University of Georgia
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Fall 2014
Department of Communication Studies
_____________________________________________________________________________
COMM 3310—Case Studies in Public Communication
Rhetoric, Sustainability, and Transformation
Section 87901—T/Th—11am-12:15pm.—Journalism 506
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Instructor: Nicole E. Hurt, Ph.D.
Email: nhurt@uga.edu
Phone: n/a
Office: 506 Caldwell
Office hours: T/Th 12:30-1:45pm AND by appointment
Class held: T/Th—11am-12:15pm.—Journalism 506
a. Course Title and number: COMM 3310—Case Studies in Public Communication
b. Course Description:
Application of rhetorical theory and criticism to one or more case studies, ranging from
recurring persuasive strategies in the Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858, to the role,
function, and impact of public discourse in the Montgomery boycott of the 1950s.
c.
d.
e.
f.
For this particular case study course, students will engage in the study of sustainability
through the prism of rhetorical criticism and theory. Students will engage in discussion
about the hopes and challenges of sustainability. Students will also entertain how rhetoric
may offer tools necessary to create a sustainable future. Finally, the course will ask
students to apply rhetorical concepts to sustainability issues in order to begin to create a
better future for all living things.
Prerequisites: none.
Course Objectives: Throughout the course of the semester, students will:
 Gain a cursory understanding of rhetorical theory and criticism.
 Develop an understanding of the theory sustainability and why it matters.
 Be able to articulate the ways in which rhetoric and sustainability inform each other.
 Examine sustainability rhetorics for their persuasive functions.
 Diagnose a community sustainability problem and develop a research-based plan for
an intervention.
 Successfully intervene in a sustainability problem in the community.
 Inform a public about the problem, plan, and consequences of the intervention.
 Analyze a popular sustainability text and assess its opportunities and shortfalls for
contributing to a more sustainable world
Topical outline for course – see attached schedule.
University Honor Code and Academic Honesty Policy: As a University of Georgia
student, you have agreed to abide by the University’s academic honesty policy, “A
Culture of Honesty,” and the Student Honor Code. All academic work must meet the
standards described in “A Culture of Honesty” found at: www.uga.edu/honesty. Lack of
knowledge of the academic honesty policy is not a reasonable explanation for a violation.
Questions related to course assignments and the academic honesty policy should be
directed to the instructor.
g. The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the
class by the instructor may be necessary.
h. Principle course assignments: Each student will complete the following assignments for
a total of 500 points:
Assignments
Due
Points
Discussion Lead Essay
sign up
25
Project Proposal
16-Sep
25
7-Oct
50
Project Plan
30-Oct
50
Project Implementation Report
20-Nov
50
12/2-12/9
25
TBD
25
2 pts/day
50
daily
50
Midterm-multiple-choice/short answer
14-Oct
75
Final Exam-In-class essay
16-Dec
75
Projects/Papers (50%)
Project Assessment Report
Project Class Presentation
Project Component Lead
Participation (30%)
Attendance
Individual participation
Exams (20%)
Total
500
i. Specific course requirements:
Papers/Projects (50%): For detailed assignment descriptions—including exact
requirements and grading rubrics—see eLC.
 Discussion Leader Essay (DLE): For one day during the semester, you will serve
as the discussion leader for that day’s reading. You will write a 1-2 page summary
and analysis of the reading and propose 3-5 discussion questions to help the class
dig into material and related issues. Your essay and questions are to be posted to
eLC 24 hours before class for your colleagues to review before class. Please note,
there will be 2-3 discussion leaders per class session.
 Project proposal: This semester you will work with 3 classmates to address a
community sustainability problem. All assignments associated with the project
will be completed by the group. In this paper, you will make the case that your
chosen site needs a sustainability intervention.
 Project assessment report: For this paper, you will evaluate what sustainability
problems need to be addressed on your site and use research to explain why the
problems will continue to occur if a solution is not devised.
 Project plan: For this paper, you will devise a research-based plan for how to
intervene in the sustainability problem(s) you outlined in the assessment report.
 Project implementation report: After you have carried out your intervention plan,
you will write a report detailing the results of your project.


Project class presentation: Your group will share your project and major findings
with the class near the end of the semester.
Project component lead: You will serve as the component leader for one of the
written project components (proposal, assessment report, plan, or implementation
report). Your grade for this assignment will be the same percentage that your
group earned on the paper. For example, if you are the lead on the assessment
report and your group earned 40/50 (80%), then you would earn 20/25 (80%) for
this assignment.
Exams: (30%)
 Midterm Exam: For your midterm exam, you will illustrate your knowledge and
understanding of ideas and concepts discussed from the first day of class through
October 2. Exams will not only cover material from lecture and readings, but from
DLE posted to eLC. The midterm will consist of multiple choice, true/false, and short
answer questions.
 Final Exam: For your final exam, you use concepts from class to write a book critique
of either No Impact Man or All You Need is Less.
Participation (20%):
 Attendance: You will earn 2 points for each day you come to class on time, stay
throughout the class session, and remain on-task throughout the session. You will not
earn the points if you are late or have to leave early. You will also fail to earn points
if you are engaged with technology that does not relate to the course (i.e.
email/facebook on laptop, using phone, etc.). We will meet 31 times throughout the
semester. You only need to attend and stay on task during 25 classes to earn 100% of
the attendance points. It is your responsibility to sign-in. If you forget to sign-in, you
will not earn the points.
 Individual Contribution: I believe the best learning occurs in an engaging and
engaged classroom. That said, I have done my best to assign engaging material and
will do my best to engage you in discussion. As such, I ask that you do your best to
be engaged during each class session. In order to be an engaged participant in your
own learning, you must come to class prepared each day. If you have trouble with the
reading, bring specific questions. If you disliked the reading, bring points you would
like the raise. In other words, come to each class session with something smart and
thoughtful to say about the reading. The grading rubric for in-class participation can
be found on eLC as well.
j. Grading Policy:
Grading Schema
A 465-500
A- 450-464
B+ 440-449
B 415-439
B- 400-414
C+ 390-399
C 365-389
C- 350-364
D 300-349
F <300
k. Attendance Policy: Your regular attendance is encouraged. In fact, your regular
attendance is required for success as 10% of your grade will be earned through attendance
points. However, this course does not have an attendance policy. Please note that if you
should you miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain missed materials from a classmate,
not the instructor. Also, keeping accurate records of your attendance is your responsibility. I
will pass around a sign-up sheet at the beginning of each class period. It is your responsibility
to sign-in every day.
Tardiness is not appropriate and will not be tolerated. Ensure that you allow yourself
enough time to be in class before it begins. Additionally, leaving class early is strongly
discouraged. If you are more than 5 minutes late to class, you will be counted as absent.
Also, if you leave class early, you will be counted as absent. Moral of the story—come to
class on time and expect to stay throughout the period.
Excused Absences: Occasionally, a student may miss an assignment due date or have an
extra absence for which they will not be penalized. There are five standards by which I
determine if an absence is excused. Before asking me for an exemption, however, be
certain that your situation conforms to every one of the following criteria:
a. The absence must be unexpected. There was no way you could prepare for it or
plan ahead.
b. The circumstances of your absence must be beyond your control.
c. The nature of your excuse must be serious: a death or medical crisis in your
immediate family; onset of an incapacitating illness; or severe accident.
d. If you are physically able, you must contact your instructor or leave a message
prior to the time that you are expected to give a speech or complete an
assignment.
e. You must be able to document your excuse in writing. A note from the University
Health Center that says that you were seen does not count. You will need a note
that says you are unable to attend class. Please note that University Health
Services will not provide you with an excuse note unless you were hospitalized.
l. Required course material:
Book Title: The Sustainability Transformation...
Author: Alan AtKisson
Edition: n/a
ISBN:1849712441
Book Title: Environmental Communication and the Public Sphere
Author: J. Robert Cox
Edition: 3rd
ISBN: 1412992095
And one of the following two options:
Book Title: No Impact Man...
Author: Colin Beavan
Edition: n/a
ISBN: 0312429835
Book Title: All You Need Is Less...
Author: Madeleine Somerville
Edition: n/a
ISBN: 1936740796
m. Policy for make-up exams: Two exams are scheduled on the syllabus. Students are
expected to take the exams on the dates assigned. (See also the Final Exam Policy).
Make up exams are allowed for full credit for excused absences with proper
documentation. Students may make up their exam when they are absent due to a
university sanctioned activity where prior notice has been provided, an emergency which
has been documented through their advisor or Student Affairs, or an illness which has
been verified in writing from your private physician or the University Health Services
center. In the case of illness, you must get a note from either your private physician or
from the University Health Services signed by a clinician (Not a Health Services Nurse)
that says something to the effect: “In my opinion, this student should be in classes today
and/or tomorrow (specify the particular date[s] involved).” Typically, a private physician
or clinician will write a note for an illness for one or two days. However, if your illness
lingers, you will need to recheck with the private physician or clinician and request an
additional note to document your absence. The note does not have to indicate the
specifics of your illness, but that the physician or clinician does not think you are well
enough to attend class.
Make up exams are not allowed without proper documentation. Make-up exams are not
allowed for any type of unexcused absences, including missing class to study for a test,
oversleeping, not being ready to take the exam, or having to work at an outside job. You
will receive a ZERO for that exam.
Final Exam Policy: The final exam will be given at the assigned time. The final exam
will NOT be given early or at a different time unless changed by the University. There
are no exceptions to this policy. Please mark your calendars and make your travel plans
based on the final exam times noted below:
December 16, 2014: 12-3pm
n. Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy: The University of Georgia (“the
University”) is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work
and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents’
policy, and University policy, the University prohibits any member of the faculty, staff,
administration, student body, volunteers or visitors to campus, whether they be guests,
patrons, independent contractors, or clients, from harassing and/or discriminating against any
other member of the University community because of that person’s race, sex (including
sexual harassment), sexual orientation, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, disabled
status, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. Incidents of harassment
and discrimination will be met with appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including
dismissal from the University.
o. Learning Accommodations: Any students who need special accommodations for
learning or who have particular needs are invited to share these concerns or requests with me
as soon as possible. The Disability Resource Center (542-8719, Clark Howell Hall) provides
written documentation that specifies the needed modifications (i.e., note taker, extra time for
tests) to the instructor.
p. Policy on Responsibility and Accountability: The instructor considers students to be
individuals who are responsible for their own behaviors. Students are expected to make
decisions with an awareness of the consequences which will most likely result from these
decisions. Decision-making without considering the resulting consequences is not justifiable
behavior if the consequences put the student’s academic efforts at risk. In other words, if you
enroll in the class, you are obligated to meet the responsibilities of this class, regardless of
other commitments, including work, family, and other class obligations.
q. Policy on Civility, Interaction Decorum and Conduct: Students are expected to
communicate in a civil manner in their academic interaction at all times, both in and out of
the classroom. This means that interactions are to be carried out in a polite, courteous, and
dignified manner, which is respectful and understanding toward both peers and professors.
Failure to behave in a civil manner may result in disciplinary actions as described by the
Student Conduct Code.
Because this is a performance-based course, laptops are not permitted. However,
because this is a class on sustainability, we may revise this policy if needed.
Because it is very difficult to engage with class material when you are engaged in
conversations with those not in our class, use of phones is not permitted during class
unless a) emergency or b) necessary for completing assigned task. Each time I see you
using your cell phone when it is not necessary, you will be marked absent.
r. Late Assignments: I collect all assignments at the beginning of the class period. Any
assignments handed-in after I initially collect them will be considered late. If an assignment
is late, you will receive ½ credit for your work. If you are sick the day an assignment is due,
please have a friend or roommate drop the assignment off to my office. If you are sick and
do not turn in the assignment, it will be considered late. I only accept late assignments one
week past the assignment’s original due date.
s. Grievance Procedure: Occasionally, students are unsatisfied with some dimension of the
course. If you have a concern at any time during the course, please come speak with me
directly either during office hours, by appointment, or via email.
If you want to appeal a grade, the department policy is that you must make the grade
appeal in writing to me. Prepare and submit a typed argument indicating what your
specific appeal is and what grade you believe you deserved. Turn in the appeal before or
after class, during office hours, or at a scheduled appointment within one week of the
grade being returned. If you have employed these measures and are still dissatisfied, or
feel that an appropriate resolution may not be reached by working with me, then I
encourage you to contact the Dr. Barbara Biesecker, Communication Studies Department
Chair. She will also need a written grade appeal in order to help you.
Tentative Schedule
Date
Topic/Activities
Reading
Due
19-Aug Intro to the Class/examine syllabus
21-Aug What is sustainability? Does it matter?
AtKisson: ix-23
AtKisson: 25-63
DLE1/Project groups
formed
DLE2
AtKisson: 65-84
Cox-1-32
DLE3
DLE4
9-Sep What does "environment" mean?
11-Sep Constructing "the environment"
Cox: 39-53
Cox: 59-76
DLE5
DLE6
16-Sep News media framing
18-Sep Social media and the environment
Cox: 143-169
Cox: 177-201
Project Proposal Due
DLE7
23-Sep Constructing advocacy campaigns
25-Sep Green marketing and corporate campaigns
Cox: 209-238
Cox: 283-310
DLE8
DLE9
30-Sep Solving a very big problem
2-Oct Using money to go green
AtKisson: 85-106
AtKisson: 107-132
DLE10
DLE11
26-Aug Introduction to Sustainability
28-Aug Is hope possible?
2-Sep Neglect or murder?
4-Sep Introduction to Environmental Comm
Project Assessment
Report Due
7-Oct Viewing of Green visual products
9-Oct Viewing of Green visual products
14-Oct Midterm Exam
16-Oct AtKisson's compass
AtKisson:133-158
DLE12
21-Oct Sustainability ideas
23-Oct The journey of a sustainability idea
AtKisson: 159-188
AtKisson: 189-214
DLE13
DLE14
28-Oct How to change a very difficult world
30-Oct Building a force for a sustainable future
AtKisson: 215-244
AtKisson: 245-275
DLE15
Project Plan Due
No Impact Man/All you Need is Less Book
4-Nov Clubs
No Impact Man/All you Need is Less Book
6-Nov Clubs
Beavan: 133/Somerville: xv70
Beavan: 3572/Somerville: 71125
No Impact Man/All you Need is Less Book
11-Nov Clubs
Beavan: 73105/Somerville:
127-177
No Impact Man/All you Need is Less Book
13-Nov Clubs
Beavan: 107191/Somerville:179233
No Impact Man/All you Need is Less Book
18-Nov Clubs
Beavan: 193224/Somerville:225257
The promise and perils of pop
20-Nov sustainability literature
Nov. 24-28: Thanksgiving Break
2-Dec Project Presentations
4-Dec Project Presentations
9-Dec Project Presentations/Review for Final
10-Dec Reading Day
Final Exam 12-3pm - In-class critique of
16-Dec book
Project Report Due
Project Presentation
Project Presentation
Project Presentation