Communications Studies (COMS) 461 - Lecture 03
History and Applications of Rhetoric
Winter 2007
Lecture: Tuesday/Thursday 11.00--11.50 (Tutorial:Tuesday/Thursday 12.00--12.50  

Instructor:	Prof. C.T.Sutherland
Office Location:	SS 338
Office Phone:	220-4844
E-Mail:	sutherla@ucalgary.ca
Web Page:
Office Hours:	W.13.15--16.15

Additional Information

A high standard of writing is essential in this course. If the writing in any assignment is unacceptable, it may be returned for revision before it is graded. Help with writing problems is available in the Writing Centre, SS 110.

Course Description

A study of key rhetorical theories from their roots in the classical period to the modern age, with an emphasis on the development of theories in response to changes in social, political and philosophical climate. Theories will be applied to the production of both spoken and written discourse.

Objectives of the Course

To help students gain some knowledge of the history of rhetoric, to develop in them an ability to apply the methods of rhetoric to contemporary uses of discourse and to give them practice in both speaking and writing.

Textbooks and Readings:

Benson and Prosser, Readings in Classical Rhetoric

Book of Readings, prepared for this course.

Assignments and Evaluation

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

Essay and Speech 15% Jan. 25

Delivery of Speech 5% Due Feb 1.

Term Project: Proposal and Bibliography 10% Due Feb. 6

Term Paper: 20% Due March 13

Speech based on Term Paper 5 % Due March 22

Delivery of speech 5% Due March 22

Final exam scheduled by the Registrar 30%

Class participation 10%

Registrar-scheduled Final Examination: Yes

Please note: If your class is held in the evening, the Registrar's Office will make every attempt to schedule the final exam during the evening; however, there is NO guarantee that the exam will NOT be scheduled during the day.

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. 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 want help with your writing at any stage, including drafts, you are invited to contact the Writing Centre, SS 110, 220-7255.

Grading System

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

A+/A (4.0); A- (3.7); B+ (3.3); B (3.0); B- (2.7); C+ (2.3);
C (2.0); C- (1.7); D+ (1.3); D (1.0); F (0)

 

Plagiarism

Using any source whatsoever without clearly documenting it is a serious academic offense. 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 (SS 110) if you have any questions regarding how to document sources.

Additional Information

It is important for students to attend all class presentations, including those at which they are not presenting: these presentations form part of the course content.

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/info

"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.

Schedule of Lectures and Readings

To be handed out in class.