Rhetorical Theory and Criticism – COMS 612
CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 02/01/2024
Course Description
An examination of the major contributions to rhetorical theory and their critical application in the assessment of symbols in human communication.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
This course is designed to introduce the student to a deeper understanding of the nature of rhetoric and persuasion in the marketplace and everyday life through three overarching metaphors: Communicative context: what is the nature of the historical moment in question? Communicative content: how is rhetoric defined, understood, and engaged? Communicative contribution: why is this significant for that historical moment? What is the significance of this for today’s historical moment?
Course Assignment
Textbook readings and lecture presentations
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (2)
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion.
The student will post one thread of at least 400 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned Module: Week. The student must then post 2 replies of at least 200 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of the assigned Module: Week. For each thread, students must support their assertions with at least 2 scholarly citations in APA format. Each reply must incorporate at least 2 scholarly citation(s) in APA format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include your textbook, peer reviewed scholarship including journals, conference presentations, etc.
Worldview Survey Assignment
Write an essay using the eight basic questions in Chapter 1 of James W. Sire's book The Universe Next Door (link included in folder) as a guide. Rather than just repeat the questions and respond, synthesize the response into a cohesive paper. Include at least 2 references, which may include your course readings, the Bible, and pertinent outside sources. All sources must be cited in proper APA format within the essay itself along with a full reference in a reference list at the conclusion of the essay. Paper should be formatted in proper APA format.
Common Thread Essay Assignments (3)
Common Thread Essay Assignment: Greece, Rome, Jerusalem
Common Thread Essay Assignment: Enlightenment
The student must write a 1,000-word essay in current APA format. The paper must include at least 5 references, which may include course readings, the Bible and pertinent outside scholarly sources.
Common Thread Essay Assignment: Modernity to Postmodernity Draft
For this draft, the student will explain the key components and points that will be made in the final essay. Definitions, applications, and examples that might be used in the final must be included. An example of what the student is aiming for in the final paper must be given. The building blocks of the last essay will be explained. The essay draft must be at least 500 words.
Common Thread Essay Assignment: Modernity to Postmodernity
The student must write a 1,500-word essay in current APA format. The paper must include at least 8 references, which may include course readings, the Bible and pertinent outside sources.
Discussion: Peer Review
The student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be at least 250 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 1 other classmate’s thread. The reply must be at least 100 words.
