C&J 337:
Rhetorical Theory
Spring 2007
Tues. & Thurs.
12:30-1:45
Mitchell Hall 104
Office
hours: Tues. & Thurs.
3:30-4:30 (location TBA)
This
course is designed to introduce you to some of the major classical and
contemporary theories of rhetoric and to create critical awareness of the
diverse meanings constructed through multiple symbolic forms. Topics that will be covered include the
ideas of the classical philosophers (e.g. Socrates, Plato, Aristotle), as well
as postmodern and feminist philosophies.
An exploration of environmental rhetoric is used to demonstrate its
application in everyday life.
Textbook:
Gerard A. Hauser (2002). Introduction to Rhetorical Theory (2nd ed.).
Long Grove, IL: Waveland.
Supplemental
Reading Packet: This can be purchased from Education Printing Services
(located just north of the Kiva in the Education Building). The estimated cost is approximately $10
and they donÕt take credit cards so bring cash or a check.
The
following criteria will be used to determine your final grade based on straight
percentage of a possible 200 points.
In addition to the graded assignments, students are expected to attend
class, participate in classroom discussions and exercises, and keep up with the
assigned readings.
Two
Quizzes @ 40 points eachÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ.É.80
Definitional
Essay (narrative/dialectic/rhetoric)ÉÉÉÉ..20
Pro/Con
Duo PresentationÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ..30
Response
to Anti-Rhetoric Critique EssayÉÉÉÉÉÉ.É...20
Ideology
of Domination EssayÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ..É..20
Analysis
of Polarization/Prophetic RhetoricÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ.30
TotalÉÉÉÉ.200
Grade
Scale
200-195 = A+
159-154 = C+
194-187
= A
153-147 = C
186-180
= A-
146-140 = C-
179-174
= B+
139-134 = D+
173-167
= B
133-127 = D
166-160
= B- 126-120
= D-
119 and below = F
Description
of Graded Assignments
Definitional
EssayÑNarrative/Dialectic/Rhetoric (20 points): In Chapter 2 of the Hauser
textbook (pp. 20-32), Hauser defines the terms Ònarrative,Ó Òdialectic,Ó and
Òrhetoric.Ó In this essay, you are
asked to summarize the defining characteristics of these three modes of
thinking and discuss the ways in which each differs from the other. This essay
is expected to be 2-3 pages in length but may be longer if necessary. *
Pro/Con
Duo Presentations (30 points): For this assignment, you will be teamed with
a partner and in a 7-9 minute speech, one of you will present arguments in favor
of the issue or proposition and your partner will present the other side. This is not a debate, but an exercise
in dialectical thinking. Each
presentation will be graded individually (not a team grade). You and your partner will select the
topic to be discussed and you should focus on Òall of the available means of persuasionÓ
with special attention given to ethos, logs, and pathos as you prepare and
deliver this speech.
Response
to Anti-Rhetoric Critique Essay (20 points): In your reading packet is an excerpt by John Ramage in which
he has articulated the arguments against rhetoric as a field of study as
presented by a fictitious Òserious personÓ (whom he refers to as a
Òsupercilious twitÓ). In this 2-3
page
essay, you will give a defense of rhetoric in response to the ÒtwitÕsÓ
critique. *
Ideology
of Domination EssayÑbell hooks (20 points): The reading packet includes a chapter from Foss, Foss, and
Trapp about bell hooks, one of the most influential contemporary feminist
writers. Also included in the
packet is a letter to GIs in Iraq from a retired Army veteran and an
accompanying worksheet. In this
essay you are asked to use the letter to illustrate hookÕs techniques for
challenging the ideology of domination.
The worksheet offers a guideline for how to do this. This essay is expected to be 2-3
pages
in length but may be longer if necessary. *
Analysis
of Polarization (or) Prophetic Rhetoric (30 points): Two of the chapters by Hendry included
in your reading packet discuss various form of a rhetoric of polarization and
prophetic rhetoric. In this 3-4
page
essay you will analyze a rhetorical artifact of your own choosing via the
rhetorical tools discussed in these chapters. *
Quizzes
(2 @ 40 points each). There
will be 2 quizzes covering the material in the reading packet, lectures, and
class discussions. There will
be no make-up for missed quizzes.
However, you may arrange to take a quiz prior to the class period in
which it will be given if you know you will be unable to attend the class that
day.
*All papers should follow APA source
citation format.
*Papers must be typed and attention
should be paid to the crafting of the paper
(e.g. typos, spelling, grammar,
punctuation, sentence and paragraph
structure, organization, etc.)
*Please turn in all papers stapled and
without plastic cover or folder. No
emailed
papers, please!
*We will be discussing these assignments
in more detail in class and you will be
given ample opportunity to ask
questions to insure that you understand the
assignment and what is expected
of you.
Attendance: Because this course requires the
studentsÕ involvement in class exercises and discussions, attendance is
essential. Students are allowed 4
free absences. After that, 3 points will be
deducted for each absence from the studentÕs total points at the end of the
semester. Attendance will be taken
at the beginning of each class period and late arrivals are responsible for
insuring that their name gets on the attendance sign-up sheet.
Graded
Assignments: Students are
expected to complete all assignments and turn them in by the beginning of the
class period on the specified dates.
Due dates for graded assignments are printed in bold letters on the daily course
schedule. Points will be deducted
for late submissions.
Students
with Disabilities: Qualified students with disabilities needing appropriate
academic adjustments should contact me as soon as possible to insure your needs
are met in a timely manner.
Handouts are available in alternative accessibility formats upon
request.
Daily
Schedule: We will be following
the course as it is outlined in the daily schedule. However, Dr. Hendry reserves the right to make minor
adjustments to the schedule as necessary.
Students will be given ample, fair notification of any necessary
changes.
Welcome to the
Class!!!
(To be read for the
corresponding class period)
Jan.
Th. 18 Signs and
Symbols
Hauser--Chapter 1
T. 23
Eventfulness of Rhetoric & Rhetorical Thinking
Chapter 2
Th. 25 Invention
Chapter 6
T. 30 Logos
Chapter 7
Definitional Essay Due
Feb.
Th. 1 Ethos
Chapter 8
T. 6 Pathos
Chapter 9
Th. 8 Duo
Preparation
T. 13
Public SpeakingÑA Reminder
Th. 15 Pro/Con Duo
Presentations
T. 20 Pro/Con
Duo Presentations
Th. 22 Pro/Con Duo
Presentations
Mar.
Th. 8 Quiz
1 (HauserÑChapters 1, 2, 6, 7, 8,
9)
T. 13 SPRING BREAKÑNO
CLASS!!
T. 20 Three Views of
Language
RamageÑChapter 1
Response to Anti-rhetoric
Critique Due
T. 27 Ideology
and DominationÑbell hooks
Foss, Foss, & Trapp
ÑChapter
9
Th. 29 The Inimitable Mr.
Burke
HauserÑChapter 11
Apr.
T. 3
A Rhetorical Look at the Exxon Valdez
Th. 12 Prophetic Rhetoric Chapter
7
Analysis of Polarization or Prophetic
Rhetoric Due
T. 24 Ramage
Revisited
May
T. 1
Quiz 2 (Gill; Foss, Foss, & Trapp; HauserÑchapter 11; Hendry)
Th. 3
Breathe!!