COM 411: INTRODUCTION TO RHETORICAL CRITICSM
FALL 2015--T/TH 11:45-1:00—WINSTON 205
Instructor: Emily Winderman, Ph.D.
Office: Winston 223
Office Hours: Tues/Thurs 9:30-10:30 am and happily by appointment
Email: emwinder@ncsu.edu (Please allow 24 hours for a response)
Office Phone (not preferred!): 919-515-9352
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is an introduction to the critical analysis of rhetoric, designed to enhance the ability
of students to function as effective critics and everyday consumers of public discourse. A variety
of case studies will be used to investigate and apply significant modes of analysis. Students will
learn to describe, interpret, and evaluate rhetorical artifacts (ranging from famous U.S. political
speeches to iconic news images, television shows, and public memorials). In doing so, students
will interrogate rhetorical situations and identify argumentative structures, language choice, tone,
form, and various other rhetorical practices. By the end of the course, students will write a
rhetorical criticism of their chosen artifact. This course is reading, writing, and discussion
intensive.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Understand and justify the purpose of rhetorical criticism.
2. Identify and understand major rhetorical critical perspectives as discussed in class.
3. Demonstrate written evidence of the use of critical analysis as a research method to answer
rhetorical questions.
4. Compare and contrast the questions answered by the various critical views discussed in class.
5. Improve ability to read and synthesize rhetorical texts.
6. Participate in sustained engagement with a rhetorical artifact.
7. Discuss the contextual factors that illuminate meaning in rhetorical texts.
8. How to provide constructive and productive feedback on peer writing
9. Compose a sustained rhetorical criticism, including revision.
10. Interrogate the ethical implications of a rhetorical artifact.
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REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:
1. Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein, They Say, I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing
(Any Edition, but the page numbers on the calendar correspond with the FIRST edition. I believe
the first edition is available on amazon re-sellers for about a quarter!). Please be aware that
readings from this book are indicated with the acronym TSIS on the daily calendar.
2. Additional readings posted to Moodle. This is going to be the bulk of our readings. For
additional comprehension ease, I am requiring that you read and annotate your documents via
hard copy. So please print, hole punch, and organize into a binder of some sort.
Course Assignments
10%
Short Paper 1: Justification and Description of Rhetorical Artifact
You will write a 3-4 page paper justifying and describing the rhetorical artifact you have chosen to
analyze for all your papers for this class. This first paper should accomplish two goals. First, it should
justify the study of the artifact you select in terms of one or more of the following: artistry, socio-political
impact, historical importance, moral/ethical importance, representativeness, or theoretical
informativeness. This paper should be well-researched, using supporting evidence appropriate to the
claim for importance. Second, having established the worthiness of the rhetorical artifact for attention,
you should do a brief descriptive reading of the rhetorical artifact. You should not solely indicate what the
rhetorical artifact says, but you should also try to point to the most distinctive or dominant elements of the
artifact, such as your initial understanding of its purpose, audience, persona, tone, evidence, structure, and
strategies.
A note on your rhetorical artifact: You must approve your choice of artifact with me prior to writing
Paper 1. For the sake of ease of analysis, I strongly encourage you to choose a single speech or other
discreet and complete socio-political artifact (such as one iconic photograph, advertising campaign,
newsmagazine article, television broadcast, or even public building or societal object). See me if you find
yourself interested in something that seems more complex than what is explained here.
15%
Short Paper 2: Contextualization
You will write a 3-4 page paper that describes the relevant historical, political, social, cultural, and/or
immediate contexts of your rhetorical artifact. In most cases, you will want to describe these contexts
before and after the artifact was distributed/circulated/produced. The focus of this analysis will be to setup a later re-reading of the text in terms of a distinctive rhetorical situation. From this analysis we should
have a sense of why the artifact might have come to be and be able to understand what happened
subsequent to it.
15%
Short Paper 3: Methodological Application
You will write a 3-5 page paper that selects one of the critical frameworks from class and applies it to
your selected artifact. You will complete an analysis of your artifact using this methodology in light of the
contextual and significance factors you have previously developed. This may alter your earlier descriptive
reading, or it may amplify it.
2
20%
Final Paper: A Rhetorical Critique
You will write a 12-15 page cohesive rhetorical criticism of your rhetorical artifact. You may use pieces
of papers 1-3 that are relevant and revised. Your aim should be to produce an essay that not only applies
what you have learned this semester, but also is an essay that your classmates (and maybe even scholars
in the discipline of rhetoric) would find valuable to read.
15%
Reading Guides (RG’s)
Throughout the course of the semester, you will complete fifteen TYPED reading guides to be
submitted in hard copy. These are designed to help you focus your reading in a productive way.
There are nineteen opportunities to reach fifteen total. For each RG beyond fifteen completed,
five extra credit points are earned. The 20 possible extra credit points will be applied to the RG
grade and only until it hits the maximum of 150 points. I will automatically take your highest
fifteen into consideration when computing the final grade. A template is posted to Moodle and
we will discuss how to complete the assignment on the second day of class. Because of the inclass nature of RG use and the multiple opportunities to reach fifteen, students who are
absent or more than fifteen minutes late to class are not eligible to earn points for that day
regardless of excused absences.
10%
Mid-Term Exam:
For your midterm exam, you will illustrate your knowledge and understanding of ideas and
concepts discussed from the first day of class through September 29th. The midterm will likely
consist of multiple choice, true/false, identification, and short answer questions. We will have an
opportunity to review for the exam the class period before it is administered.
10%
Homeworks:
Throughout the semester, there will be homework assignments that are designed to help prepare
you to write the short papers. In addition to selecting an artifact on time (20 points), you will
complete a Context Worksheet (20 points) that will help to assist your composition of short
paper #2. For the second and third short papers and the final paper, there will be peer review
opportunities (3 @ 20 points) to solicit and receive feedback on drafts of your paper. Detailed
assignment guidelines for each will be posted to Moodle.
5%
Diagnostic Writing Assignments
Towards the beginning of the semester, there will be the opportunity to complete two 2-3 page
diagnostic writing assignments: “What is Rhetoric?” (25 points) and the “Free Speech Tunnel
Material Analysis” (25 points). These assignments serve two purposes. First, they provide you a
low-stakes way to better understand my grading criteria. Second, they help me better develop
our lessons to cater to your strengths and provide opportunities for growth. Work hard on these
assignments, but do not stress!
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Assignments
Papers (65%)
1. Description/Justification
2. Context Paper
3. Analysis Paper
4. Final Paper
What is Rhetoric?
Tunnel Analysis
Reading Guides (15%)
Reading Guides (15@ 10 pts)
Homeworks (10%)
Artifact Selection
Context Worksheet
Peer Review Letter #1
Peer Review Letter #2
Peer Review Letter #3
Exam (10%)
Mid Term Exam
Date
Due
Points
24-Sep
20-Oct
24-Nov
8-Dec
25-Aug
15-Sep
100
150
150
200
25
25
Daily
150
17-Sep
1-Oct
15-Oct
19-Nov
3-Dec
20
20
20
20
20
6-Oct
100
Total
1000
Course Policies & Classroom Community Guidelines
ABSENCE POLICY:
Per University regulations, excused absences must fall into one of two categories: sanctioned anticipated
situations and documented emergency situations. Anticipated situations (e.g., participation in official
University functions, court attendance, religious observances, or military duty) must be submitted in
writing at the beginning of the semester or one week prior to the anticipated absence. Emergency
absences (e.g., student illness, injury or death of immediate family member, must be documented by the
Student Organization Resource Center 515-3323) within one week following the emergency. Make-up
work will be allowed only in situations where absences were excused. Please consult the following
website for further information on University attendance regulations:
http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-20-03
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A NOTE ABOUT COURSE CLIMATE AND COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY:
Most likely, this course will result in the questioning of assumptions that many believe are beyond
question. And some discussions or assignments may make students feel uncomfortable. But college is
not about being comfortable. In fact, learning of any kind should involve challenging assumptions and
necessarily includes feelings of discomfort. At the same time, however, it is essential that we all work
together to create a safe course climate of respect and civility as we share our thoughts and feelings.
Constructive responses to each other are expected, but disrespect of any kind—including discriminatory
speech or actions that promote a hostile environment with respect to race, sex, gender, sexual orientation,
national identity, religion or (dis)ability—will not be tolerated. At the beginning of the semester, we will
collectively discuss and create classroom discussion guidelines that meet each of these expectations.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
Strict standards of academic honesty will be enforced according to the University policy on academic
integrity found in the code of student conduct. NC State Students are bound to an honor code, which
states: “I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment." It is my
understanding and expectation that a student's signature on any test or assignment means that you have
neither given nor received unauthorized aid. Please consult the following website for further details on
student conduct: http://studentconduct.ncsu.edu/
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA):
Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take
advantage of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at
1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653. For more information on NC State's policy on
working with students with disabilities, please see http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-20-01
INCOMPLETE AND LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
Points earned for incomplete assignments will be reduced in proportion to the degree to which the
assignment was completed. For example, an exam requiring three essays, with only one essay completed,
will earn one third of the essay point total. Points earned for late assignments will be reduced by 50% if
received within 24 hours of due date and time due. Assignments received later will not be accepted unless
in accordance with the excused absence policy as referenced above.
INCOMPLETE GRADE POLICY:
Students will not be given a temporary grade of IN (incomplete) unless they have attended classes
regularly for most of the semester, have completed at least 60% of required work, have missed required
work as a result of factors beyond their control, and have submitted satisfactory documentary evidence.
An IN grade not removed by the end of the next semester in which the student is enrolled or by the end of
twelve months, whichever is earlier, will automatically become an F (unless the student can present a
compelling, well-documented case for the extension). For the NC State policy on grading and IN grades,
see http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-50-03
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CREDIT ONLY POLICY:
Requirements for Credit-Only: In order to receive a grade of S, students are required to take all exams
and quizzes, complete all assignments, and earn a grade of C- or better. Credit-Only courses can only be
included under the Free Elective category of the student’s curriculum. Conversion from letter grading to
credit only (S/U) grading is subject to university deadlines. Refer to the Registration and Records
calendar for deadlines related to grading. For more details refer to:
http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-20-15
AUDIT POLICY:
Requirements for Auditors: Auditors must consult with the instructor. For details refer to:
http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-20-04
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:
NC State University provides equality of opportunity in education and employment for all students and
employees. Accordingly, NC State affirms its commitment to maintain a work environment for all
employees and an academic environment for all students that is free from all forms of discrimination.
Discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or
sexual orientation is a violation of state and federal law and/or NC State University policy and will not be
tolerated. Harassment of any person (either in the form of quid pro quo or creation of a hostile
environment) based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or
sexual orientation also is a violation of state and federal law and/or NC State University policy and will
not be tolerated. Retaliation against any person who complains about discrimination is also prohibited.
NC State’s policies and regulations covering discrimination, harassment, and retaliation may be accessed
at http://policies.ncsu.edu/policy/pol-04-25-05.
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. Office Hours are my favorite parts of being an instructor because I get to know you all better
while talking about subjects that I love most (rhetoric!). Please visit me during the scheduled times or email me for an alternative appointment.
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 Dr. Elizabeth Craig, Associate Head and Director of Undergraduate Affairs in
the Department of Communication. She will also need a written account of your case to assist you.
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GRADING SCALE:
Letter
Grade
Percentage
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD
F
93 - 100
90 - 92.9
88 - 89.9
83 - 87.9
80 - 82.9
78 - 79.9
73 - 77.9
70 - 72.9
60 - 69.9
Below 60
STUDENT RESOURCES:
Writing and Speaking Tutorial Services: http://tutorial.ncsu.edu/wsts
Academic Policies: www.ncsu.edu/policies/sitemap.php#acad-pols_regs
University Career Center: http://www.ncsu.edu/career/
Disability Services Office (DSO): http://www.ncsu.edu/dso/
Adverse Weather: Complete information about adverse weather policies is available at
http://www.ncsu.edu/human_resources/benefits/leave/adverseweather.php
Check email, news, the NCSU home page, or call 513-8888 for the latest information.
CODE OF CONDUCT:
All students at North Carolina State University (NC State) are responsible for conducting themselves in a
manner that helps enhance an environment of learning in which the rights, dignity, worth, and freedom of
each member of the academic community are respected. Violations of campus or University policies,
rules or regulations, or federal, state, or local law may result in a violation of the Code of Student Conduct
and imposition of sanctions. For more information please view http://policies.ncsu.edu/policy/pol-11-3501.
CHASS CAREER SERVICES:
Explore career options related to your major, make decisions about your major or minor, build resumes
and cover letters, prepare for interviews, develop internship/ job search strategies, maximize career fairs,
and more. Use ePACK to make an appointment with your career counselor -- Jane Matthews or Woody
Catoe -- through ePACK at ncsu.edu/epack. Career Development Center – careers.ncsu.edu.
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Wk Day
Date Topics to Cover
1
20Aug
TH
Reading Due
Assignment Due
Course Intro/Claiming an
Education
Unit #1: What Can Rhetoric Be?
2
TU
25Aug
What Can Rhetoric Be?
TRA ch.1 & TSIS p. 141155
What is Rhetoric?
Due
TH
27Aug
Why Critique Rhetoric & Unit #2
Overview
Parrish, "Study of
Speeches"& TSIS pp .1-15
RG1
Unit #2: Modes and Mediums of Rhetoric
3
4
5
TU
1Sep
Textual Artifacts
Lucas, "Stylistic Artistry"
RG2
TH
3Sep
Mediated Artifacts
Ott & Aoki, "Matthew
Shephard"
RG3
TU
8Sep
Visual Artifacts
Gallagher & Zagacki,
"Visibility & Rhetoric"
RG4
TH
10Sep
Material Artifacts
Blair, "Material"
RG5
TU
15Sep
So what? Who Cares? Describing
and Justifying Artifact
TRA CH 2 & TSIS pp. 92101
Free Speech
Tunnel Analysis
Due
TH
17Sep
Writing Workshop #1:
Constructing Strong Arguments
TSIS p. 19-51
Artifact Choice
Due
Unit #3: Contextualizing your Rhetorical Artifact
6
TU
22Sep
The Rhetorical Situation
Bitzer, "Rhetorical
Situation"
RG6
TH
24Sep
The Rhetorical Situation or
Ecologies?
Jensen, "Improving Upon
Nature."
RG7 & Paper #1
Due
8
7
8
TU
29Sep
Contextualization Example #1
Harold & DeLuca,
"Behold the Corpse."
RG8
TH
1Oct
Writing Workshop #2/MidTerm
Review
TSIS p.19-51
Context
Worksheet
TU
6Oct
Mid Term Exam
TH
8Oct
No Class- Fall Break!
Unit #4: Critical Frameworks for Analysis
9
10
11
12
TU
13Oct
Framework Overview & NeoAristotelian Criticism
Forbes Hill, "Conventional
Wisdom"
RG9
TH
15Oct
Close Textual Analysis
Leff & Mohrman,
"Lincoln at Cooper Union"
RG 10 & Peer
Review Letter Due
TU
20Oct
Genre Criticism
Campbell & Jamieson,
"Form & Genre"
RG 11 & Paper #2
Due
TH
22Oct
Metaphor Criticism
Jensen, "Mixed
Metaphor."
RG12
TU
27Oct
Ideological Criticism
Black, "Second Persona."
RG 13
TH
29Oct
Pathos & the Ideological
Rhetorical Critic
Condit, "Pathos in
Criticism."
RG 14
TU
3Nov
Constitutive Rhetoric
Charland, "Constitutive
Rhetoric."
RG 15
TH
5Nov
Constituting Consumer Subjects
Stein, "1984"
RG 16
9
13
14
15
TU
10Nov
Visual Criticism
Hariman & Lucaites,
"Accidental Napalm"
RG 17
TH
12Nov
Gender Criticism
Stillion Southard, "Sex &
the City"
RG 18
TU
17Nov
Writing Workshop:
TH
19Nov
No Class-NCA conference
Peer Review Letter
Due
TU
24Nov
Peer Review Workshop
Paper #3 Due
TH
26Nov
No Class-Thanksgiving Recess
Unit #5: Tying it All Together
16
TU
1Dec
New Directions: Sound Criticism
TH
3Dec
Tying it All Together:
Connecting the Parts
TU
8Dec
Final Exam Period: 8:00 am11:00a
Goodale, "Sonorous
Envelope"
RG 19
Peer Review Letter
Due
Final Papers Due!
Please note that the course schedule is subject to change with instructor notice.
All TSIS readings are from “They Say I Say.”
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