ENG 450: Rhetorical Studies
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 assist 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.
Prerequisites
Complete all of the following:
- Take 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)
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). For further help, here are the screensteps to show you how to find your textbook through Redshelf.
Technology
Since this is an online course, it is your responsibility to arrange to use 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 & Rhetoric Activities – 48%
- Magazine Activities – 48%
- Mechanics Quizzes and Other Activities – 4%
You may check your progress in the course at any time by accessing the
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
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
Grading Scale
| A | 100%–93% | C | 76%–73% |
| A- | 92%–90% | C- | 72%–70% |
| B+ | 89%–87% | D+ | 69%–67% |
| B | 86%–83% | D | 66%–63% |
| B- | 82%–80% | D- | 62%–60% |
| C+ | 79%–77% | F | 59% and lower |
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
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 I-Learn 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 to 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 to 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. Plan ahead and arrange your study schedule so that any holiday activities do not keep you from completing learning activities by the posted due dates and times.
Learning Model Architecture
All the activities and assignments in the course are broken down into four areas which follow the Learning Model:
Prepare: Rhetorical Readings—The Theory Portion of the Class
Teach One Another: Rhetorical Application—The Practical Application Portion of the Class
Ponder: Connections, Patterns, and Themes—The "You" Portion of the Class
Prove: Quizzes—The Assessment Portion of the Class:
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.