A study of rhetorical and psychological theories of persuasion, with special attention to motivation and audience factors. Includes application to the development, presentation, analysis and testing of written and oral persuasive messages and persuasive campaigns. Junior standing and COMM 200. COMM 305 is recommended. Study and practice of theories of argument, including the nature of argument, logical proof, organization of argument, standards for evidence and refutation tactics.
Application includes formal classroom debates on contemporary issues.
Assesses personality types and thinking styles. Traces influences on one's leadership style and emphasizes the leader's responsibility to share values. Covers models demonstrating leadership problems and covers effective leadership actions and behavior. Takes a case study approach involving how practicing leaders operate in their organizations. Applies existing theory covered in the first two courses and attempts to generate new theory.