COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
REPORT 1| REPORT 2| GROUP

REPORT #1-- Description | Preparation | Evaluation

Description:

The purpose of this assignment is to pick a current instance of rhetoric in practice and explain how it illustrates some aspect of rhetorical theory we have discussed in class. Specifically, you should be looking for an example of sophistic rhetoric (either Gorgian, Protagorian, or Isocratean), Platonic rhetoric, or Aristotelian rhetoric.

Once you have selected an instance of rhetoric that you find especially interesting, effective, or otherwise noteworthy, consider (1) how it may be explained as rhetoric, (2) what theoretical concepts might help explain how it works, and (3) why it is effective. You must write in essay form the answers to these three points, as well as those listed under "content" on the evaluation form. Normal academic standards for good prose should be applied.

The oral presentation should last from 1 to 3 minutes. You are allowed to use one note card for reference during your presentation; plan to talk to us not read or recite. Feel free to use audio-visual aids in your presentations. If you need special equipment, please give your request to the instructor in advance.

Preparation:

Plan your report carefully. Remember that your goal with this report is twofold:

 Explain fully in written form how you have analyzed this instance of rhetoric, and

 Present your conclusions effectively as a brief oral presentation, appealing to the interests of your audience and arranging your main points clearly.

In preparing the content of your report, you may wish to use the outline below as an organizational model:

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Background for understanding this example of rhetoric

1. What is it?
2. When did it happen?
3. What particular elements of the situation make it unique?

B. Rationale for the report

1. Why do you think this example is worth discussing?
2. Why is this rhetoric itself significant?

C. Statement of your purpose and preview of the main ideas to be covered in the report

II. BODY OF THE REPORT

A. What was the actual context for this rhetoric?

1. What circumstances prompted it?
2. What relationship existed between the speaker and the audience?

B. What was the message?

1. What was the major claim or idea it promoted?
2. What kind of support (logical, emotional?) was offered?
3. What did the message represent for the audience?

C. What aspect of rhetorical theory helps explain how it functions for the speaker?

1. Does it seem to illustrate concern with invention (argument or content) or with style (language and presentation)?
2. How does it display awareness (rhetorical sensitivity) for the audience?
3. How valid is the message presented?

III. CONCLUSIONS -- What did examining rhetorical practice teach you about effective communication?

REPORT #2 -- Description | Preparation | Evaluation

Description:

In general, the purpose of this report is to provide a critical explanation of how a current example of rhetoric in practice illustrates some aspect of the art of rhetoric, as we have discussed in class. Specifically, the rhetorical concepts you choose to apply in your report should be from among those we have discussed since the Greeks, i.e., from the Romans and the Middle Ages up to the modern era (18th century).

Because the different views of rhetorical theory we have been discussing since the Greeks illustrate how the art of rhetoric was adapted for different communication purposes, you should select your current example of rhetoric in terms of how it illustrates either 1) the application of specific rhetorical principles to meet some communication purpose or 2) the emergence of a "new" rhetorical art here at the end of the 20^th century. For example, the Romans cultivated rhetorical theory that helped them promote images of power and leadership amidst the people, while Augustine and the early Christian Church used rhetorical theory to promote the Church and its doctrine to the masses. On the other hand, the new medieval rhetorical arts developed around specific needs for improving written discourse. The Renaissance and Modern eras brought still new developments based on their social and intellectual concerns.

Once you have selected an instance of rhetoric that you find especially interesting, effective, or otherwise noteworthy, explain (1) how you are interpreting it as one of the two examples above, (2) what rhetorical concepts reveal how it works, and (3) why you judge it effective (or not). You must write in essay form the answers to these three points, as well as those listed under "content" on the evaluation form. Normal academic standards for good prose should be applied.

Plan to speak for at least 2 minutes, but no more than 3. You may use minimal notes (i.e., a note card) during your presentation. Feel free to use audio-visual aids in your presentations. If you need special equipment, please let the instructor know before hand.

Evaluation: The form to be used for evaluation will be distributed in class. Please consult the criteria identified when planning this report to be sure you are focusing on the important aspects of the report.

A copy of the form may be viewed here

The purpose of this assignment is to give you an exercise in public decision-making and group presentation. Specifically, it aims at focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of group discussion and decision-making via electronic media. Your group's task is to review the entries in the e-journals and generate a group presentation about contemporary rhetoric.

Preparation

The class has been divided into 2 groups for presentations: A and B. This represents the group of people with whom you will need to do this assignment. Feel free to e-mail each other, to use the class discussion forum, or arrange to meet outside of class. You need to do your best to get everyone participating in the discussion in some way, rather than leaving it to a few.

1. The e-journal assignments have asked you to consider some of the most important ethical and philosophical questions that pertain to rhetorical theory. Your group needs to go back over what you wrote, as well as what others wrote, and discuss these questions as a group.
2. Decide what ideal responses you would make now, at the end of the semester, to the following:

• Recognizing that all rhetoric influences its hearers in some way, how would you limit or define rhetoric as persuasion to avoid or to restrict "bad rhetoric"?
• If meaning is "constructed" by the words we choose, what have we produced through group decisions or public approval -- truth or something else? Out of all the views you studied, which one seems the closest to explaining what sort of "truth" or meaning rhetoric should convey?
• Which is more important -- eloquence or character -- to rhetoric in practice? Why?
• What performative skills (e.g., vocal skills, physical movement, argument construction, language and compositional skills, visual imaging and other presentational aids) should be cultivated by those who study rhetoric?

Each student will be evaluated individually in three areas:

*Effectiveness of the group presentation
*Individual effectiveness within the group
*Participation and preparation.