EKIA4200 Rhetoric and Persuasive Speech-writing (5 cr)
Description
Content
In this course you will be trained in the 4000-year-old art of rhetoric. You will learn how to persuade people using linguistic structures specifically designed to influence, stimulate, and motivate. You will compare the use of persuasive language in a range of contemporary and historical settings, and consider exactly what makes language persuasive. In a group you will use this knowledge to create a persuasive speech on a topic of your choice, which you will deliver to a live audience of students and staff. Speeches will be graded by the audience. You have to persuade them!
Completion methods
Contact teaching, group speech-writing, presentation, written report
Assessment details
Presentation, written report.
Learning outcomes
• Know about types of rhetorical devices and terms used for them;
• Comprehend their use in various genres of persuasive language (e.g. advertising, politics);
• Apply this knowledge to writing and delivering a persuasive speech of your own (in a group);
• Analyse the rhetorical structures in your speech, comparing this to research on rhetoric;
• Evaluate your work constructively, with clear ideas for potential future improvement.
Additional information
This course can be seen as a form of advanced proficiency training, providing an opportunity to deploy your English skills in a new and creative style, delivered orally. The skills you gain will be useful in a range of professional settings, whenever you seek to command the attention of an audience.
Attendance policy:
Students may be absent from no more than two classes; the group writing sessions (later in the course) are obviously the most important.