Comm321-001

Comm 321-001 - Rhetorical Theories

Syllabus - Fall '19
Note: This version reflects all the appropriate page numbers/sections for the 5th edition of the textbook.

Reading Citations (these readings will be linked further down on this webpage under the week they are assigned):

**Please note that the below readings are available to you via the links provided on this webpage in our daily schedule. If the linked articles reside in the Boise State Library database, the links will NOT work if you are not directly connected to the Boise State University network. You MUST login to the library system BEFORE the links will take you directly to the pdf version of the reading.**

You are responsible for printing out the pdf version (NOT the full text HTML version - when it is available) or having a device *larger* than a phone on which you can easily access the fully downloaded pdf version on which to access it each day we discuss it.

Supplemental Readings (Beyond the course textbook):

Aristotle. On Rhetoric (350 BCE). Available at http://classics.mit.edu/Aristotle/rhetoric.1.i.html [Book I, Chapters 2 & 3]

St. Augustine. On Christian Doctrine [De doctrina Christiana] (397 AD). Available at http://www9.georgetown.edu/faculty/jod/augustine/ddc4.html [Book IV, Chapter 1-6, 9-13, 17, 19, 22, 26-29]

Bacon, Francis. The Advancement of Learning. London: MacMillan and Co., 1898. Available at http://www.luminarium.org/renascence-editions/adv2.htm#1 [Book II, Section XVIII, Parts 1-9]

Bitzer, Lloyd. "The Rhetorical Situation." Philosophy and Rhetoric, 1 (1968), 1-14.

Burke, Kenneth. A Grammar of Motives. Berkley: University of California Press, 1945. [Excerpt posted on BB under Course Documents]

Campbell, George. The Philosophy of Rhetoric. [Chapters VII & X] [e-book linked below]

Cicero, Marcus Tullius. De Oratore (55 BCE). Available at http://www.archive.org/stream/cicerodeoratore01ciceuoft#page/196/mode/2up [Book II, Sections II (p. 201-203); IX (p. 223-227); XV (p. 243-247); XVI (p. 247-251); XXXIV (p. 303-305); XXXV (p. 305-307)]

Confucius, The Analects (500 BCE) Available at http://classics.mit.edu/Confucius/analects.html [Section 3, Part 15]

Corax & Tisius Dialogue. Available at http://www.americanrhetoric.com/corax&tisias.htm

Horne, Charles F. The Sacred Books and Early Literature of the East, Vol. II: Egypt. New York: Parke, Austin, & Lipscomb, 1917. [Ptahhotep Excerpt pp. 62-78. – written approximately 2200 BCE]. Available at http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/ptahhotep.html

All readings are to be completed BEFORE each class period under which they are listed on the weekly calendar below. Be sure to bring the text and all relevant readings to class on the day they are discussed.

Weekly Assignments

Week 1:

Mon. 8/26/19 - Discuss "what is rhetoric?" and "what is theory?"; Review syllabus and discuss expectations for semester

HW: Read Chapter 1 in your text for Wednesday 8/28
HW: Read Bitzer (1968) and complete "How to Read (& Understand) an Academic Article" activity (linked here and also posted on Blackboard) - bring with you to class on Wednesday 8/28

Wed. 8/28/19 - Debrief "How to Read (& Understand) an Academic Article" document; Discuss rhetoric and its importance in helping us understand the world

HW: Read Corax & Tisius for Wednesday 9/4
HW: Read Chapter 3 in your text for Wednesday 9/4

Week 2:

Mon. 9/2/19 - NO CLASS - LABOR DAY
Wed. 9/4/19 - Discuss the Western traditional roots of rhetoric; Discuss the lessons of Corax & Tisius; In-class Sign-up for Discussion Lead Presentations

Click here for Discussion Lead Assignment

Discussion Lead Presentation Schedule posted on Blackboard under Course Documents

(NOTE: You can email your group members through Blackboard as well - that way you know their email addresses. Please note that you are *required* to keep up with your Boise State account for this type of email exchange - including from me - so be sure to check it regularly and/or forward your correspondence to an address you do check regularly).

HW: Make arrangements for completing Library Activity on Monday 9/9 (you will be expected to meet in the library or with full logged in access to the library system online instead of meeting for class on Monday).

Week 3:

Mon. 9/9/19 - NO IN-CLASS MEETING - LIBRARY ACTIVITY

Click here for Library Activity

HW: Be ready to turn in one copy of the library activity with *all* of your group members' names on Wednesday, 9/11

HW: Read Preface (pp. xi-xii) in your text for Wednesday 9/11
HW: Read Ptahhotep for Wednesday 9/11
HW: Read Confucius, Section 3, Part 15 for Wednesday 9/11

Wed. 9/11/19 - Discuss the beginnings of rhetorical study; Discuss Ptahhotep's contribution to rhetorical theory and Confucius and his contribution to rhetorical theory; Discussion Lead Assignment ?s

HW: Read Chapter 4 in your textbook for Monday 9/16
HW: Read excerpt from Aristotle's On Rhetoric (Book I, Chapters 2 & 3) for Monday 9/16

Week 4:

Mon. 9/16/19 - Discuss Aristotle and the Ancient Greek foundations of rhetoric; Discuss Aristotle's contributions to rhetorical theory
- HW: Prepare Discussion Questions for Discussion Lead Presentation #1
Wed. 9/18/19 - Discussion Lead Presentation #1

NOTE: I'm happy to field questions in my office for the few folks who find that helpful. Please go to a computer lab somewhere on campus or anywhere you can access wireless for your personal device in order to:

1) Read the PowerPoint posted under Course Documents for this week's Discussion Lead Presentation
2) Read the Discussion Questions
3) Watch or read the example of rhetoric via the link embedded in the PowerPoint presentation with the Discussion Questions in mind
4) Open the Discussion Board via Blackboard and post your answer to [at least] ONE of the Discussion Questions, demonstrating your thoughtfulness and ability to think about the chosen example of rhetoric in terms of the theoretical perspective discussed
5) Check back between 6:00pm and 11:59pm to see all posts, including the Discussion Lead Group summary posts.
6) Note any questions or follow-up you may want to initiative at the beginning of Monday's class

HW: Read Chapter 5 in your text for Monday 9/23
HW: Read excerpt from Cicero's de Oratore [Book II, Sections II (p. 201-203); IX (p. 223-227); XV (p. 243-247); XVI (p. 247-251); XXXIV (p. 303-305); XXXV (p. 305-307)] for Monday 9/23

NOTE: You will need to right click on the English side of the page and choose "print picture" from the menu to be able to print each page of this book. Please leave yourself enough time to print the appropriate pages - OR- check for an upcoming email about how to access this reading as a single pdf file.

Week 5:

Mon. 9/23/19 - Discuss the Roman roots of rhetoric and Cicero's contributions to rhetorical theory

HW: Prepare Discussion Questions for Discussion Lead Presentation #2

NOTE: See Blackboard under Course Documents for List of Discussion Lead Groups

Wed. 9/25/19 - Discussion Lead Presentation #2

NOTE: I'm happy to field questions in my office for the few folks who find that helpful. Please go to a computer lab somewhere on campus or anywhere you can access wireless for your personal device in order to:

1) Read the PowerPoint posted under Course Documents for this week's Discussion Lead Presentation
2) Read the Discussion Questions
3) Watch or read the example of rhetoric via the link embedded in the PowerPoint presentation with the Discussion Questions in mind
4) Open the Discussion Board via Blackboard and post your answer to [at least] ONE of the Discussion Questions, demonstrating your thoughtfulness and ability to think about the chosen example of rhetoric in terms of the theoretical perspective discussed
5) Check back between 6:00pm and 11:59pm to see all posts, including the Discussion Lead Group summary posts.
6) Note any questions or follow-up you may want to initiative at the beginning of Monday's class

HW: Read Chapter 6 in your text for Monday 9/30
HW: Read excerpt from Augustine's On Christian Doctrine [De doctrina Christiana] [Book IV, Chapter 1-6, 9-13, 17, 19, 22, 26-29] for Monday 9/30

Week 6:

Mon. 9/30/19 - Discuss the role of rhetoric during the rise of Christianity and Augustine's contribution to rhetorical theory

HW: Prepare Discussion Questions for Dicussion Lead Presentation #3

NOTE: See Blackboard under Course Documents for List of Discussion Lead Groups

Wed. 10/2/19 - Discussion Lead Presentation #3

Please go to a computer lab somewhere on campus or anywhere you can access wireless for your personal device in order to:

1) Read the PowerPoint posted under Course Documents for this week's Discussion Lead Presentation
2) Read the Discussion Questions
3) Watch or read the example of rhetoric via the link embedded in the PowerPoint presentation with the Discussion Questions in mind
4) Open the Discussion Board via Blackboard and post your answer to [at least] ONE of the Discussion Questions, demonstrating your thoughtfulness and ability to think about the chosen example of rhetoric in terms of the theoretical perspective discussed
5) Check back between 6:00pm and 11:59pm to see all posts, including the Discussion Lead Group summary posts.
6) Note any questions or follow-up you may want to initiative at the beginning of Monday's class

HW: Read CH 7–The Renaissance of Rhetoric (p 192 top; pp 195-208 “Florence, the Humanists, & the Practice of Rhetoric”; pp 210-211 “Erasumus”; pp. 213-217 “Protestant Revolt” & “Luther”) in your text for Monday 10/7

HW: Read CH 8 – Epistemology & the Modern Rhetorics (pp. 235-253) in your text for Monday 10/7
HW: Read excerpt from Fancis Bacon's (1898) The Advancement of Learning [Book II, Section XVIII, Parts 1-9] for Monday 10/7

Week 7:

Mon. 10/7/19 - Discuss the Transition to Modern Rhetoric and Bacon's contribution to rhetorical theory

HW: Prepare Discussion Questions for Dicussion Lead Presentation #4

NOTE: See Blackboard under Course Documents for List of Discussion Lead Groups

Wed. 10/9/19 - Discussion Lead Presentation #4

Please go to a computer lab somewhere on campus or anywhere you can access wireless for your personal device in order to:

1) Read the PowerPoint posted under Course Documents for this week's Discussion Lead Presentation
2) Read the Discussion Questions
3) Watch or read the example of rhetoric via the link embedded in the PowerPoint presentation with the Discussion Questions in mind
4) Open the Discussion Board via Blackboard and post your answer to [at least] ONE of the Discussion Questions, demonstrating your thoughtfulness and ability to think about the chosen example of rhetoric in terms of the theoretical perspective discussed
5) Check back between 6:00pm and 11:59pm to see all posts, including the Discussion Lead Group summary posts.
6) Note any questions or follow-up you may want to initiative at the beginning of Monday's class

HW: Read Chapter 8 (pp. 253-262) in your text for Monday 10/14
HW: Read excerpt from George Campbell's (1776) The Philosophy of Rhetoric [Chapters VII & X - posted on BB Course Documents - Readings] for Monday 10/14

Week 8:

Mon. 10/14/19 - Discuss Modern Rhetoric and the development of rhetorical theory; Discuss Campbell's contributions to rhetorical theory

HW: Prepare Discussion Questions for Dicussion Lead Presentation #5

NOTE: See Blackboard under Course Documents for List of Discussion Lead Groups

Wed. 10/16/19 - Discussion Lead Presentation #5

Please go to a computer lab somewhere on campus or anywhere you can access wireless for your personal device in order to:

1) Read the PowerPoint posted under Course Documents for this week's Discussion Lead Presentation
2) Read the Discussion Questions
3) Watch or read the example of rhetoric via the link embedded in the PowerPoint presentation with the Discussion Questions in mind
4) Open the Discussion Board via Blackboard and post your answer to [at least] ONE of the Discussion Questions, demonstrating your thoughtfulness and ability to think about the chosen example of rhetoric in terms of the theoretical perspective discussed
5) Check back between 6:00pm and 11:59pm to see all posts, including the Discussion Lead Group summary posts.
6) Note any questions or follow-up you may want to initiative at the beginning of Monday's class

HW: Read CH 2 – Rhetorical Dimensions of Myth & Narrative (pp. 17-22) for Monday 10/21
HW: Read CH 11 – Identification & Ideology (pp. 316-317 “Freud, Marx, and their Followers”; pp. 321-322 “The Theory of Identification”) for Monday 10/21
HW: Read CH 12 – Kenneth Burke’s Expansion of Rhetoric (pp. 339-341; pp. 343-344 “Locating Motives”; pp. 347-349 “Rhetorical Frames” & “Symbolic Action”; pp. 351-354 “The Pentad”) for Monday 10/21
HW: Read excerpt from Burke's (1945) A Grammar of Motives [posted on BB Course Documents - Readings] for Monday 10/21

Week 9:

Mon. 10/21/19 - Discuss Kenneth Burke & his contributions to rhetorical theory; Discuss Kenneth Burke's theory of dramatism and the Pentad

HW: Prepare Discussion Questions for Dicussion Lead Presentation #6

NOTE: See Blackboard under Course Documents for List of Discussion Lead Groups

Wed. 10/23/19 - Discussion Lead Presentation #6

Please go to a computer lab somewhere on campus or anywhere you can access wireless for your personal device in order to:

1) Read the PowerPoint posted under Course Documents for this week's Discussion Lead Presentation
2) Read the Discussion Questions
3) Watch or read the example of rhetoric via the link embedded in the PowerPoint presentation with the Discussion Questions in mind
4) Open the Discussion Board via Blackboard and post your answer to [at least] ONE of the Discussion Questions, demonstrating your thoughtfulness and ability to think about the chosen example of rhetoric in terms of the theoretical perspective discussed
5) Check back between 6:00pm and 11:59pm to see all posts, including the Discussion Lead Group summary posts.
6) Note any questions or follow-up you may want to initiative at the beginning of Monday's class

HW: Read Chapter 16 "Rhetorical Consciousness" in your text for Monday 10/28

Week 10:

Mon. 10/28/19 - Discuss the role of rhetorical consciousness in studying rhetorical theory; Debrief about Midterm Exam Expectations & Logistics

HW: Discuss upcoming Midterm Exam

Click here for Midterm Exam Study Guide

Please go to Blackboard under Course Documents for your Midterm Exam Directions & Logistics

Wed. 10/30/19 - Optional Q&A about Midterm Exam/Optional In-Class "Mock" Midterm Exam Question (can decide on Monday 10/28 in class about the structure of Wednesday 10/30 review)

HW: Prepare for Midterm Exam

Click here for Midterm Exam Study Guide

Week 11:

Mon. 11/4 & Wed. 11/6 NO IN CLASS MEETINGS - MIDTERM EXAM will be proctored via Blackboard.

NOTE: There are no required meetings this week as you will need to schedule a single 3-hour block in which to take your exam - this will be in lieu of meeting during regularly scheduled class times to answer the essay questions in your midterm exam. You will be responsible for accessing the exam during a single 3-hour block of time (equal to our time otherwise spent in class this week). Completion of your midterm exam requires access to the Internet so you may both open the exam and submit the exam at the end of the 3-hour block of time through Blackboard. I highly recommend typing the actual *content* of your exam in MS Word or some other word processing document (and saving often!) so that you do not lose your work if you have unexpected issues with connectivity during your exam. Blackboard will start your 3-hour timer once you have accessed the exam questions. You will be responsible for submitting the exam *before* that clock hits 3 hours.

The exam will be posted on Blackboard from Saturday 11/2 at 12:00 noon through Saturday 11/9 at 12:00 noon. This means your 3 hours are OVER starting at 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 9th (if you *begin* your exam with less than 3 hours to go, you cannot submit your answer past 12:00 noon on Saturday 11/9). So please plan accordingly and do not wait until the last minute to account for any complications you may face!

Please go to the Course Documents on Blackboard where you will find suggestions and troubleshooting advice in a document entitled Midterm Exam Directions & Logistics. This document will address how to take an Essay Test via Blackboard (and most importantly, how to type in Word or some other word processing document that has a time stamp *just in case*!). See specifics in posted document on Blackboard!

Please go to Blackboard under Course Documents for your Midterm Exam Directions & Logistics

Week 12:

Mon. 11/11/19 - Debrief Midterm Exam; Discuss Final Paper Topic Proposal; Week 13 Required Individual Meeting Sign-ups

Click here for Final Paper Topic Proposal Assignment (Due Wednesday 11/13)
Click here for Final Paper Assignment (due in Week 15)

HW: Final Paper Topic Proposal Assignment due via e-mail attachment in Word by 3:00 pm Wednesday November 13th

Wed. 11/13/19 - NO IN-CLASS MEETING - Final Paper Topic Proposal Due (due by 1:15 pm via e-mail attachment as a .docx or .rtf file)

HW: Click here for Final Paper Assignment (due in Week 15)

Week 13:

Mon. 11/18/19 - NO IN-CLASS MEETING...In lieu of class meetings, Individual Paper Workday OR One-on-one Final Paper Meetings that will be held on MONDAY 11/18 or WEDNESDAY 11/20 in my office (Communication Building, C-104)

Access Blackboard Corse Documents for Meeting Schedule

Wed. 11/20/19 - NO IN-CLASS MEETING...In lieu of class meetings, Individual Paper Workday OR One-on-one Final Paper Meetings that will be held on MONDAY 11/18 or WEDNESDAY 11/20 in my office (Communication Building, C-104)

Access Blackboard Course Documents for Meeting Schedule

Week 14:

11/25 & 11/27 - NO CLASS - THANKSGIVING BREAK

HW Finish full draft of paper and email to assigned Peer Review partner *no later* than Friday 11/29 at 12:00 noon. See Peer Review Partner Assignments posted on BB under Course Documents

Week 15:

Mon. 12/2/19 - IN-CLASS PEER REVIEW WORKSHOP (50 pts); Midterm Exams available for review

HW: Implement feedback and finish your FINAL PAPER - due beginning of class on Wednesday, 12/4!

Please remind yourself of the Late Work Policy in the syllabus (i.e., I do not accept late work, so please be sure to turn in your paper *on time*!)

Wed. 12/4/19 - Final Paper AND Peer Review Partner's Feedback Due in beginning of class in hard copy form

Please turn in papers and peer review feedback to me in our classroom at 12:00 noon (*beginning* of class).

Week 16:

Mon. 12/9/19 - (Optional) Final Exam Q&A [NOTE: We will be deciding as a class the format for our upcoming Final Exam at this time - see detailed options in the Final Exam Review sheet linked below].

HW: Click here for Final Exam Review - Prepare for final exam

Wed. 12/11/19 - Final Exam Review Preparation - e-mail if you have questions at all about the final exam (C-104)

HW: Click here for Final Exam Review - Prepare for final exam

Week 17:

MONDAY 12/16/19 - FINAL EXAM - 12:00-2:00pm

See Final Exam Review document linked above under Week 16 for details and expectations

Thank you for a great semester - enjoy your well-deserved break!

Announcements

NOTE (8/24/19): If you have trouble downloading any reading via Boise State databases or Blackboard, please see me prior to the class we are discussing them, and I will be happy to help. Most other files that are posted should not have this problem. That being said, technology is tricky, so ensure minimal access problems by downloading your readings ahead of time.

ABOUT LINKS ON THIS PAGE: Many links access readings hosted on Boise State library databases. These links require you to log-in to the library database first before you can access the readings. Let me know if you need me to walk you through this early in the semester, and I am happy to do so. Also, feel free to use the supplemental readings list at the top of the page (as well as listed on the course syllabus) to find all these at once, rather than clicking on them here from week to week.