RHE 321 Course Description

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“What then is truth? A moveable host of metaphors, metonymies, and anthropomorphisms.” –Friedrich Nietzsche

Today, the term “rhetoric” frequently refers to empty or deceptive language that has no basis in truth (“We heard more rhetoric from the White House today”). But rhetoric is actually one of the seven original Liberal Arts (along with logic, grammar, arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music), and its formal study arose with the inception of democratic politics. The abrupt shift from aristocracy to democracy in 5th century Athens instantly granted any (male) citizen—regardless of class, property, or family name—a voice in government. But this unprecedented opportunity was largely wasted on anyone who could not speak convincingly in public, so those who could afford it hired freelance rhetoricians (sophists) to teach them the art of persuasion. Indeed, to be a good citizen at that time pretty much meant studying rhetoric.

And things are not so different now: effective participation in society today, no less than in ancient times, requires strong rhetorical skills through which to advance a specific position, mediate disputes, and make decisions. The contemporary scene, however, requires that one be capable not only of speaking convincingly but also (and perhaps more so) of writing effectively—both in print and in the cyburbs (e.g., on web sites, blogs, listservs, discussion forums, instant messaging, and even MMORPGs).

Aims of the course: Rhetoric is both a productive and an interpretive art; therefore, in this course, we will learn to identify and to make use of common rhetorical principles while presenting, composing, and interpreting “texts” in several different media—oral, print, and electronic. We will analyze current issues and events from a specifically rhetorical perspective: if a philosophical approach seeks the truth, a rhetorical approach examines the way language is working to produce what functions as truth. The ultimate aim of the course is to help you develop a rhetorical lens through which to determine and successfully employ, in any given situation, the available means of persuasion.

**This course carries the Writing Flag. Writing Flag courses are designed to give students experience with writing in an academic discipline. In this class, you can expect to write regularly during the semester, complete substantial writing projects, and receive feedback from your instructor to help you improve your writing. You will also have the opportunity to revise one or more assignments, and you may be asked to read and discuss your peers’ work. You should therefore expect a substantial portion of your grade to come from your written work. Writing Flag classes meet the Core Communications objectives of Critical Thinking, Communication, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility, established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Prerequisite: Completion of at least thirty semester hours of coursework, including E 316k or the equivalent.

COURSE SPECIFIC POLICIES

Deadlines. Don’t miss ’em. Even if you must miss class, your work will need to find its way there (via a friend or an email, perhaps) on time if it doesn’t want its grade to suffer–one letter grade for each day it’s late. **I will allow rewrites on certain projects; however, to qualify, you must have submitted a full and complete version of your assignment at the time it was due. I will not allow rewrites on any paper/project that is turned in late, without peer review, and/or turned in on time but incomplete.**

Peer Reviews. Peer reviews are required for this class. You will not receive a grade on a paper that has not been peer reviewed, and you may not receive a peer review without giving one.

Computation of Grades. Grades will be computed on a 4-point scale: A=4.0, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0. Final grades will not include plusses and minuses.

Weapons Policy: With the exception of concealed handguns, no weapons may be brought into the classroom. This exclusion applies to knives, clubs, spears, machetes, metal knuckles, explosive or incendiary devices, and any other device designed to injure or kill people. If you have a license to carry a handgun and you bring it into the classroom, you must keep it concealed and on your person at all times. If a gun or any other weapon becomes visible, the person who sees the weapon should leave the classroom and call 911 so that law enforcement personnel can take appropriate action and restore an atmosphere conducive to learning.

You may not bring a handgun into the classroom in a backpack, bag, or purse because you’ll be called upon at unpredictable times to move about the room for group work, participate in a presentation, or otherwise be separated from your belongings. University policy and the implementation of the law would be violated by the separation of the gun owner from their weapon that would result from these required classroom activities.

No weapons of any kind may be brought into my office. You will be given oral notice excluding handguns from my office before you meet with me: a sign on my door will instruct you to ask about my gun policy, and I will ask you to sign a statement attesting to your receipt of this legally-binding oral notification that guns are not permitted in my office.

DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES

Writing Flag. This course carries the Writing Flag. You will write regularly during the semester, completing both short and long writing projects. Furthermore, you will, and receive feedback from your instructor and your peers. Based on this feedback, you will have the opportunity to revise one or more assignments. A substantial portion of your grade to comes from your written work. Writing Flag classes meet the Core Communications objectives of Critical Thinking, Communication, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility, established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Attendance Policy. Rhetoric & Writing has established this attendance policy for all RHE courses. Any questions or appeals concerning this policy must be made directly to the department Associate Chair. You are expected to attend class, to arrive on time, to have prepared assigned reading and writing, and to participate in all in-class editing, revising, and discussion sessions. Should you miss the equivalent of five TTH or MW class sessions or seven MWF sessions this semester, excused or not, you will fail the course. (ddd addition: Each three tardies will count as one absence.) If you find that an unavoidable problem prevents you from attending class, you should contact your instructor as soon as possible, preferably ahead of time, to let him or her know–and then one of your classmates about what you missed before the next class.

You will not be penalized for missing class on religious holy days. A student who misses classes or other required activities, including examinations, for the observance of a religious holy day should inform the instructor, in writing, well in advance of the absence, so that alternative arrangements can be made to complete work. If you know you will have to miss class(es) for this reason, provide your instructor with the date(s) as early as possible. Please note that the University specifies very few other excused absences (e.g., jury duty). When you must miss a class, you are responsible for getting notes and assignments from a classmate.

Scholastic Honesty. Turning in work that is not your own, or any other form of scholastic dishonesty, will result in a major course penalty, possibly failure of the course. This standard applies to all drafts and assignments, and a report of the incident will be submitted to the Office of the Dean of Students and filed in your permanent UT record. Under certain circumstances, the Dean of Students will initiate proceedings to expel you from the University. So, take care to read and understand the Statement on Scholastic Responsibility, which can be found online at http://www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/rhetoric/firstyearwriting/plagiarismcollusion.php. If you have any doubts about your use of sources, ask your instructor for help before handing in the assignment.

Students with Disabilities. Any student with a documented disability who requires academic accommodations should contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 512-471-6259 (voice) or 512-410-6644 (video phone) as soon as possible to request an official letter outlining authorized accommodations. More information is available online at http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd.

Email Accounts. Email is an official means of communication at UT-Austin, and your instructor will use this medium to communicate class information. You are therefore required to obtain a UT email account and to check it daily. All students may claim an email address at no cost by going to http://www.utexas.edu/its/utmail/.

Emergency Information. Occupants of buildings on The University of Texas at Austin campus are required to evacuate buildings when a fire alarm is activated.  Alarm activation or announcement requires exiting and assembling outside. Familiarize yourself with all exit doors of each classroom and building you may occupy.  Remember that the nearest exit door may not be the one you used when entering the building. Students requiring assistance in evacuation shall inform their instructor in writing during the first week of class. In the event of an evacuation, follow the instruction of faculty or class instructors. Do not re-enter a building unless given instructions by the following: The University of Texas at Austin Police Department, or Fire Prevention Services office. Information regarding emergency evacuation routes and emergency procedures can be found at http://www.utexas.edu/emergency. Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL): 512-232-5050.

Undergraduate Writing Center.  I strongly encourage you to use the Undergraduate Writing Center, FAC 211, 471-6222: http://www.uwc.utexas.edu/). The Undergraduate Writing Center offers free, individualized, expert help with writing for any UT undergraduate, by appointment or on a drop-in basis. Any undergraduate enrolled in a course at UT can visit the UWC for assistance with any writing project. The consultants there work with students from every department on campus, for both academic and non-academic writing. Whether you are writing a lab report, a resume, a term paper, a statement for an application, or your own poetry, UWC consultants will be happy to work with you. Their services are not just for writing that has “problems.” Getting feedback from an informed audience is a normal part of a successful writing project. Consultants help students develop strategies to improve their writing. The assistance they provide is intended to foster independence. Each student determines how to use the consultant’s advice. The consultants are trained to help you work on your writing in ways that preserve the integrity of your work.

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