Syllabus

CMM 308 – Persuasive Communication

Spring 2008

Textbook –  Timothy A. Borchers.  Persuasion in the Media Age. 

New York: McGraw Hill, 2^nd Ed..

Instructor :      Dr. Kristine Greenwood

                        Office – SH 270

                        Phone # (O) 696-6788; (H) 525-6669;  FAX 696-2814

                        E-mail  Greenwoo@Marshall.edu

Office Hours:  MWF – 10-11, MW -1-3, T – 9-12

                        Other hours by appointment

Course Description:  3 credit hours; Prerequisites CMM 102 or 104H or 207 or 305

            Introduction to the understanding, practice and analysis of persuasion.  Behavioral and rhetorical theories of persuasion will be examined and applied to contemporary persuasive communication

Course Objectives:

            Students will become “good” consumers of persuasive messages through:

            --understanding persuasion as a communication process

--applying ethical standards to their own persuasive messages as well as the persuasive messages of others

--demonstrating knowledge of the basic principles of rhetorical and behavioral theories of persuasion by:

            -- using these principles to analyze persuasive messages

            --using these principles to develop persuasive messages`

Course Requirements 

Three Unit exams – 100 pts.  Exams will consist of multiple choice, true/false, short answer and /or essay questions designed to test the student’s knowledge of the material presented in the text and in classroom lectures/discussion and activities.

            Quizzes if needed:  Unannounced quizzes will only be used if the class is consistently unprepared to engage in useful classroom discussion and/or activities based on assigned readings.

            Written work as assigned:  Points will range from 5 to 20 depending on the nature of the assignment.  You will be asked to respond to concepts or issues discussed in your text.  

            Analysis of a Persuasive Campaign -  100 points.  A 5 to 10 page paper which uses an analytical method to discover the “meaning(s)” of a persuasive message.  Your grade will be based on the thoroughness of your analysis, demonstration of your understanding of the method you use (this includes the arguments you use to support your conclusions) and your ability to express yourself accurately through the written word (in other words, grammar, spelling, organization, etc.).

            Persuasive Speech & Outline:  150 pts.  This assignment is designed so that you may demonstrate your ability to create an ethical persuasive message.  Your grade will be based on the effectiveness of the speech in terms of appeals to your audience.  Effectiveness will be demonstrated in both the outline (plan) and delivery of the speech.

Grading Scale:  Grades will be based on the percentage of available points you have earned.  (90% and above = A;  89 – 80% = B; 79-70% = C; 69-60% = D; 59% and below = F.)

Attendance Policy.  Class attendance is expected because your participation in classroom discussions and activities will greatly enhance your ability to complete this course successfully.  Attendance is mandatory during the week when you and your classmates are presenting your speeches, attendance will be taken and 20 points deducted from this assignment for missing these classes.  Make-up exams will not be given unless prior arrangements have been made.  Late work will not be accepted.  University excused absences will be honored and arrangements will be made for make-up work/exams.  A phone call does not equal an excused absence. 

Tentative Schedule

Week 1             Introduction to the course , Definition of Persuasion

                        Read chapter 1

Week 2             Theories of Persuasion

                        Read chapter 2

Week 3             Theories & Ethics

                        Read Chapter 3

Week 4             Ethics

Unit Exam Chapters 12, & 3,  February 6th

Week 5             Media Influences & Audiences

                        Read Chapters 4 & 5

Week 6             Visual Images

                        Read Chapter 6

Week 7             Language & Culture

                        Read Chapters 7 & 8

Week 8             Source

                        Read chapter 9

Week 9             Reasoning

                        Read chapter 10

Week10            Motivational Appeals

                        Read chapter 11                       

Week 11           Review chapters 4-11

                        Unit Exam April 4th

Week 12           Political Persuasion & Persuasive Movements

                        Read chapters 12 & 13

Week 13           Creating Persuasive Presentations

                        Read chapter 16

                        Analysis Paper due April 14th

Week 14           Advertising & Interpersonal Persuasion

                        Read Chapters 14 & 15

Week 15           Oral Presentations

Week 16           Final Unit Exam  Chapters 12-16

Final exam-  Tuesday May 6, 2008 @ 10:15