We will include an abbreviated overview of theories in persuasion, but the focus of the course will be on the preparation and presentation of persuasive messages in a variety of contexts. In the academic discipline of communication there is debate over whether students benefit more from analyzing persuasive messages or by practicing persuasion. Fortunately at Loyola we offer both approaches. The practice of persuasion is an important part of our daily lives and the ability to use it effectively is critical to success in every business and profession. Much of our communication is persuasive even when it seems to be primarily informational.
Persuasion is communication behavior that can be understood, changed, and improved.
This will be a class in which you do persuasion. Some of this will be in oral presentations and some will be in written presentations. Your presentations will be evaluated according to a number of criteria, but the most important is effect. Drawing upon classical and contemporary approaches to persuasion we will study the practical use of persuasion in everyday life. From looking at this syllabus you will have a good idea of what we will be doing during the semester and when we will be doing it.