Principles of Rhetoric
English 210

Course Materials

Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student, 4th ed., Corbett and Connors
The Sophists, Harold Barrett

Principles of Rhetoric studies one of the oldest disciplines in the Western world. Students will read important works in the history of rhetoric which deal with the theories of invention, arrangement, style, and delivery, and learn how to apply these theories to their contemporary discourse communities. They will study the classical model of the composing process in detail which they will apply to a variety of writing tasks throughout the semester.

This is a Liberal Studies course in the Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry distribution block. this particular course has as its thematic focus, Valuing the Diversity of Human Experience.

Throughout this course, students will have opportunities to explore and compare the traditions, history, and conventions of the classical period with the traditions, conventions, and cultural experiences of contemporary discourse.

Skills practiced include: Critical reading and thinking, ethical reasoning, creative thinking, effective writing, and effective oral communication.

Students will:

• demonstrate familiarity with classical rhetorical terms and concepts, particularly those contained in Aristotle's Rhetoric.
• discuss similarities and differences in the uses of language in classical and contemporary periods.
• write critical analyses exploring key texts and key concepts
• gain a greater awareness of the workings of language which reflects the diversity of human experience in classical and contemporary periods. (We'll look at social, legal, political, and ethical issues from the classical period and discover strategies that we can use to communicate about contemporary human experience.

Attendance:
Attendance/participation points can't be made up. If you are late to class or leave early, you forfeit 2 attendance points. These points will  be assessed in various ways: freewrites, stand-up quizzes, peer review sheets, group contributions, etc.

Participation
Participation is both excepted and encourages. Except for a few short lectures, this class will be based on discussion (both large and small group), writing practice and exercises, and peer workshops. Think of your fellow students as learning resources, and remember that you are a learning resource for others. Homework will be announced in class. If you are absent one day, it is your responsibility to return prepared for the next class

Papers:
I accept no late work without prior approval. LAte papers will be penalized:

• 1-2 days late: 5%
• Up to 1 week: 10 %
• More than that: 20%

Exams
Exams can only be made up if the student has a solid excuse.

More course-related stuff:
All assignments are due as discussed in class. Although a schedule of topics and due dates is provided in the syllabus, I reserve the right to change them according to class needs, interests, and time limits. Out-of-class papers need to be typed or word-processed.

If two students turn in the same work for an assignment, both will earn a "0" of F for that assignment.

Ideas discussed in class, however, are "free." You may incorporate them into a paper.