COMM 401: INTERPRETING STRATEGIC DISCOURSE
Syllabus, Spring 2006, Section SG91, Tu 11:30-2:30
Shady Grove Building II, Room 3022
Updated 11 February 2006
Instructor: Robert N. Gaines
Office: SKN 2106
Phone: 301.405.6526
Email: gaines@umd.edu
Office Hours: TuTh 3:30-4:20
Coursepage: www.arsrhetorica.net/gaines/comm401.html
Notice: The official syllabus for COMM 401, Section SG91, Spring 2006, is available on-line at this address: www.arsrhetorica.net/gaines/401sy106.html; the official syllabus is subject to minor revision as the course proceeds. Any printed copy of the syllabus is unofficial.
Book Required
Lloyd E. Rohler and Roger Cook, Great Speeches for Criticism and Analysis, 4th ed. (Greenwood, IN: Alistair Press, 2001). ISBN: 1889388076 [New books with CD]
The Course
This course offers an introduction to principles and approaches to the theory, criticism, and historical understanding of discourse.
Expectations of Students
To complete the course successfully, each student is expected to attend class regularly and promptly, to read and be prepared to discuss the required readings for each class session as assigned, to submit on due dates two academic essays, and to perform satisfactorily on the midterm and final examinations. Before each class meeting, students are expected to spend five to six hours preparing course readings and written assignments and consulting online lecture notes and other learning aids at the course website. Further, students are expected to engage in several constructive behaviors during each class meeting; specifically, students should always give full attention to class activities, make a genuine effort to understand the matters treated in class lectures and discussions, take part in class discussions when called upon to do so, and cultivate personal thinking about the course materials. Finally, it is expected that students in this class will comport themselves honorably, courteously, and decorously within all course related activities--both inside and outside of the classroom.
Attendance
As indicated above, students are expected to attend class regularly and promptly. When a student does not attend class, the absence is excused only if the absence is caused by illness of the student, or illness of a dependent as defined by Board of Regents policy on family and medical leave; religious observance (where the nature of the observance prevents the student from being present during the class period); participation in university activities at the request of University authorities; and compelling circumstance beyond the student's control. (The interpretation of "compelling circumstance beyond the student's control" that is followed in this course requires that a qualifying circumstance be both "compelling" and actually "beyond the student's control." For example, because optional travel plans are within the power of students to make, a student's undertaking of optional travel that conflicts with an examination does not generally constitute a "compelling circumstance beyond the student's control.") Students claiming excused absence must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the instructor that their failure to attend was on account of one of these four causes. Such demonstration shall take the form of a document signed by a person in a position to make an authoritative determination as to the validity of the cause of absence claimed by the student. Within the document, the writer must affirm the cause of absence claimed by the student. (For example, where the cause of absence is illness, a document from a medical professional that affirms the student was "too ill to attend class" will satisfactorily demonstrate that the student did not attend class on account of illness.) Documents related to any absence must be presented to the instructor within five calendar days of the student's return to school from that absence. The instructor reserves the right to verify the content and authority of letters.
Evaluation
To evaluate the student's comprehension of the course, two academic essays as well as the midterm and final examinations will be assigned. In computing final course grades, student performances will be weighted as follows: Essay One = 30%, Essay Two = 20%, Midterm Examination = 20%, Final Examination = 30%. Student performances on essays and examinations will receive letter grades using the plus and minus system adopted by the University. These letter grades will be converted into numerical performance evaluations using the following scheme: A+ = 4.20, A = 4.0, A- = 3.65, B+ = 3.35, B = 3.0, B- = 2.65, C+ = 2.35, C = 2.0, C- = 1.65, D+ = 1.35, D = 1.0, D- = 0.65, F = 0.0. The products of individual numerical performance evaluations multiplied by assignment weights will be added together to produce a summary performance evaluation number for each student at the end of the course. Final course grades will be assigned to summary performance evaluation numbers as follows: 4.00 = A+, 3.99-3.70 = A, 3.69-3.50 = A-, 3.49-3.30 = B+, 3.29-2.70 = B, 2.69-2.50 = B-, 2.49-2.30 = C+, 2.29-1.70 = C, 1.69-1.50 = C-, D+ = 1.49-1.30 = D+; 1.29-0.70 = D; 0.69-0.50 = D-; 0.49-0.00 = F.
Examinations
The midterm examination will be offered on Tuesday, 7 March 2006, during the regularly scheduled class period (1130-1245). The final examination will be cumulative and offered on Tuesday, 16 May 2006, during the regularly scheduled examination period (1130-1330). Midterm and final examination items will be drawn from all course materials (including lectures, audio/visual materials, and required readings) that have been covered up to the time of each examination. It is the responsibility of the student to be informed of the dates and times of the midterm and final examination. The midterm and final examination will be graded objectively; that is, for any examination item (essay question, short answer question, multiple choice question, true/false question, or the like), responses will be awarded points to the degree that they correspond to a predetermined ideal or correct answer. Missed examinations may be made up only if the student demonstrates the absence from the examination was due to excused absence (as defined above under Attendance). Students who wish to request a make-up examination in this course, must do so using the form entitled Request for Make-Up Examination or Assessment; this form is available at the following address: http://www.arsrhetorica.net/gaines/mureqst.pdf. Requests for make-up examinations will be considered for approval only if they are completed (with accompanying documentation) and presented to the instructor within five calendar days of the student's return to school from the absence at stake in the request.
Regarding examinations, the following rules will be observed in this course:
a) Students arriving late for an examination may not unreasonably disrupt the examination room.
b) Students must maintain control of all personal materials not authorized for use in the examination (e.g., books, notes, calculators) so that they do not assist or distract any person undertaking the examination.
c) Where seating arrangements are established by proctors, students must conform to these arrangements.
d) Students may not return to an examination room after leaving, unless permission to do so has been granted by the proctor prior to the student's departure.
e) Students must cease conversation prior to the passing out of examination papers and maintain silence during the entire examination period.
f) Students must place examination papers face down on the writing desk until the examination is officially begun by the proctor.
g) Students must keep examination papers flat on the writing desk at all times, insofar as possible.
h) Students at an examination must be prepared to show current University identification.
i) When students have completed the examination, they must submit both questions and answers to the proctor. Submission of examination answers requires the student's signature and the proctor's signature on the examination submission sheet.
Any breach of any of these rules will be considered a "disruption of class" and may serve as the basis of an allegation of academic dishonesty.
Midterm examination results will be returned to students during a regularly scheduled class period. Students who are absent when the midterm examination is returned may review their examination results during office hours. Original midterm and final examination answer sheets will be retained by the instructor for one semester after the conclusion of this course.
Essays
All essays must be typed, expressed, formatted, and documented in accordance with the advice in Joseph Gibaldi's MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 6th ed. (New York: Modern Language Association of America, 2003). The form and content of the essays will be evaluated by the instructor using the following criteria:
1. Responsiveness to the assignment
2. Quality of argument
a. Specification of claim(s) or thesis statement(s)
b. Proposal of evidence that is relevant, accurate, and thorough
3. Functional arrangement of essay materials into an introduction, body, and conclusion
4. Proper expression
a. Mechanical accuracy (grammatical and idiomatic correctness, spelling, punctuation, and conventions of written representation)
b. Clarity
c. Appropriateness
5. Proper format of essay
6. Proper documentation of sources
Grades on essays will reflect the degree to which the essays meet these criteria in the instructor's estimation. Students are advised that for every five errors in mechanical accuracy, format, and/or documentation, the overall evaluation of any submission may be lowered by one grade. It is the student's responsibility to be informed regarding the due dates, specifications, and criteria for evaluation of essay submissions. Course essays must be submitted on the dates due and in class at the beginning of the regularly scheduled class period, i.e., within the first ten minutes of the class meeting (Essay One = Tuesday, 18 April 2006; Essay Two = Tuesday, 9 May 2006). Essays not submitted in class at the proper time will not be accepted, except in those circumstances where the student was unable to submit the assignment due to excused absence (as defined above under Attendance). In no case will a late essay be accepted without attachment of a document signed by a person in a position to make an authoritative determination as to the validity of the cause of absence claimed by the student. Students submitting a course essay must be prepared to show current University identification. As a means of verifying that essays have been submitted at the proper time, submission of essays requires the student's signature and the instructor's mark on the essay submission sheet. Graded essays will be returned to students during regularly scheduled class or examination periods. Students who are absent when graded essays are returned may obtain them from the instructor during consultation hours.
Academic Integrity
The University of Maryland, College Park, has a nationally recognized Code of Academic Integrity, administered by the Student Honor Council. This Code sets standards for academic integrity at Maryland for all undergraduate and graduate students. As a student you are responsible for upholding these standards for this course. It is very important for you to be aware of the consequences of cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism. For more information on the Code of Academic Integrity or the Student Honor Council, please visit http://www.studenthonorcouncil.umd.edu/whatis.html.
Academic dishonesty, including cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, and plagiarism will not be tolerated in this course.
Regarding Examinations. Prior to examinations, students may prepare as they like. Students are particularly encouraged to form and participate in informal study groups for the purpose of reviewing and discussing course materials. During examinations, however, the use of external assistance of any sort, e.g., books, notes, and conversations, is prohibited.
Regarding Essays. In preparing essay assignments, students may employ all standard means of research and deliberation--including discussions with classmates, colleagues, and faculty--for all but the writing of the essays. The actual composition of the essays must be carried out by the student without significant assistance. In cases where essays are typed (or keyboarded) by someone other than the student author, the student author is responsible for mechanical accuracy in the essay, and editing by the typist is prohibited.
Honor Pledge. The University of Maryland, College Park, has established the following Honor Pledge for use in all University classes: "I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this assignment/examination." Unless you are specifically advised to the contrary, the Honor Pledge should be handwritten and signed on the front page (at the bottom) of all quizzes and examinations submitted for evaluation in this course. The Honor Pledge is not compulsory; however, students who fail to write and sign the Honor Pledge may be asked to confer with the instructor.
Academic Assignments and Religious Observances
Within this course, students will not be penalized in any way for participation in religious observances. Students will be allowed to make up academic assignments that are missed due to such absences. It is the student's responsibility to make arrangements with the instructor regarding make-up examinations and alternate essay submission dates.
Documented Disabilities
Students who have documented disabilities and who wish to discuss academic accommodations within this course should contact the instructor as soon as possible after the beginning of the course.
Incompletes
In this course, the mark of "I" will be granted only to a student who meets both of the following criteria: (1) the student has satisfactorily completed a major portion of the work of the course and (2) the student has been unable to complete some small portion of the work of the course because of illness or other circumstances beyond the student's control.
Proper Student Comportment
Within the classroom, students are especially reminded of their responsibility to omit behaviors that might prove disruptive, distractive, or discourteous to others. For example, students should, in general, never (1) move about the classroom without permission or instruction, (2) interfere with the person, property, or seat of another student, (3) talk or communicate with anyone without permission or instruction, (4) obstruct class with irrelevant questions, stale questions, or discussion of matters outside the purview of the course, (5) openly disregard class activities, or (6) arrive in class more than ten minutes late or depart early without permission or instruction. Any student behavior, which--in the judgment of the instructor--requires correction or intervention during the class period will be considered a disruption of class. Student disruption of classes is a disciplinary offense, prohibited by Part 9(m) the Code of Student Conduct (http://www.jpo.umd.edu/conduct/conduct.html). Exhibition of behavior that disrupts class may result in removal from the classroom, exclusion from the course, or even expulsion from the University.
Capture, Reproduction, or Broadcast of Lectures
Unauthorized capture, reproduction, or broadcast of lectures, reports, and presentations using any medium is an infringement of common-law copyright. No person may capture, reproduce, or broadcast the proceedings of this class without prior written permission from the instructor and any other course participant whose rights may be at stake.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment of any sort will not be tolerated during or in association with the activities of this class. The University of Maryland Policy and Procedures on Sexual Harassment defines sexual harassment as "(1) unwanted sexual advances; or (2) unwelcome requests for sexual favors; and (3) other behavior of a sexual nature where:
1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or participation in a University-sponsored educational program or activity; or
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment decision affecting that individual; or
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's academic or work performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or working environment."
Conduct which may constitute sexual harassment is characterized by the Campus Policy in this way:
Sexual harassment may, for example, be as undisguised as a direct solicitation of sexual favors, or solicitation accompanied by overt threats. Harassment may also be implied, arising from the relative situation of the parties. In this regard, the following types of acts are more likely-than-not to result in allegations of sexual harassment: unwelcome physical contact, sexual remarks about a person's clothing, body, or sexual relations, conversation of a sexual nature or similar jokes and stories, and the display of sexually explicit materials in the workplace or used in the classroom which are without defensible educational purpose.
Students who wish to obtain further information regarding the campus sexual harassment policy and its procedures should consult the University of Maryland Policy and Procedures On Sexual Harassment at the following address: http://www.president.umd.edu/policies/vi120a.html.
CALENDAR OF CLASS ACTIVITIES
January 31 Tu
1130-1245 Topic: Introduction to Course
1300-1415 Topic: Rhetorical Criticism & Rhetorical Theory
February 7 Tu
1130-1245 Topic: Invention: Toulmin's Layout of Argument
1300-1415 Topic: Criticism of Invention: Analysis of Abraham Lincoln, "Gettysburg Address," electronic handout at http://www.arsrhetorica.net/gaines/00000142.004.html.
February 14 Tu
1130-1245 Topic: Criticism of Invention: Analysis of Barbara Jordan, "Statement on the Articles of Impeachment," GS 141-43. Assignment: Create your own Toulmin layout of Jordan's argument.
1300-1415 Topic: Criticism of Invention: Analysis of Richard Nixon, "Presidential Resignation," GS 154-56. Assignment: Create your own Toulmin layout of Nixon's argument.
February 21 Tu
1130-1245 Topic: Criticism of Invention: Analysis of Colin Powell, "I Am a Republican," GS 84-87. Assignment: Create your own Toulmin layout of Powell's argument.
1300-1415 Topic: Arrangement and Quantitative Analysis
February 28 Tu
1130-1245 Topic: Criticism of Arrangement: Analysis of Ronald Reagan, "Tribute to the Challenger Astronauts," GS 302-03. Assignment: Create your own quantitative analysis of Reagan's speech.
1300-1415 Topic: Criticism of Arrangement: Analysis of Franklin D. Roosevelt, "First Inaugural Address," GS 260-63. Assignment: Create your own quantitative analysis of Roosevelt's speech.
March 7 Tu
1130-1245 11:30-12:45 Midterm Examination
13:00-14:15 Topic: Criticism of Arrangement: Analysis of John Kennedy, "Address to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association," GS 26-28. Assignment: Create your own quantitative analysis of Kennedy's speech.
March 14 Tu
1130-1245 Topic: Style
1300-1415 Topic: Style
Essay One Assignment: Compose an Essay which Analyzes Argument, Arrangement, and Style of Spiro T. Agnew, "Television New Coverage," http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/spiroagnew.htm (1500 words, due 18 April 2006).
March 21 Tu
No Class--Spring Break
March 28 Tu
1130-1245 Topic: Criticism of Style: Analysis of John Kennedy, "Inaugural Address," GS 264-66. Assignment: Isolate, identify, and explain the strategy of five stylistic phenomena in Kennedy's speech.
1300-1415 Topic: Criticism of Style: Analysis of Jeanne Kirkpatrick's "UN Statement on the KAL 007 Disaster," GS CD. Assignment: Isolate, identify, and explain the strategy of five stylistic phenomena in Kirkpatrick's speech.
April 4 Tu
1130-1245 Topic: Criticism of Style: Analysis of Lyndon Johnson's "The Voting Rights Act of 1965," GS 192-197. Assignment: Isolate, identify, and explain the strategy of five stylistic phenomena in Johnson's speech.
1300-1415 Topic: Delivery
April 11 Tu
1130-1245 Topic: Criticism of Delivery. Analysis of Martin Luther King, "I Have a Dream," GS 350-52.
1300-1415 Topic: Criticism of Delivery. Analysis of Ann Richards, "Keynote Address," GS CD.
April 18 Tu
Essay One Due
1130-1245 Topic: Criticism of Delivery. Analysis of Jesse Jackson, "Common Ground and Common Sense," GS CD.
1300-1415 Topic: Criteria for Evaluating Web Pages. Required Reading: http://www.slu.edu/departments/english/research/. Recommended Reading: Janet E. Alexander and Marsha Ann Tate, Web Wisdom: How to Evaluate and Create Information Quality on the Web, (Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1999), 1-115 [hereafter WW]; http://www.lib.umd.edu/UES/evaluate.html.
April 25 Tu
1130-1245 Topic: Criteria for Evaluating Web Pages
1300-1415 Topic: Types of Web Pages
Essay Two Assignment: Compose a Critical Review which Analyzes the Rhetorical Strategies evident in the web site at the following address: http://www.splcenter.org (1000 words, due 9 May 2006).
May 2 Tu
1130-1245 Criticism of Web Pages by Type: Advocacy, Business
1300-1415 Topic: Criticism of Web Pages by Type: Informational, News
May 9 Tu
Essay Two Due
1130-1245 Topic: Criticism of Web Pages by Type: Entertainment, Personal
1300-1415 Topic: Review
May 16 Tu
1130-1330 Final Examination in SGI, Room 214