Office Hours | Mondays 11a-12p | Tuesdays 12-1p @Mason 122
You can access our syllabus as a Google doc here.
This course is intended to introduce you to “the study of oral and public discourse, the development of classical rhetoric, [and the] construction, dissemination, and reception of messages by audiences” (Hofstra Bulletin). As a foundation for us to build a definition of rhetoric together, I’m sharing the following premises that shape my understanding of rhetoric as a field of study:
- People create various discourses in response to their local and lived contexts;
- People can disagree with each other and often do so with reasons that feel very relevant to each individual;
- People create discourses because they want to affect some sort of change.
I ask you to keep these premises in mind as we move forward together to better understand the field of Rhetoric.
I’ve organized the course around the classical rhetorical concepts of invention, arrangement, style, and progymnasmata, or rhetorical exercises. Our textbook Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students, by Sharon Crowley and Debra Hawhee, organizes these concepts into accessible chapters, while I will offer contemporary examples beyond the textbook to connect ancient ideas to our everyday lives. I will also regularly invite you to bring examples of discourses that circulate in your lives into our class as representations of the concepts we learn.
Learning Goals
- Introduce students to classical rhetorical concepts;
- Explore how delivery of a message—oral, written, or otherwise—impacts meaning;
- Understand the relationships between messages and audiences;
- Practice developing persuasive communication that responds to a specific context.
Policies to Help You Achieve Learning Goals
GRADING & ASSIGNMENTS
Hofstra’s policies regarding Incomplete grades, default grades, and associated deadlines, can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
Academic Citizenship, which includes in-class writing** 10%
Blog Posts: approximately 500 words each 30%
Midterm 20%
Final: The Persuasion Project 40%
** To fulfill the Academic Citizenship portion of your grade, you will need to come to every class on time and stay in class once you get here. Be prepared to take notes; have the day’s reading and writing assignments available; work productively with fellow students; listen attentively to what others have to say; and contribute meaningfully to class discussion. Your attendance and participation in this course are crucial to your successful completion of in-class writing assignments, homework for our course blog, and our major writing assignments. Your attendance and participation will also help to create a positive atmosphere and sense of community.
DEADLINES
In-class writing assignments can NEVER be made up. Remember, as indicated in the “Grading” section above, in-class writing is part of the Academic Citizenship portion of your grade.
If you feel you have a unique circumstance that requires extra time for a major assignment, it is your responsibility to be in touch with me at least 48 hours before an assignment is due, at which time we will determine together how to proceed. If you do not contact me in advance and you hand in an assignment late, you will not receive written feedback from me on that assignment.
ATTENDANCE
As I mentioned above, your successful fulfillment of all graded portions of this course depends on you being in class. If you miss two classes, you will miss in-class writing assignments (which cannot be made up for a grade), collaborative exercises, opportunities to engage with your colleagues, and knowledge that we create together—this will negatively affect your final grade. If you miss four classes, you are at risk of failing the course. If you must miss class for an unavoidable reason, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed, keep abreast of assignments and due dates, and be in touch with me with questions.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology is a tool we will use often for this class, particularly on our course blog (https://rhetoric005.school.blog). You will also submit assignments to me electronically (mainly via your blog and possibly through Blackboard site). Should you have technical questions about using Blackboard or the blog, please ask me or contact Hofstra’s help desk at (516) 463-7777. Check out Student Computing Services for access to computer labs and repair services.
While I welcome productive uses of laptops, tablets, or smart phones in class (like blogging for our course, note-taking, idea-sharing, or researching), I will NOT accept distracting uses of technology (like shopping online). I may also set aside some time in class when we will power-down our devices and write the old-fashioned way, with pen and paper.
THE WRITING CENTER
The Writing Center (102 Mason Hall) is a cool—and free!—resource for all students on campus. Writing Center Tutors support student writers based on a student’s individual needs. To make an appointment or find out more about the Writing Center, visit their webpage.
HOFSTRA POLICIES & YOUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Hofstra’s Short Form Honor Code requires that you adhere to the following when doing academic work: “I pledge on my honor that I have done this work with honesty and integrity, without giving or receiving unauthorized assistance.” Academic communities, like ours at Hofstra University, work when all citizens (that means you and me!) respect their fellow members and the work that they produce. One necessary way to respect others in our academic community is by avoiding plagiarism and cheating. We will practice using the work of others appropriately in an academic context throughout the semester. Keep the following guidelines in mind:
● When you submit a piece of writing to me with your name on it, that writing must be written by you and no one else. When you use another person’s words or ideas in your papers, you must acknowledge that work in your writing. We will learn responsible ways to acknowledge sources.
● You may get help from me, other students in this course, or Writing Center Tutors (see above). You must discuss with me any help you receive or plan to receive from anyone else.
● If you find that sources from outside the course, including other writing and other people, have unavoidably influenced your thinking for and/or writing of any assignment, you must, as a matter of academic honesty, acknowledge their help.
Please be aware of the Hofstra University Honor Code: “As a member of the Hofstra community I pledge to demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior in all aspects of my life, both inside and out of the classroom. I understand that I am accountable for everything I say and write. I will not misrepresent my academic work, nor will I give or receive unauthorized assistance for academic work. I agree to respect the rights of all members of the Hofstra community. I will be guided by the values expressed in the P.R.I.D.E Principles. I accept the responsibility to follow this Honor Code at all times.”
Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are serious ethical and professional infractions. For information regarding Hofstra’s statement of principles with respect to academic honesty, examples of violations, procedures for handling violations, as well as a student’s right to appeal a charge, see Faculty Policy Series #11 for undergraduate students.
STUDENT ACCESS SERVICES (SAS)
If you believe you need accommodations for a disability, please contact Student Access Services (SAS). In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, qualified individuals with disabilities will not be discriminated against in any programs, or services available at Hofstra University.
Individuals with disabilities are entitled to accommodations designed to facilitate full access to all programs and services. SAS is responsible for coordinating disability-related accommodations and will provide students with documented disabilities accommodation letters, as appropriate.
Please note that accommodations may require early planning and are not retroactive; please contact SSD as soon as possible. All students are responsible for providing accommodation letters to each instructor and for discussing with him or her the specific accommodations needed and how they can be best implemented in each course. For more information on services provided by the university and for submission of documentation, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities, 107 Student Center, 516-463-7075
INCOMPLETE POLICY
Hofstra’s policies regarding Incomplete grades, default grades, and associated deadlines can be found in the Undergraduate and Graduate Studies Bulletins.
STUDENT POLICY PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATORY HARASSMENT, RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE, AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
Hofstra prohibits sexual and other discriminatory harassment, stalking, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and other sexual misconduct (collectively, “Gender Based Offenses”). If you or someone you know believes they have been subjected to any of these Gender Based Offenses, help is available. To make a report, or for more information about Hofstra’s Student Policy Prohibiting Discriminatory Harassment, Relationship Violence, and Sexual Misconduct, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at (516) 463-5841 or TitleIXCoordinator@hofstra.edu, or Public Safety at (516) 463-6606. Confidential resources and support are also available from clinicians in Student Counseling Services (516-463-6791), medical professionals at the Health and Wellness Center (516-463-6745), and clergy in the Interfaith Center.
GUIDELINES RELATED TO ABSENCES FOR RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE
Hofstra University recognizes that students and/or faculty may from time to time miss class due to religious observances. Students who anticipate missing class for this reason should notify faculty members in advance. Likewise, faculty members who anticipate missing class for religious observance should notify students in their classes. As per Faculty Policy Series 12 (B): “No student shall be expelled or refused admission to Hofstra University because he or she is unable to participate in any examination, study or work requirement because of his or her religious obligations and practices. However, all students are expected to complete all assignments and examinations. It is understood that no adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student who avails him or herself of religious observances. The University, faculty, and student shall work together to achieve a reasonable accommodation concerning any conflicts between educational and religious obligations.” Faculty are encouraged to include notice of this policy in their syllabuses and announce it during the first week of each semester, and make reasonable efforts to avoid scheduling exams and/or due dates of assignments that would otherwise interfere with religious observances of students.
Additionally, in accordance with New York State Law, each student who is absent from school because of their religious beliefs will be given an equivalent opportunity to register for classes or make up any examination, study or work requirements which he or she may have missed because of that absence on any particular day or days.
UNIVERSITY DEADLINES
For important university deadlines, please see the Fall 2019 Academic Calendar.
COURSE SCHEDULE
All readings indicated by ARCS are available in our textbook Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students by Sharon Crowley and Debra Hawhee. Additional texts are accessible via the links below.
Wed 9/4
Introductions to each other and to the course. Rhetoric at work: Apologies, then and now. Write in response to Question #1 (ARCS, p. 33).
Homework (HW): Listen to “Apology” on the podcast Still Processing. Read ARCS Chapter 2. Revise your in-class writing and post to your new course blog!
INVENTION
Mon 9/9
Discuss Kairos (ARCS Chapter 2), beginning with writing due today. HW: Question #1 (ARCS, p. 51). Write Blog Post 2.
Wed 9/11
Start with blogs & begin responding to each other’s writing. HW: Read ARCS Chapter 3.
Mon 9/16
Discuss Stasis Theory (ARCS Chapter 3); consider Portland riots. HW: Question #1 (ARCS, p. 92). Write Blog Post 3.
Wed 9/18
Start with blogs & begin responding to each other’s writing. HW: Read ARCS Chapter 4.
Mon 9/23
Discuss Commonplaces (ARCS Chapter 4). HW: Question # 4 (ARCS, p. 131). Write Blog Post 4.
Wed 9/25
Start with blogs & begin responding to each other’s writing. HW: Read ARCS Chapter 5.
Mon 9/30
Discuss Logos (ARCS Chapter 5). HW: Question # 4 (ARCS, p. 131). Write Blog Post 5.
Wed 10/2
Start with blogs & begin responding to each other’s writing. HW: Read ARCS Chapter 6.
Mon 10/7: NO CLASS
Wed 10/9
Discuss Ethos (ARCS Chapter 6). HW: Blog Post 6 prompt TBD.
Mon 10/14
Wed 10/16
Blackboard Assignment: we won’t meet in class together.
Mon 10/21
Chapter 7
Wed 10/23
Chapter 8
ARRANGEMENT
Mon 10/28
Chapter 9
Wed 10/30
Chapter 10
Rhetoric 005 | History of Rhetoric | Fall 2019 