Those skills play a key role as Hamilton students and graduates emerge as leaders.
