The study of persuasion through communication. Topics include audience analysis, experimental design of studies in persuasion, and the application of persuasive theory to various examples of communication. American history is rich with rhetorical activity in the form of speeches, songs, humor, films and television. As they learn the process of criticism, students are also provided with a survey of significant communication events that have had a lasting impact on American culture. Enhancing the student's working knowledge of the dynamics of communication with the intent of building a high degree of language skill.
Emphasis is placed upon clarity, interest, concreteness, as well as other style variables.
Students write, polish, and deliver informative and persuasive messages. AND THE ARTS Exploration into the study of communication aesthetics. Course includes some discussion of interpretive methods. Various aesthetic mediums are considered. Both intrapersonal and interpersonal communication are stressed.