COM 101 Introduction to Rhetoric and Communication
Spring 2015, MWF 10:30 - 11:35 pm, Burnett 003
Anthony Fleury, Ph.D., Dept. of Communication Arts, Washington & Jefferson College
Appointment calendar: https://www.timetrade.com/book/3RBL1
DESCRIPTION: This course is an introduction to communication as a field and rhetoric as a
discipline. Rhetoric began over two thousand years ago as the study of citizenship through oral
persuasion, and in the past century has broadened into an examination of how humans shape social
realities through the use of symbols. The course also introduces students to theories that contradict the
common perception of communication as information exchange, or language as a transparent medium
for ideas. Instead, communication is investigated as a central human activity that simultaneously opens
and closes doors of possibility.
COM 101 is required for the major in Communication Arts and is an option for the minor in
Communication Arts. It can also be counted toward the Professional Writing minor or concentration,
and the Conflict and Resolution Studies concentration.
TEXTBOOK: Palczewski, Catherine, Richard Ice, and John Fritch. Rhetoric in Civic Life. State
College PA: Strata, 2012.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students develop skills in reading, oral communication, and teamwork by participating
regularly and purposefully in oral group discussions, particularly about different models
of communication.
Students develop skills in intercultural knowledge, civic engagement, and global thinking
by defining and explaining differences between models of communication.
Students develop skills in written communication and civic engagement by reflecting on
the relationship between rhetoric and democracy.
Students develop skills in critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and inquiry and analysis by
composing a written analysis of arguments about the relationship between rhetoric and
social identity.
Students develop skills in inquiry and analysis, problem solving, and information literacy
by composing a rhetorical situation analysis of a communication event.
COMMUNICATION ARTS MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Department of
Communication Arts is to graduate citizens determined to build productive lives and vibrant
communities through skilled communication, artful performance, and purposeful collaboration.
Practice in the ancient disciplines of rhetoric and theatre, as well as the recent arts of radio and cinema,
can develop habits of perception and expression that guide one toward the rewards of human
communication.
GRADING (criteria posted in Sakai):
Participation
20%
2
Presentation
DPMA Paper
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
20%
10%
20%
30%
After selected class meetings featuring discussion, and after selected written discussions conducted on
Sakai (if any), selected students receive a score for that session, based on criteria listed below.
Your end-of-term class discussion grade will be determined based on the average of these scores.
7 You are well prepared for class and it shows. You make numerous attempts to contribute. You ask
questions directly of other participants beyond answering instructor questions. Your contributions
demonstrate careful, complex reflection on the materials and topics for study. You actively listen and
encourage others in their participation through positive nonverbal feedback.
6 You show evidence of being prepared. You make several attempts to contribute comments or
questions. You actively listen and encourage others in their participation through positive nonverbal
feedback.
5 You show some evidence of preparation. You participate when called upon. You appear to actively
listen and are supportive of other participants in the discussion.
4 or 3 You show little evidence of preparation. You are unable to respond to questions or do so with
difficulty. You do not appear to be an active listener. You do not appear to support other participants
through positive nonverbal behaviors.
2 to 0 You do not appear to actively listen. Your verbal and/or nonverbal feedback to others is blank,
aggressive, or disrespectful.
0 You are absent.
POLICIES: Verifiable disabilities that affect course performance will be accommodated—let me
know as soon as possible. Follow all Washington & Jefferson College Regulations in the College
Catalog, including those regarding Class Attendance, Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct, and
Incomplete Grades and Grade Changes. Plagiarism or cheating will result in no grade for an
assignment and may be grounds for failing the course. Rude or inappropriately behaving students will
be dismissed from the room. Turn off electronic devices unless instructed otherwise. Do not wear a
cap or hat with a bill covering your eyes during class sessions. Do not wear sunglasses (exceptions
made with medical documentation). Wear appropriate attire. Excessive absenteeism and/or repeated
tardiness may be grounds for failing the course.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (Read assigned material before session):
W 28 JAN
Welcome
F 30 JAN
Rhetoric in Civic Life (RCL) Ch 1 “Rhetoric as Symbolic Action”
M 2 FEB
RCL Ch 1 “Rhetoric as Symbolic Action”
W 4 FEB
RCL Ch 6 “Rhetors”
F 6 FEB
RCL Ch 6 “Rhetors”
M 9 FEB
RCL Ch 7 “Audiences”
W 11 FEB
RCL Ch 7 “Audiences”
3
F 13 FEB
M 16 FEB
RCL Ch 7 “Audiences”
RCL Ch 8 “Rhetorical Situations”
DPMA Paper Opportunity 1: Safe Zone Training, 7:00-9:00 pm
W 18 FEB
RCL Ch 8 “Rhetorical Situations”
F 20 FEB
RCL Ch 8 “Rhetorical Situations”
Su 22 FEB
DPMA Paper Opportunity 2: Beyond Beats and Rhymes, 6:00-8:00 pm. Media Room
M 23 FEB
RCL Ch 9 “Publics and Counterpublics”
W 25 FEB
RCL Ch 9 “Publics and Counterpublics”
F 27 FEB
RCL Ch 9 “Publics and Counterpublics”
M 2 MAR
Midterm review
W 4 MAR
MIDTERM EXAM
Th 5 MAR
DPMA Paper Opportunity 3: Vagina Monologues, 7:00 pm, The Alley
F 6 MAR
Resumes
DPMA Paper Opportunity 3: Vagina Monologues, 7:00 pm, The Alley
M 9 MAR
Resume workshop, bring 3 copies
W 11 MAR Skim: Pecha Kucha; Read: Death By PPT; The End of PPT; Get to the PPT
F 13 MAR
Submit revised resume in dropbox
SPRING BREAK
M 23 MAR Pecha Kucha
W 25 MAR Pecha Kucha
F 27 MAR
PRESENTATIONS: Pecha Kucha
Su 29 MAR DPMA Paper Opportunity 4: Gender Identity, 6:00-8:00 pm, Media Room
M 30 MAR PRESENTATIONS: Pecha Kucha
W 1 APR
PRESENTATIONS: Pecha Kucha
F 3 APR
PRESENTATIONS: Pecha Kucha
M 6 APR
RCL Ch 2 “Language”
W 8 APR
RCL Ch 2 “Language”
Th 9 APR
DPMA Paper Opportunity 5: TED Lecture: Eytan Millstone, 7:00-8:30 pm, Ballroom
F 10 APR
RCL Ch 2 “Language”
M 13 APR
RCL Ch 3 “Visual Rhetoric”
W 15 APR
RCL Ch 3 “Visual Rhetoric”
F 17 APR
RCL Ch 3 “Visual Rhetoric”
M 20 APR
RCL Ch 4 “Argument”
W 22 APR
RCL Ch 4 “Argument”
F 24 APR
RCL Ch 4 “Argument”
M 27 APR
RCL Ch 5 “Narrative”
W 29 APR
RCL Ch 5 “Narrative”
F 1 MAY
RCL Ch 5 “Narrative”
M 4 MAY
Final exam review
Sat 9 MAY FINAL EXAM (9:00 am – 12:00 pm)