COM 303
Rhetorical Perspectives in Organizational Communication
Fall, 2011
TT 1:30-2:45, CGCC 216
Edward Lee Lamoureux
Associate Professor, Department of Communication and Department of Interactive Media
Bradley University
Global Communication Center 315
Peoria IL 61625
Office: (309) 677-2378 Home: 672-5878; Mobile: 635-2605
ell@bradley.edu; AIM/IM: dredleelam; 2nd Life: Professor Beliveau
-Rhetoric is the strategic use of symbols to generate meanings. Studying rhetoric examines how
people are coordinated to get things done via discourses. These studies produce critical
interpretations of how, when, and why discourses are effective and persuasive.
-Organizational rhetoric is the strategic use of symbols to influence the thoughts, feelings, and
behaviors of audiences important to the operation of organizations.
-The course focuses on rhetorical perspectives in five typical and recurring organizational
contexts: identity rhetoric, issues rhetoric, risk rhetoric, crisis rhetoric, and rhetoric for internal
audiences. We will emphasize the ethical dimensions of organizational communication during the
strategic use of discourse.
Goals and Objectives:
The course asks students to read, write, and speak about rhetorical action and ethical dilemmas in
organizational communication. As a result of the class, students will improve their reading,
speaking, and writing skills, as well as their critical thinking abilities, particularly in light of
practical ethical and rhetorical dilemmas presented by everyday organizational communication
challenges.
Requirements and Expectations:
Class attendance is expected and monitored. Students should read and study the textbooks
according to the schedule. College-level writing and speaking will be developed and is expected.
Late written materials lose a full letter grade per 24 hours after the due date/time. Late speaking
assignments merit a zero in the absence of prior arrangements. Scholarly documentation of
sources (MLA) is required.
Grading
Case study applications (papers and oral presentations)
40% of your course grade is based on writing and speaking assignments that analyze and
interpret ethics in organizational communication case studies from a rhetorical perspective.
Templates will be given out for each assignment (as well as the specific reading
assignments/topics). 1/2 the grade will be earned from drafts; the other 1/2 from the completed
papers and oral presentations. No late materials will be accepted. Microsoft Word files via email
for all papers; web pages, PowerPoint, Flash, Prezi or Keyonte files for presentations (materials
AND the presentation will be graded).
Reading Summaries
30% of your course grade is based on text book reading summaries. Summaries are posted to
sakai (not attached), one summary per assigned item. These summaries only "count" for students
who are in class on the target day: be sure to sign the roll sheet at each class.
Examinations
30% of your course grade is based on a midterm and final exam (150 points each)
Special Considerations
-You will sign in each class day. Failure to sign the roll sheet results in “missing” the day (and
credit for materials due that day). 3 “free” days are granted (their value is subtracted from the
base of the final score meaning that perfect attendance merits 45 points extra credit).
-The final exam is Tuesday December 13: 9-11am.
-No early or make-up exams will be arranged for any of the exams. Students with emergencies
must contact Dr. Lamoureux (in person or by phone) before the end of the test period;
accommodations will be made for (only) dire emergencies.
-There is a Sakai site for grades, announcements, and class email. An online syllabus is posted
there.
-Please do not use tobacco products in class. I am distracted by their use and will insist that you
leave if you persist.
-Electronic devices may not be used in class (except during your presentatations
and on special materials review days, as announced). This includes laptop
computers, iPods, iPads, and cell phones. If you wish to take notes, you’ll need
paper and writing instrument. Use of electronics will meet with the suggestion that
you leave.
-I do not use text messaging, so one student each day will be identified as the “designated
emergency text message monitor” and will be asked to leave their cell phone on for this purpose.
You must be registered with BU to serve. Please help me identify this person in a timely fashion
each day.
-All students are responsible to the same syllabus schedule, regardless of outside or BUsponsored activities. I only accept materials early by agreement. Those with documented
university-sponsored activities or illness MAY NOT reserve their three “misses” using those
excuses. Missing assignments in addition to the 3 must be thoroughly documented and
arrangements made BEFORE THE CLASS IN QUESTION in order to qualify for exception. I
expect ALL students to be able to function within the 3 “free” assignments.
-Students with BU-certified learning disabilities should contact me immediately. I’ve often
worked with the BU Learning Resources Center to facilitate learning. However, arrangements
must be made at the start of the term.
-Please do not call (home, 672-5878; cell 635-2605) after 8pm at night unless there is an
emergency. I am often in my office (GCC 315; 677-2378). “Official” office hours are
Tues/Thursday 10:30-11:30 and by appointment.
Policy regarding e-mail communication about grades:
As a matter of the Department of Communication’s policy to protect student privacy and in
accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, questions and concerns
regarding grades must be presented in person or in a written letter. Instructors will not respond
to questions and concerns communicated through e-mail or telephone calls regarding grades.
Policy regarding student absence due to an illness:
When missing classes and related assignments due to an illness, it is the student’s responsibility
to provide documentation to verify the student’s absence due to illness, unless the Office of the
Associate Provost for Student Affairs informs an instructor of the basis for the student’s absence.
Instructors will not call the Health Center or any other source to verify the student’s reason for
absence.
-Plagiarism merits an “F” on the activity and disciplinary action. DON’T copy anyone else’s work
and DO document sources properly.
Grading:
1 Reading, writing, response papers, rough drafts 100
1 Reading, writing, response papers, final papers 100
1 Reading, speaking, response presentations, rough drafts 100
1 Reading, speaking, response presentations, final speech 100
26 Reading summaries 300
1 Midterm exam (text readings and lecture) 150
1 Final exam (text readings and lecture) 150
Total points 1000 points (final total can vary from 1000)
100%-88.5: A 88.4-78.5: B 78.4-68.5: C 68.4-58.5: D <58.5: F
Extra Credit: (15 points each) Read and summarize the May chapters being done by other
students. Summaries of chapters being used for papers are due Oct. 27; Summaries of chapters
being used for speeches are due Nov. 17. NO LATE EXTRA CREDIT SUMMARIES WILL BE
ACCEPTED.
Texts:
Hoffman, Mary, F. and Debra J. Ford. Organizational Rhetoric: Situations and Strategies. Sage,
2010.
May, Steve (ed.) Case Studies in Organizational Communication: Ethical Perspectives and
Practices. Sage, 2006.
Stoner, Mark and Sally Perkins. Making Sense of Messages: A Critical Apprenticeship in
Rhetorical Criticism, Houghton Mifflin, 2005.
Flexible Schedule {subject to revision with notice}
August
25 [day one] Introducing the rhetorical perspective to organizational communication
For class 2: Read and summarize, Hoffman & Ford, chapter 1 & Stoner & Perkins chapters 1 & 2.
30 [day two] Defining the rhetorical and critical perspectives to organizational communication
For class 3: Read and summarize May, chapters 1 & 2.
September
1 [day 3] Ethical challenges, dilemmas, perspectives, and practices in organizational communication.
For class 4: Read and summarize Hoffman & Ford, chapter 3 & Stoner & Perkins chapters 9. Read but do
not summarize: Notes from Donald L. Clark's Rhetoric In Greco-Roman Education: Clark on the Precepts
of Rhetoric, rhetorical invention, arrangement, word choice/style, delivery, memory
6 [day 4] Classical rhetorical fundamentals
For class 5: Read and summarize Stoner & Perkins chapter 10
8 [day 5] Making and sustaining arguments
For class 6: Read and summarize Stoner & Perkins chapter 13. Read but do not summarize notes
on Burke
13 [day 6] Identification
For class 7: Read but do not summarize notes on Perelman
15 [day 7] Values
For class 8: Read and summarize Hoffman & Ford, chapter 3. Read but do not summarize notes
on Bitzer (pt. 1 & pt. 2)
20 [day 8]The Rhetorical Situation
For class 9: Read and summarize Hoffman & Ford, chapter 4.
22 [day 9] Cultural/Critical Approaches
For class 10: Read and summarize Stoner & Perkins chapters 14 & 15.
27 [day 10] Cultural/Critical Approaches
For class 11: Read and summarize Hoffman & Ford, chapter 5.
29 [day 11] Rhetorical analysis of organizational messages
For class 12: Read and summarize Stoner & Perkins chapters 3 & 4.
October
4 [day 12] Rhetorical analysis of organizational messages
For class 14: Read and summarize Stoner & Perkins chapters 5 & 6.
6 [day 13] Midterm Exam (Stoner & Perkins chapters 1, 2, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15; Hoffman &
Ford, chapters 1-4; May chapters 1 &2). Must declare chapters in May/topics for papers and
speech by today.
For class 14: Read and summarize Stoner & Perkins chapter 7.
Fall break
13 [day 14] Evaluating organizational messages
For class 15: Read and summarize Hoffman & Ford chapter 6.
18 [day 15] Identity Creation and Maintenance in Organizations
For class 16: Read and summarize Hoffman & Ford chapter 7.
20 [day 16] Issue management in organizational communication
25 [day 17] Rough Draft of paper due
For class 18: Read and summarize Hoffman & Ford chapter 8; read but do not summarize
"Organizational Discourse and the Appraisal of Occupational Hazards: Interpretive Repertoires,
Heedful Interrelating, and Identity at Work." [.pdf] Clifton Wilson Scott (BU & speech team
alum) & Angela Trethewey
27 [day 18] Risk management in organizational communication
November
1 [day 19] Paper due
For class 20: Read and summarize Hoffman & Ford chapter 10.
3 [day 20] Rhetorical approaches to internal organizational communication
For class 21: Read and summarize Hoffman & Ford epilogue; read but do not summarize notes on
intercultural approaches
8 [day 21] Approaches to organizational communication in global contexts
For class 22: Read and summarize Stoner & Perkins chapter 17. Read but do not summarize IM
250 concept 1 notes
10 [day 22] Approaches to visual organizational communication
15 [day 23] Rough draft of speech due
17 [day 24]
22 [day 25] Speeches
Thanksgiving break
29 [day 26] Speeches
for class 27: Read and summarize "Rhetorical Theory in Managerial Research" [.pdf]
December
1 [day 27] Rhetorical Theory in Managerial Research
6 [day 28]
Tuesday December 13: 9-11am: Final Exam (Stoner & Perkins chapters 3-7, & 17;
Hoffman & Ford, chapters 5-Epilogue.