What does a 360-foot bronze statue of Christopher Columbus mean to Puerto Ricans? How does a stroll through Old San Juan shape tourists’ perceptions of the island? How did Puerto Ricans collectively oust their governor? This course, COMMS 321, helps you answer questions like these by introducing you to field rhetoric. Field rhetoric is a research method that allows you to closely examine meaning in the moment and place it is being made. Practicing field rhetoric will get you out of the classroom and, in this case, into the rain forest, onto the beach, and in front of ancient petroglyphs to study the meaning-making process in culture. Not only will you learn more about Puerto Rico, but you will develop a skill set that helps you answer important questions about society.

COMMS 321 Field Rhetoric: Puerto Rico 
This is a 3-credit, 16-week online course with a 5-day visit to Puerto Rico during Fall Break. We will meet online every other Tuesday throughout the semester.

Prerequisites: ENG 110 and COMMS 100

Instructor: Brian Heslop is a communication professor who has led immersive rhetoric-based classes for years. Working with organizations and guides in Puerto Rico, he will accompany students and help them form research questions around the sites they visit on the island.

Students will need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or state ID.

Health & Safety:
The health and safety of our community and the communities in which we travel and engage are our top priority. Edgewood College continues to review and implement new health and safety protocols as we monitor the health and safety situations in the countries where we have programs. We will inform applicants if any modifications or cancellations are made to their program. Before applying, please carefully consider the health, financial, academic, and other risks associated with international travel