syllabus
Contact
Dr. Jim Ridolfo
ridolfo at gmail dot com
248 McMicken Hall
Office hours TR 1:00 -2:00 and by appointment
Overview
This course introduces students in the Rhetoric and Professional Writing track to key concepts, controversies, and research methods across some of the following bolded areas of inquiry:
rhetorical and writing studies
The purpose of this course is to examine how various theories of rhetoric (what we will come to understand as “strategies of effective communication”), are bound to cultural, political, and professional norms. In addition to field readings, in class discussion, and homework, our class will also include three guest speakers who will join us over Skype (live audio and video). Each visiting scholar will discuss how he or she researches key topics in rhetoric and writing, and as a class we will explore both methods and topics with these speakers.
Learning Goals
To introduce students to professional field literature in rhetoric and writing studies and their related subject areas;
To examine important rhetorical concepts in terms of diverse cultural, political, and professional norms;
To practice key approaches in rhetoric useful for identifying, framing, and discussing what constitutes “effective communication”;
To create a number of deliverables including a scholarly wiki entry, a two to three page cultural rhetorics paper, several half a page/one page short reading responses, and a two-page writing observation project.
Required Course Material
1) Regular computer, printer, and Internet access: the ability to play audio and video, as well as download and install Windows and/or OS X programs.
2) Your UC network login and e-mail address.
3) A jump drive (1gb is fine)
Course Requirements
What does it mean to be a rhetoric/writing/communications researcher?:
1. Writing/composing observation report: 25%
In this assignment you will leave the classroom and books and do your own “field research” into the rhetoric and writing practices of your friends, family members, colleagues, etc. You will, simply put, observe how someone composes a text. This short half hour to one-hour observation may include “talk-alouds,” the use of images, or the use of pre and post-interview questions.
As part of this assignment we will have one guest researcher, Mike McLeod, talk about how he does writing research as part of his work as a software developer at the WIDE Research center.
2. Scholarly rhetoric wiki entry: 25%
In this research project you will select, research, and compose a scholarly wiki entry for the “Beyond Greco-Roman Rhetorics: Breaking Precedent, Revising Stories” project. You will propose one or two rhetorical figures or terms to research and write an entry about. Texas A&M Assistant Professor of Rhetoric Qwo-Li Driskill will speak on Skype about rhetorical studies and research beyond Greco-Roman rhetorics, as well as objectives for the collaborative wiki project.
3. Cultural-Professional rhetorics theory paper: 20%
In this project you will identify and develop your own preliminary theory of rhetoric. As part of this assignment, we are fortunate to have Collin Craig present some of his research into African American rhetorics, specifically his concept of “beef” as an argumentative strategy.
Reading summaries (and any potential pop quizzes): 30%
You are required to complete several close reading summaries. I will assign these the week before they are due. Please bring your summaries to class.
Total: 100%
Course Policies
Reading
Completed reading is an absolute requirement. If you are unable to do the required reading for class, it is up to you to inform the instructor prior to the class period. The instructor will expect that every student has done the reading for each class period. If the instructor feels that students have not done the readings, the instructor reserves the right to assign an in-class “pop reading quiz.”
Attendance
You are permitted two unexcused absences (10% of the class). If you are absent three times you will automatically face a letter grade penalty on your final grade. Four or more unexcused absences (20% of the class) will automatically result in a failing grade in the course.
Tardiness
Excessive and/or disruptive tardiness will be treated as absences at the discretion of the instructor. Do not test this policy.
Late Work
You are permitted to turn in one assignment late. Any additional late work will be penalized at the discretion of the instructor.
Conferences and Office Hours
I’d like to meet with every student at least once. This is an expectation and not a grading requirement. It’s your responsibility to meet regularly with me and discuss your research. I am available during my regular office hours (right after class on T/R!) and by appointment.
Academic Integrity Policy
The University Rules, including the Student Code of Conduct, and other documented policies of the department, college, and university related to academic integrity will be enforced. Any violation of these regulations, including acts of plagiarism or cheating, will be dealt with on an individual basis according to the severity of the misconduct.
Special Needs Policy
If you have any special needs related to your participation in this course, including identified visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical impairment, communication disorder, and/or specific learning disability that may influence your performance in this course, you should meet with the instructor to arrange for reasonable provisions to ensure an equitable opportunity to meet all the requirements of this course. At the discretion of the instructor, some accommodations may require prior approval by Disability Services.