COM 271 - Rhetorical Theory

3 Credit Hours

This course introduces the student to the discipline of rhetoric as the theory of human persuasive action. Students study the origins of rhetoric as a discipline in the West, approaches to the design of arguments, and modern theories of human communication that frame persuasion as the foundation of human social action. Coursework will include readings in the philosophy of language and examination of written and spoken texts as specimens of persuasion. In this course, students acquire the theoretical understanding and vocabulary that (i) facilitate their analysis of human communication (ii) heighten awareness of their own subjection to persuasion and (iii) improve their ability to communicate persuasively.

Prerequisite(s): COM 121 or COM 122 with a grade of “C” or better.

Semesters Offered: Spring