Communications Studies (COMS) 361 - Lecture/Tutorial 08
Spoken and Written Discourse
Winter 2008
Saturdays 1:00 to 5:00 - SH 280 - Class Dates: Jan. 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 23, Mar. 1, 8, 15, 29, Apr. 5

Instructor: Mr. Chris Ewart 
Office Location: SS 209

Office Phone:  NA

E-Mail: cmewart@ucalgary.ca

Office Hours: TBA

Course Description

This course allows students to explore, practice and analyze the use of rhetoric in their own writing and speaking, and in the work of others. Through discussions, presentations and written assignments, students will improve the effectiveness of their spoken and written discourse.

Objectives of the Course

To provide students with the skills and confidence and to write and present concise and effective documents for various audiences.
To investigate the significance of rhetoric within communication and culture.
To enhance students' critical evaluation and revision skills.
To utilize persuasive techniques of writing and speaking within an accessible, productive framework.

Textbooks and Readings:

Lunsford, Andrea A., and John J. Ruszkiewicz. Everything's an Argument. 4th ed. Boston: Bedford/St.

Martin's, 2007.
Additional readings to be provided in class

Assignments and Evaluation
It is the student's responsibility to keep a copy of each submitted assignment.

Note: Please return assignments directly to the instructor if possible. If it is not possible to do so, a daytime drop box is available in SS110; a date stamp is provided for your use. A night drop box is also available for after-hours submission. Assignments will be removed the following morning, stamped with the previous day's date, and placed in the instructor's mailbox.

 

Assignment 1: Essay to Inform - 15%
Due: February 2^nd

Assignment 2: Speech to Inform - 15%
Beginning February 9^th

 

Assignment 3: Essay to Persuade - 15%
Due: February 23^rd  

Assignment 4: Speech to Persuade - 15%
Beginning March 8^th

 

Assignment 5: Rhetorical Analysis - 30%
Due: April 5^th - in class

Participation (including in-class written and oral assignments) - 10%

Registrar-scheduled Final Examination:  No

Policy for Late Assignments

Assignments submitted after the deadline may be penalized with the loss of a grade (e.g.: A- to B+) for each day late.

Writing Skills Statement

Faculty policy directs that all written assignments (including, although to a lesser extent, written exam responses) will be assessed at least partly on writing skills. For details see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info. Writing skills include not only surface correctness (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc) but also general clarity and organization. Research papers must be properly documented.

If you wish help with your writing at any stage, including drafts, you are invited to contact the Writing Centre, SS110, 220-7255.

Grading System

The following grading system is used in the Faculty of Communication and Culture:

A+ (96-100); A (92-95); A- (86-91); B+ (81-85); B (77-80); B- (71-76);
C+ (65-70); C (62-64); C- (59-61); D+ (55-58); D (50-54); F (0-49)

Plagiarism

Using any source whatsoever without clearly documenting it is a serious academic offense. For details see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info. Consequences include failure on the assignment, failure in the course and possibly suspension or expulsion from the university.

You must document not only direct quotations but also paraphrases and ideas where they appear in your text. A reference list at the end is insufficient by itself. Readers must be able to tell exactly where your words and ideas end and other people's words and ideas begin. This includes assignments submitted in non-traditional formats such as Web pages or visual media, and material taken from such sources.

Please consult your instructor or the Writing Centre (SS110) if you have any questions regarding how to document sources.

Students with Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability who may require academic accommodation, it is your responsibility to register with the Disability Resource Centre (220-8237) and discuss your needs with your instructor no later than fourteen (14) days after the start of the course.

Students' Union

For details about the current Students' Union contacts for the Faculty of Communication and Culture see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/su

"SAFEWALK" Program -- 220-5333

Campus Security will escort individuals day or night -- call 220-5333 for assistance. Use any campus phone, emergency phone or the yellow phone located at most parking lot booths.