COMS 433: Communication and Social Change
Prerequisites: COMS 130 (with a grade of “C” or better) and COMS 330 (with a grade of “C” or better), or permission of instructor.
Credit Hours: (3)
Introduction to rhetorical theory through study and analysis of selected pieces of
public address or social movements.
Note(s): Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
The general purpose of this course is to familiarize the student with how power is created by persuasive communication acts. To accomplish this purpose, the student is introduced to rhetorical theory and analytical methodologies used to examine specific rhetorical artifacts. The content of the course includes the following:
1. Language as the basis for creating reality
2. The nature of rhetorical criticism
3. The rhetorical situation
4. Examination of arguments in rhetoric
5. Ethical considerations in rhetoric
6. Ideology and propaganda
7. The nature of social movements
8. Specific types of rhetorical criticism, e.g., generic criticism, dramatistic criticism,
feminist criticism, narrative criticism
9. Specific types of rhetoric, e.g., the rhetoric of antisemitism, the rhetoric of
sexism, the rhetoric of war, the rhetoric of agitation, the rhetoric of control, the
rhetoric of film, the rhetoric of television
10. Specific instances of rhetoric, e.g., McCarthyism, the KKK, Gandhi, the civil
rights movement, the anti-war movement
Detailed Description of the Conduct of Course
The course is conducted using an informal lecture/discussion format.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of rhetorical theory
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the skills necessary for analysis
of communication events and movements
3. Students will demonstrate an understanding of logical and ethical standards of
rhetoric
4. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the methods by which the student
can assess and critique a variety of rhetorical experiences
Assessment Measures
Students may be assessed by the quality of assigned analytical essays/papers, by the quality of their preparation and participation, by the quality of oral reports on assigned topics, and by written examinations.
Other Course Information
The specific rhetorical events studied in this course may vary from semester to semester given current topics and/or specific research interests of the students enrolled.
Review and Approval
DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
Bill Kennan, Chair September 2001
March 01, 2021