Course Information:

Title: Rhetorical Theory since 1900
Number: ENG 389-001
Location: MO 204
Time: TR 2:00-3:15
Instructor: Dr. Jeremy Tirrell
Office: MO 161
Office Hours: TR 12:00-2:00 (and by appointment)

Overview:

This course is a survey of the significant works, figures, and trends in rhetoric theory and practice since 1900.

All class members are expected to treat each other with appropriate courtesy, and all coursework is expected to be completed in a thorough, timely fashion. All students must read and understand the policies articulated in this syllabus and sign the course contract in order to remain in the class.

Required Texts:

• Contemporary Perspectives on Rhetoric, Foss, Foss, & Trapp
• Readings in Contemporary Rhetoric, Foss, Foss, & Trapp

Course Policies:

Attendance and Punctuality:

Because this is a workshop and discussion-driven class, class attendance is crucial. Role is taken shortly after class begins. If a student is not present when role is taken, he or she will be counted absent. If there are extraordinary circumstances that will prevent a student from attending class, he or she must contact the instructor beforehand. There is no separate attendance component of the course grade, but any student who misses more than six class meetings will fail the course automatically. Additionally, any work missed because of an absence cannot be made up. The class abides by the maxim that all members of the class should show respect to one another by meeting at designated times and places prepared to work.

Late Work:

Late work is not accepted.

Technology Expectations:

• ability to interact with the course website
• competence with writing software
• a suitable email account checked regularly for course-related business
• a flash drive or other means to backup coursework

Students need not be technological experts to succeed in this course, but digital technology interaction is an aspect of contemporary society, and computer problems are not valid excuses for incomplete work. Practice the core principle of digital data work: redundant backup. Digital technology will fail you; be prepared for that eventuality.

Personal electronic devices (such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.) may be used in the classroom, but please do not answer cell phone calls in class or send/receive texts. Phones should have their ringers turned off, and if a student must take a call, he or she should exit the classroom before doing so. All students are expected to participate in current class activities, and should not become distracted by unrelated computer usage. This course takes place in a computer classroom, but because we live in a technology-rich culture, we all must learn to focus on priority tasks.

Grading:

Grade Disbursement:
Each student will have secure, anonymous access to his or her grades online. Unless otherwise notified, students will receive all grades through this channel.

Grade Components:

Final Course Grades:
This courses uses the plus/minus grading system on final grade reports. The breakdown is as follows:

• 92-100 = A
• 90-91 = A-
• 88-89 = B+
• 82-87 = B
• 80-81 = B-
• 78-79 = C+
• 72-77 = C
• 70-71 = C-
• 68-69 = D+
• 62-67 = D
• 60-61 = D-
• 0-59 = F

Course Learning Outcomes:

After completing this course successfully, students should be able to:

• discuss fluently significant works, figures, and trends in rhetoric theory and practice since 1900
• draw from a vocabulary of rhetorical terminology and apply those terms to a variety of texts
• conduct original, archival, textual, database, and/or internet research that can be used to support arguments
• find, evaluate, and appropriately cite information sources
• construct and present evidence to support a clear and logical argument
• evaluate and analyze claims about a variety of documents as presented in critical articles and other materials

Statement on Academic Integrity:

All UNCW community members are expected to adhere to the guidelines set forth in the UNCW Student Academic Honor Code. Students are expected to produce original work in this course. Collaboration and incorporation of external material and ideas into original work is of course acceptable and necessary, but all writers are ethically obliged to document external sources through appropriate citation practices. If you are uncertain if some element of your work constitutes plagiarism or another honor code violation, please speak with me. The point of any class is to educate, not to punish. Nevertheless, the consequences of honor code violations are appropriately dire. Please consult the UNCW Code of Student Life for more information.

Statement on Services for Students with Disabilities:

I and the university will make every effort to accommodate students with disabilities. If you require accommodations, please make certain to go through the Office of Disability Services, as I can take no action without their guidance. Please make contact as soon as possible, as accommodations cannot be made retroactively.

Statement Regarding Violence and Harassment:

UNCW practices a zero tolerance policy for any kind of violent or harassing behavior. If you are experiencing an emergency of this type contact the police at 911 or UNCW CARE at 962-2273. Resources for individuals concerned with a violent or harassing situation can be located at the UNCW Crisis Resources page.

Statement on Religious Observance Policy

In accordance with NC SL 2010-211, students are entitled to two excused absences for religious observances per academic year. Students must inform the instructor in writing the first week of class if they will miss any classes due to religious observance. Additionally, students should inform the Registrar the first week of class who will then coordinate with the corresponding course instructors. Any absence for religious purposes will be considered unexcused unless a student submits the request in writing the first week to the instructor or Registrar.