Syllabus Spring 2008

English 276: Introduction to Rhetoric

MW 3:15-5:20 Conard 215

Description

Political campaigns always include rhetoric, and talk about rhetoric. But politics, while an ancient venue for rhetoric, is not the only place it shows up. If rhetoric, as Aristotle said, is "the art of persuasion," then rhetoric is everywhere in our culture - in our advertising, in our schools, in our churches, in our everyday conversations, and, yes, in our politics too.
This quarter, we will explore how rhetoric shapes the way people and institutions develop, organize, and deliver their ideas in the most effective way possible. We will begin with a look at the terms and positions of rhetoric and culture, including a sampling of primary and secondary texts that continue to be influential today. But we will spend most of our time on contemporary examples of rhetoric in popular culture - how to recognize it, analyze it, and produce it.

GEC - Arts and Humanities: Culture and Ideas

The purpose of courses in this category is for students to evaluate significant writing and works of art. Such studies develop capacities for aesthetic and historical response and judgment; interpretation and evaluation; critical listening, reading, seeing, thinking, and writing; and experiencing the arts and reflecting on that experience.

Text(s)

  • Brummett, Barry. Rhetoric in Popular Culture. 2d ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2006.
  • Ball, Cheryl and Kristen Arola. ix Visual Exercises and other readings will be provided in class or online.

Required Materials

  • Storage Media (Flash drive, FireWire drive, etc., at least 1 GB)

Other supplies may be needed during the quarter.

Quizzes, Tests, Projects, etc.

The work for the course will include two quizzes and two tests to insure that you develop a sound foundation for thinking and talking about rhetoric and culture.

In addition, you will analyze and produce rhetorical texts that appear in popular (as opposed to "high") culture.

All assignments are due ON the due date, at the beginning of class. Assignments turned in after the beginning of class will be penalized a full letter grade per day.

Attendence

ATTENDENCE IS MANDATORY and will factor into your final grade. You may have two (2) unexcused absences before your grade will be effected. If you are absent or late, you are responsible for any information, assignments, etc. missed.

Evaluation

Here is how your course grade will be determined:

  • Quizzes 10% (5% each)
  • Tests 20% (10% each)
  • Rhetorical analysis 20%
  • Rhetorical artifact 20%
  • Oral presentation 10%
  • Participation in class 20%

Because I want to reward your best work, the above percentages are only guidelines.

Academic Integrity

Don't cheat. Don't plagiarize. (details)

Disability Services

If you have a disability and need particular accommodations, please feel free to discuss the issue with me during office hours. Students with disabilities who need accommodations should contact Michelle McLane in the Conard Learning Center (755-4304) to arrange for documentation and a variety of other services.

The Writing Center

The Writing Center (C-201, C-211) promotes writing as a way of learning both within and beyond the university. Its services are free to all students, staff and faculty. Consultants offer feedback on your work at any stage of the composing process, and many of them are proficient in digital media, so please take advantage of their helpful responses on your drafts and revisions.

 

 

 

This syllabus is subject to change in order to accommodate instructional and/or student needs. It is the responsibility of the student to keep abreast of such changes.