Communication and Theatre Department

CT 330 1 of 3

PERSUASION

COMT 330

COMMUNICATION AND THEATRE DEPARTMENT

MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY-BILLINGS

INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Daniel D. Gross

Office: LA 621

Telephone: Office: 657-2178 or 1745

Email:

Office Hours: Check office door

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the leading theories of persuasion/rhetoric and argumentation--including the nature of, history, and contemporary perspectives on this ancient science and art form. In addition, practical experience with various genre of persuasion will add to the students grasp of persuasion--such experience may include assignments like designing an advertising campaign, a classroom learning experience, a persuasive speech, the trial of Socrates or perhaps a debate. Outcomes given these objectives will be accessed by students successfully responding to in class discussions and two research-essay exams.

TEXTS

There two required texts for this course:

Herrick, J. A. (1997). The History and Theory of Rhetoric: An Introduction. Scottsdale, AZ: Gorsuch Scarisbrick.

In addition, you may find the following helpful:

1.  Kennedy, G. A. (1985). Classical Rhetoric and Its Christian and Secular Tradition from Ancient to Modern Times. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press.

2.  Weaver, R. M., (1985). The Ethics of Rhetoric. Davis, CA: Hermagoras.

3.  Foss, S. K. (1989) Rhetorical Criticism: Exploration & Practice. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland.

4.  Matson, P. P., Rollinson, P. & Sousa, M. (1990). Readings for "Classical" Rhetoric. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University Press.

5.  Murphy, J. J. et al (1994). A Synoptic History of Classical Rhetoric, (2nd. Ed.), Davis, CA: Hermagoras and Gill, A. (1994). Rhetoric and Human Understanding, Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland.

My webpage will continue links to online materials. Keep checking it at http://www.msubillings.edu/commtheatre/ddg.

Required Activities and Grading

1.  Two exams, each over their respective aspects of the course (90% each).

2.  In class discussion, argument, and attendance. (10%)

POLICIES

1.  Attendance is expected. Attendance will be used to determine final grades in borderline cases.

2.  Exams must be taken on the day scheduled. There will be no make-up exams given--no exceptions.

3.  I would appreciate your efforts to use sex-neutral language in your speaking and writing. Since the language we speak and write leads us to perceive in certain ways, sex-neutral language will help all of us perceive women and men on equal terms, participating equally in the world. For example, use "he or she" instead of "he" when the person to whom you are referring could be of either sex. Similarly, use "people" or instead of "man" or "mankind."

4.  If you miss more then three weeks of class, please drop the class.

5.  I will not accept any assignments beyond the end of the semester. Please check the MSU-B semester calendar for the last day of the semester.

6.  Finally, I will not grant incompletes unless 75% of the course work has been completed. So, if things start looking bad, I suggest that the student drop the course to avoid a failing grade.

COURSE SCHEDULE (weekly)

Week 1 Greetings

Introduction

What is persuasion/rhetoric?

Week 2 The Sophists and The Classics

Week 3 The Sophists/Classics . . . continued

Week 4 The Sophists/Classics . . . continued

Week 5 The Sophists/Classics . . . continued

Week 6 The Church Age (Exam # 1)

Week 7 The Church Age . . . continued

Week 8 The Church Age . . . continued

Week 9 The Church Age . . . continued

Week 10 The Enlightenment/Social Science Perspective

. . . continued

Week 11 The Enlightenment/Social . . . continued

Week 12 The Postmodern Perspective(s)

Week 13 The Postmodern . . . continued (Exam # 2)

Week 14 Presentations/Projects

Week 15 Final Considerations

Week 16 Final Week