Fall
2000
Print this
Document
Kevin McClure
101 Independence Hall
Phone: 874-4726
Office Hours: 3:00-5:00 Friday and by appointment
e-mail: kmc8433u@postoffice.uri.edu
Course Description: An inquiry into the implications and relevance of contemporary rhetorical theory and postmodern thought on language, knowledge, philosophy, culture, religion and human beings.
Course Objectives: The overall objective of Communication Studies 400 is to provide you with an understanding of the basic concepts associated with contemporary rhetorical theory and an understanding of the applicability and implications of those concepts to the cultural phenomena known as the Postmodernism Condition. Among our general objectives are:
1. an understanding of Kenneth Burke's rhetorical theory;
2. an understanding of what the postmodern condition means and its cultural significance;
3. an ability to recognize and critically interpret specific rhetorical principles in texts; and
4. an ability to identify postmodern aesthetic practices in cultural texts and activities
Specific Objective Assessments: In order to assure that students Achieve a satisfactory level of understanding regarding the specific objectives of Communication Studies 400 the following methods of assessment shall be employed:
1. Position Papers: Each student shall write three (3) position papers (15% each) of 5-7 pages in the form of brief synopses of concepts and issues discussed in your readings and in the class. These papers will be graded in the usual manner (A-F). A hard copy of your paper will be given to the instructor.
2. Bulletin Board Postings: Each student will be expected to make (10) postings to our bulletin board in the form of thoughtful comments and reactions to issues raised in class and in response to the critical ideas of the course. I will grade most posting assignments on a Pass/Fail basis. If you fail a given posting assignment, you will have an opportunity to resubmit the assignment one time.
3. Participation: Each student is expected to participate in the classroom discussion of the readings and the issues raised in class. 1/2 % of your participation grade will be based on your thoughtful and informed comments posted to the course bulletin board beyond the ten (10) assigned postings.
Textbooks: The packet can only be purchased at the University Book Store.
Campbell, Joseph (1991). The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers. New York: Anchor
McClure, K. R. (2000). Communication 400 Readings Packet. Kingston, RI: Copyright.
Quinn, Daniel (1996). The Story of B: An Adventure of the Mind and Spirit. New York: Bantam.
Attendance Policy:
It is the policy of this course that (3) or
more absences will adversely affect a student's final grade. Excessive absences
(7) or more will result in automatic failure of the course.
Assignment Weights:
Bulletin Board Postings (10 @ 4% each)
40%
Position Papers (3 @ 15%
each)
45%
Participation
15%
Bulletin Board Postings:
Ten (10) of your posting will be valued
at (4 % each) equaling 40% of your grade. These postings (of one page or 250
words) will be in response to issues and ideas generated by our readings and in
class discussions. I will usually generate a question or a series of questions
for you to respond to. These response postings will be graded on a pass fail
basis. They must be done on time to
receive full credit for the assignment. If a
posting is late, it will be automatically lowered 1/2 its credit and if it is
more than one week late, it will receive no credit. The
basis of this policy is that we will be moving quickly from topic to topic, the
posting will need to be done in a timely manner in order to facilitate further
dialogue.
Additional Postings
Conversational and Critical Response
Postings, will be credited as participation. They will need to be at least
one page (250 words), and can be in response to another student's postings
(extending their analysis, questionning their analysis, or responding in an
appropriate manner), or in some reasonable way applicable to the course
material. Blowing smoke does not consitute participation; it must be thoughtful
and demonstrate that it is informed (quoting course materials is an excellent
way to demonstrate that you are informed and speaking cogently). Raising
good questions is encouraged.
You Really Should Print A Copy Of
This!
(be sure to click your mouse
somewhere on the page, then click print)