COMM 401: Interpreting Strategic Discourse

Course Syllabus

Electronic Lecture Notes

31 January 2006--What is a Rhetorical Theory?
7 February 2006--Invention: Toulmin's Layout of Argument
7 February 2006--Criticism of Invention: Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address"
14 February 2006--Criticism of Invention: Jordan's "Statement on the Articles of Impeachment"
14 February 2006--Criticism of Invention: Nixon's "Presidential Resignation"
21 February 2006--Criticism of Invention: Powell's "I Am a Republican."
21 February 2006--Arrangement and Quantitative Analysis
28 February 2006--Criticism of Arrangement: Reagan's "Tribute to the Challenger Astronauts"
28 February 2006--Criticism of Arrangement: Roosevelt's "First Inaugural Address"
7 March 2006--Criticism of Arrangement: Kennedy's Address to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association"
14 March 2006--Style
4 April 2006--Delivery
18 April 2006--Criticism of Web Pages: Evaluative Criteria
25 April 2006--Criticism of Web Pages: Evaluative Criteria
25 April 2006--Criticism of Web Pages: Types of Pages
25 April 2006--Criticism of Web Pages: Types of Pages

Practical Advice on Essay Assignments

Practical Advice on the Essay One Assignment
Practical Advice on the Essay Two Assignment

Sample Essays

Analysis of Argument, Arrangement, and Style in a Speech (Barbara Jordan's "Statement on the Articles of Impeachment")
Analysis of the Rhetorical Strategies in a Website (www.naacp.org, 10 December 2001)

Sample Examination Questions

Sample Final Examination Questions