1) Understand rhetorical dimensions and how rhetoric functions as a method of understanding society.

2) Understand the outcome of particular theoretical analyses.

3) Bolster critical thinking and analytical skills. You should be able to identify an issue, critically evaluate a situation, formulate a position and answer research questions.

Readings for the Course: There is one required book that we will use as a text for this class.

Foss, S. K. (1989). Rhetorical Criticism: Exploration and Practice. Second Ed. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland.

There may be additional readings on reserve at the library. If there are additional readings the instructor will notify you ahead of time. I also suggest that you have a good college dictionary.

You should acquire the book as soon as possible, and keep in mind that the course discussions assume that you have completed the readings prior to the course.

Assignments for the Course: There are four major assignments for this course:

Scrap Page/Time Capsule (3% of final grade): You must create a simple representation of a significant moment in your life or a collection of memories. The page or the time capsule can include a combination of visual and textual elements. Avoid explaining why you choose the elements; let the information speak for itself. On a separate sheet from the project, explain why you selected various elements. Keep in mind the product should not be so personal that you are unable to discuss what you have created.

Critical Explorations (60% of final grade): After we cover each unit of analysis, you will attempt to utilize the method we have discussed in a short critical paper (3 - 3 1/2 pages double spaced). In these short essays, you will pick one or more artifacts that are suitable to the method we are discussing and "read" it in such a way as to produce a single, insightful argument through criticism. Short papers will be graded on the following criteria: first your writing mechanics (grammar, clarity, punctuation, etc); second, and most importantly, your ability to adhere to the method that you are using; third, the significance and creativity of the point you are making; and fourth, your ability to investigate the artifact(s) or phenomenon that is the subject of your writing.

Critical Research Paper (20% of final grade): At the end of the course participants will compose a 10-page critical essay. The final project is designed to revise and extend a single argument you have made in one of the short critical essays. In this extended criticism, theoretical explorations of rhetorical concepts should provide a review of the critical literature surrounding the method that you are using. Topics to be approved must be submitted November 11. Final papers are due December 4, no exceptions.

Reading Quizzes (7% of final grade): Over the course of the semester, we will have several short reading quizzes. The goal of the reading quizzes is to assess your understanding of the examples of criticism that we are reading at the time.

In addition to the four major assignments, 10% of the class will be based on class participation. This includes not only participation in discussions but may also include short "in-class" or "homework-level" assignments that will be assigned in class and that will have due dates (meaning that no late work will be accepted).

1. Disability Accommodation

The instructor will cooperate with the university's Office of Disability Accommodation to provide reasonable accommodation to students who need it. Students who wish to self-identify and request assistance under this policy should register in room 318A of the University Union by the second-class day.

2. Attendance

Much of your success in this course depends on your active participation in the daily class discussions. Consequently, you are expected to attend every class session and to be on time. Beginning with the fourth absence (and continuing with each subsequent absence) a student’s final grade will be lowered by ten points (the equivalent of one letter grade). Attendance is counted beginning with the first day of class in the semester. The term absence used in this policy does not apply to "authorized absences" as defined in the UNT Undergraduate Catalog.

3. Assignments and Requirements

All assignments are due on the date specified and must be submitted prior to or during class (not by the end of the day). Late assignments are not accepted, and, excepting authorized absences, make-up assignments will not be scheduled. When a reading assignment is listed in the syllabus for a given day, you should complete the reading assignment by that day.

4. Grading

The professor assumes that students in a 3000-level course have the ability to read, analyze, synthesize, engage in critical thinking, write cogently using correct style, and participate intelligently in class discussion. Students are expected to produce written work that conforms to the "Writing Guide for Student Papers" in the "undergraduate program" section of the department website.

The graded assignments are designed to allow the student to demonstrate proficiency in these areas. In this course, an "A" reflects clearly outstanding work, a "B" reflects very good work, a "C" reflects average work, a "D" reflects barely passing work, and an "F" reflects failing work.

5. Completing the Course

Students are expected to complete all assignments for this course during the semester. Assigning a grade of "incomplete" is rare, and in order to request an "I," the student must meet these requirements: a) The student must have completed at least 75% of the course assignments; b) The student must be passing the course; c) There must be an unforeseen and compelling reason why the course cannot be completed on time; and d) The student must present a plan for completing the assignments within the time period specified in the catalog.

6. Student Conduct and Academic Honesty

COURSE OUTLINE

The following is a tentative course outline. I will attempt to stick to the schedule, and will announce any changes in the course structure as soon as they are known.