COMS 3312-Putnam
Public Address
COMS 3312
Mon-Wed-Fri 9:00 – 9:50 am
Room FA 295A
Fall 2007
Instructor:
Office:
Phone:
Email:
Office Hrs:
Web Site:
Texts:
Mr. Mike Putnam
FA 295D, Mailbox 19107
817-272-0728 (office) It is usually best to use e-mail
mputnam@uta.edu
10:00-11:00 am Mon-Wed-Fri; and 11:00 to 11:30 Tues. & Thurs. and by appointment
http://www.uta.edu/faculty/mputnam
An Introduction to Rhetorical Communication, J. McCroskey, 9th
Course Description: To draw on both classical rhetorical theory and contemporary social science to
provide a coherent introduction to the study of rhetorical communication. Since speech is the primary
means of communicating ideas, this course will provide a method for evaluating important contemporary
messages and offer the student a set of guidelines for developing a critical perspective.
Student Learning Outcomes:
• To trace the history of rhetorical communication and its practitioners
• To provide an overview of the elements inherent in rhetorical communication
• To develop an awareness for the important of audience attitude and change
• To explain the rhetorical thought process appropriate for persuasive communication
 To explain the importance of nonverbal communication as part of the rhetorical message.
 To provide insight into the significance of recognizing cultural diversity in messages
 To provide awareness of the message preparation process; from preliminary considerations, to
invention, through disposition, and use of style.
 To discuss similarities in differences in informative versus persuasive messages.
 To analyze effective introductions and conclusions of rhetorical messages.
 To provide insight into effective delivery modes given the goal of the message.
 To discuss the role of ethical considerations as part of rhetorical communication.
Tentative Schedule:
Date
Event
Reading
8-27
Introduction to course
Buy Text/Visit Website
8-29 & 31
Critically Analyzing a Speech
9-3
Labor Day—no class
9-5 & 7
The Rhetorical Tradition
Chapter 1
9-10/14
The Nature of Rhetorical Communication
Chapter 2
9-17 & 19
Message Preparation: Preliminary Considerations
Chapter 9
9-21
Informative Messages
Chapter 10
9-24
Test #1 (Chapters 1, 2, 9, and Critically Analyzing a Speech)
9-26
Message Preparation: Invention
Chapter 11
9-28
Message Preparation: Invention and Disposition
Chaps. 11 & 12
10-1
Message Preparation: Disposition
Chapter 12
10-3/8
Message Preparation: Style
Chapter 13
Review and Discuss the Zell Miller Speech/Paper Assignment (10-3)
10-10
Introducing and Concluding Messages in Rhetorical Communication
Chapter 14
10-12
Miller Style paper due on October 12
10-12/17
Message Presentation: Oral Delivery
Chapter 15
View student speeches for oral delivery critique paper
10-19
The Nature of the Receiver: Attitude Formation and Change
Chapter 4
10-22
Student Oral Delivery Critique paper due on October 22
COMS 3312-Putnam
10-22 & 24
10-26
10-20/11-2
11-5/9
11-12
11-14 & 16
11-19
11-21
11-23
11-26 & 28
11-30
12-3/7
12-12
The Nature of the Receiver: Attitude Formation and Changer
Test #2 (Chapters 10-14 plus lecture notes)
Ethos: A Dominant Factor in Rhetorical Communication
The Nature of Persuasive Argument
Discuss the persuasive fundraising letter paper assignment
Test #3 (Chapters 4, 5, 15 and lecture notes)
Diversity and Culture
Discuss and review the Malcolm X speech
Nonverbal Communication
Help Day for the Persuasive Fundraising Letter paper
Thanksgiving Holiday—no class
Nonverbal Communication
Persuasive Fundraising letter paper due on November 26
Help Day for Malcolm X paper
Ethics and Rhetorical Communication
Malcolm X paper due on December 3)
Test #4 (Chapters 6, 7, 8, 16 and lecture notes)
(8:00 am last test time)
Grading:
Test #1
Test #2
Test #3
Test #4
Zell Miller Style Paper
Student Delivery Critique Paper
Persuasive Fundraising Letter Paper
Malcolm X Paper
Class Participation/Activities
A= 100-90% B= 89-80%
C= 79-70%
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 8
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Chapter 16
10%
15%
10%
15%
10%
5%
15%
10%
10%
100%
D= 69-60%
At the end of the semester I will add up the scores you have earned to determine your final grade. If
problems arise during the semester that require you to miss a significant portion of class, it is your
responsibility to get word to me. I don't want to know your personal business, but I need to know
if you ever plan on returning to class. Don't miss 10-15 classes and then come to me and say you
want to make up a test, a paper, and several in-class exercises. If you don't keep me informed, don't
expect me to be sympathetic. I will not commit academic fraud by simply giving away a grade that
was not earned. Nor will I give a student an "extra credit" assignment after the semester has ended.
If you have concerns with your grade or performance, please talk with me during the semester; when
we can do something about your effort to help you earn the grade you want
Missed exams and papers can be made up fully only with a legitimate excuse. Something like being
held hostage by alien beings from another galaxy would qualify as legitimate. But being too busy,
over-sleeping, having to work, or similar type excuses are tragic, indeed, but not legitimate enough to
miss an assignment without penalty. Penalties for late exams and papers are 15% from whatever
score you earn.
Missed class participation/attendance/class activities cannot be made up. No excuse--no matter how
legitimate--can make up for the fact of not being in class. We will have occasional activities in class
that will contribute to this 15% of your course grade. Attending class and being an active participant
COMS 3312-Putnam
is the way to earn this portion of your grade. Missing class and/or failing to get involved in the class
discussion may significantly lower this portion of your course grade.
Academic Dishonesty: It is the philosophy of UTA that academic dishonesty is a completely
unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. Al persons involved in academic
dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline
may include suspension or expulsion from the University. Regents' Rules and Regulations, Series
50101, Section 2.2 reads "scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism,
collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributed in whole or in part to
another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage
to a student or the attempt to commit such acts."
Bomb Threats: If anyone is tempted to call in a bomb threat, be aware that UTA will make every
effort to trace that call and prosecute all responsible parties. Every effort will be made to avoid
cancellation of presentations/tests caused by bomb threats. Unannounced alternate sites will be
available for these classes. I will make you aware of alternative class sites in the event that our
classroom is not available.
Drop Policy: It is the responsibility of the student to process the official class drop and add forms.
Faculty/staff cannot drop students from class. This is official UTA policy. That means if you need to
drop the course, you must complete the paperwork--no one else can do that.
Americans With Disabilities Act: UTA is on record as being committed to both the spirit and the
letter of federal equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 92-112--The Rehabilitation Act of
1973 as amended . With the passage of federal legislation entitled Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act , there is renewed focus on providing this
population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens. As a faculty member I am required by
law to provide “reasonable accommodations” to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on
the basis of disability. Student responsibility primarily rests with informing faculty of their need for
accommodation and in providing authorized documentation through designated administration
channels. Information regarding specific diagnostic criteria and policies for obtaining academic
accommodations can be found at www. uta edu/disability. Also, you may visit the Office for Students
with Disabilities in room 102 of University Hall or call them at (817) 272-3364.
Student Support Services: UTA supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect
with the University and achieve academic success. These programs include learning assistance,
developmental education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition, and federally funded
programs. Students requiring assistance academically, personally, or socially should contact the Office
of Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107 for more information and appropriate referrals.
COMS 3312-Putnam