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English 470: Theories of Rhetoric and Composition
Term: Fall 2004
Days/Times: TTh 12:00-1:15pm
Location: HEAV 129


Instructor Information
Dr. Jennifer Bay
Office: HEAV 301C
Phone: 494-8122
Email: jbay@purdue.edu
Web: http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~jbay
Office Hours: Tues 1:30-2:30pm, Wed 9:00-11:00am, and by appointment


Course Description

English 470 will explore some of the major theories of rhetoric and writing which shape the ways that we use language in social, educational, political, and professional situations. We will examine various definitions of rhetoric, key rhetorical concepts and debates, theories of writing, the impact of new technologies on rhetoric and writing, and philosophical questions, among others. Our trajectory for the course can be mapped across several different heuristics. We can say that we will begin with oral traditions of rhetoric, move to written traditions, and then to electric or online instantiations of rhetoric. Another way to think about the structure of the course is philosophically: we start with ancient concepts of language and thought, then move to modernist conceptions, and finish with postmodern ideas about the place of rhetoric in the world. While we won't be able to cover every historical period and every rhetorical concept, you should leave the class with an understanding of what rhetoric is, when, where, and how it can be deployed, and why rhetoric is important. The ultimate goal of the course is for students to understand rhetoric as a productive art that offers transformative possibilities.


Required Materials
Plato, Phaedrus
Aristotle, On Rhetoric
Cicero, De Inventione
Various readings in packet
Copies of papers for members of class.


Evaluation
Three papers (20% each) 60%
Final project 20%
Participation 20%

Papers will be graded using the A-F scale. If you are concerned about your standing in the course, please make an appointment to discuss your work with me.

Papers
See separate handout for details on the papers you will produce for the class.

Participation
Participation includes active and constructive involvement in class discussions, both online and face-to-face (F2F), as well as being prepared for class by doing the assigned reading and writing assignments. If it becomes necessary for me to hold students accountable for the readings, we will periodically have pop reading quizzes, which will figure into participation grades. In order to facilitate discussions in class, students will be responsible for producing two reading responses over the course of the semester. These responses will be brief, one-page reactions to the readings and will be read aloud to class. They will be graded according to a check system. Participation also includes active and constructive involvement in peer groups, peer review sessions, turning in projects to group members for feedback, giving effective feedback on projects, and learning to work diplomatically with others to achieve common goals. Please become familiar with some of the principles of collaboration contained in the brochure, Group Work and Collaborative Writing.

Late Work
Simply put, I do not accept late work. I expect all work to be completed by the beginning of the class period on which it is due and all photocopying/printing to be completed by the beginning of class. This is of particular import because we will be reading our papers aloud to the class.

Attendance
Attendance is required. You are allowed three absences, no questions asked. For each class absence over three, your final grade will be lowered by one letter grade. More than six absences will result in a failing grade for the course. You are responsible for obtaining all information about missed class meetings from a classmate and for submitting work on time. Additionally, excessive tardiness will not be tolerated. Three tardies equals one absence. If you enter the class more than 30 minutes late, you will be counted absent.

Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty is a serious crime. If you are suspected of academic dishonesty, you may be reported to the Office of the Dean of Students to receive disciplinary action. Forms of academic dishonesty include: Collusion - lending your work to another person to submit as his or her own; Fabrication - deliberately creating false information on a works cited page; and Plagiarism - the presentation of another person's work as your own, whether intentional or not. Please read and familiarize yourself with Purdue's student guide to academic integrity.

Technology Requirements
Because some of the exchange of information and materials in this class will be electronic, familiarity with certain technologies is crucial for participation and success in the course. If you need any assistance now or at any point during the semester, please do not hesitate to ask. Very early in the semester, you will need to make sure that you can meet the following responsibilities:

• Have access to your Career Account.
• Set up your @purdue.edu email address and regularly check your email.
• Send email messages to the class listserv and post to the class weblog.
• Check course calendar and email before each class.
• Maintain back-up copies of all assignments via your home directory, disks, and/or email attachments to yourself.

General Course Policies
• Come to class prepared to engage with the assigned readings, course concepts, class peers, and instructor. This can best be accomplished by completing assignments before the beginning of class.

• Please respect your peers and your instructor by actively listening and paying attention. This means please do not talk while others (students or instructor) are speaking to the class. This is especially applicable when other students ask questions of the instructor or when students are reading their papers.

• Remember to bring your texts to class with you and remember to print copies of all documents (drafts, electronic and online readings, etc.) before class begins.

• If you have a university-recognized disability that requires an accommodation, please see me privately within the first week of class to make arrangements.