Description

Rhetorical Studies is a specialized course designed to expose students to the theories and applications of the writing and reading processes and to enhance critical thinking skills. This course will teach students to effectively use the tools of reading, writing, and thinking in their personal, professional, and public lives.

Outcomes

• Demonstrate an ability to review, analyze, and practice principles of classical and contemporary rhetorical theory, including visual rhetoric.
• Demonstrate multiple rhetorical approaches through multiple audiences, purposes, and genres.

Course Schedule

This course has been designed to follow a weekly schedule in which you will complete one lesson per week. Check the Calendar tool in Canvas to see due dates and details. Additionally, all activity instructions include the due date and time. If you have any questions about when a specific assignment is due, you should contact your instructor for assistance.

The average study time is 3–4 hours per week per credit to earn a B grade. So, for a 3-credit class, it is expected that you will spend an average of 9–12 hours of total study time each week to successfully complete this course. You may need to put in more study time to earn a higher grade or to accommodate your personal learning needs. Consequently, in order to keep up with the assignments and learn the most from this class, you should schedule about 1–2 hours a day to study for this class. Also, be aware that with this course, there is no "time off" for holidays that might occur during the week. Please plan ahead and arrange your study schedule so that any holiday or personal activities do not keep you from completing the learning activities by the posted due dates and times.

This course includes required synchronous meetings.

Prerequisites

Complete all of the following:

• Take all of the following:
• ENG 251: Fundamentals of Literary Interpretation (3)
• ENG 314: Advanced Research and Literary Analysis (3)
• ENG 325: Language Theory—Grammar and Usage (3)

• Take one of the following:
• FDENG 101: Writing and Reasoning Foundations (3)
• COMM 111: Writing for Communication Career (3)

• Take one of the following:
• COMM 130: Visual Media (3)
• ENG 252: Fundamentals of Research and Presentation (3)

Required Materials

Textbook

You must purchase the following required textbook:

Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings. Concise Edition. 7th ed. New York: Pearson Longman, 2016. (ISBN-10: 032196428-4 ISBN-13: 978-032196428-1)

The course materials are available in the Course Materials List.

Compare prices for your textbooks through the University Store Price Comparison site. They will show you all of the options from the University Store plus several online options to help you find the best price.

You can purchase the textbook through RedShelf under "Resources." Search for the textbook by the ISBN-10 number (032196428-4). 

Proctored Exams and Assessments

This course will use an online proctoring software called Proctorio. This makes it possible for students to take assessments and exams without a human proctor present. Proctored exams can be accessed like any other exam, once the software has been installed. Exams will be recorded by Proctorio and reviewed by the BYUI Testing Center. Any questionable exams will be forwarded to the instructor for further review.

For step-by-step instructions on Proctorio installation, please refer to this help guide article.

Technology

Since this is an online course, it is your responsibility to arrange for the use of a computer with reliable internet access. (The higher speed you have for your internet access, the easier the course will be for you to complete). It is also your responsibility to make sure you have the word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software required to complete your assignments.

Grading Policies

Grades will be based on your work in the following weighted categories:

• Readings and rhetoric activities
• Mechanics quizzes and other activities

You may check your progress in the course at any time by accessing the Grades tab in I-Learn. In assigning final grades for this course, the instructor will use the BYU-Idaho standard grade definition criteria listed below.

A = The grade of A represents outstanding understanding, application, and integration of subject material and extensive evidence of original thinking, skillful use of concepts, and ability to analyze and solve complex problems. Demonstrates diligent application of Learning Model principles, including initiative in serving other students.

B = The grade of B presents considerable/significant understanding, application, and incorporation of the material, which would prepare a student to be successful in next level courses, graduate school, or employment. The student participates in the Learning Model as applied in the course.

C = The grade of C represents sufficient understanding of subject matter. The student demonstrates minimal initiative to be prepared for class. Sequenced courses could be attempted, but mastering new materials might prove challenging. The student participates marginally in the Learning Model.

D = The grade of D represents poor performance and initiative to learn, understand, and apply course materials. Retaking a course or remediation may be necessary to prepare for additional instruction in this subject matter.

F = The grade of F represents failure in the course.

Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Percentage Range
A	94%–100%
A-	90%–93%
B+	87%–89%
B	84%–86%
B-	80%–83%
C+	77%–79%
C	74%–76%
C-	70%–73%
D+	67%–69%
D	64%–66%
D-	60%–63%
F	0%–59%

University Policies

Read the University Policies page located in I-Learn. Make sure that you understand what these policies mean for you as a student. If you have questions about any of these policies, you should contact your instructor.

Personal Honor

In this class, our interactions with each other should be guided at all times by the following principles of personal honor.

Principles of Personal Honor—"True at all Times":

• Personal honor is integrity in fulfilling commitments, responsibilities, and covenants.
• Personal honor begins with willing obedience and is fully developed when we consistently govern ourselves by true principles.
• Personal honor increases spiritual strength through the ministry of the Holy Ghost.
• Personal honor is central to every aspect of our lives, including the BYU-Idaho experience.
• Personal honor brings us joy and happiness; deepens our desire to love, serve, and lift others; and ultimately helps us to become more like the Savior.

You should make sure that you understand the above principles of personal honor. It is important for all class members to strive to follow the above principles in our associations with one another.

If you have any questions about how personal honor is related to academic honesty or the university's dress and grooming standards, you may visit the University Standards web page to get more information.

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at (208) 496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Disability Services Office.

This course may require synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at (208) 496-9219.

Other University Policies

Student Honor and Other Policies

The materials in this course are also intellectual property and taking any materials from the course and posting them outside of this course in any manner (such as posting on Course Hero) will be construed as theft. If you post course materials without authorization, the instructor has the right to impose an appropriate academic sanction (e.g., give you a failing grade for the assignment and/or fail you from the course).

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

• Student Honor
  • Academic Honesty
  • Student Conduct
    • Sexual Harassment
• Student with Disabilities
• Complaints and Grievances
• Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.

Resources

If you need assistance, visit the I-learn help tab located on the left hand side of your screen to contact the appropriate support center.

Disclaimers

The instructor reserves the right to change any part of this syllabus at any time during the semester in order to adapt to changing course needs. You will be notified prior to any changes that may take place.

Please visit the University Policies page to read BYU-Idaho’s policies on student honor, students with disabilities, sexual harassment, and complaints and grievances.