CATA 339 -- Persuasion 

Dr. Lee McGaan  

  Office:  WH 308  (ph. 457-2155);  email lee@monm.edu
  Home:  418 North Sunny Lane (ph. 734-5431)

Fall 2008 Office Hours:  MWF: 9-10am & 11am-1pm; TTh: 10:30am-noon; & by apt.  |       copyright (c) by Lee McGaan, 2008

Course Description Syllabus Course Notes and Handouts Course Assignments

last updated 1/9/2007
Course Description:  An introduction to the study and practice of persuasive discourse using both the rhetorical and behavioral science traditions.  Issues examined include:  strategic planning and organization, audience analysis, motives and values, effective use of language, the role of context and purpose, propaganda and the abuse of persuasion, campaign planning, effective presentation techniques, and the application of theory and research on persuasion to practical situations.  Opportunities are provided for students to present and analyze persuasive materials orally and in writing as a way of developing communication and critical abilities.  The course also functions to aid students in communication "consumer protection."
 
 Required Text:   
 
A. Pratkanis & E. Aronson.  AGE OF PROPAGANDA. Henry Holt, 2001 (revised ed.)
    ISBN 
0805074031    [ AP ]

 Course Goals and Policies:  The goals of this course include the following: 

  • to introduce students to traditional approaches and social science theory and research on persuasion.

  • to increase student abilities in message strategy and audience analysis.

  • to assist students in becoming informed, critical receivers of persuasive messages in their professional and everyday lives.

  • to develop substantial student abilities in the planning, design and delivery of oral and written persuasive efforts

 

Students are responsible for all assigned reading material whether or not it is discussed in class and all lecture material whether or not duplicated by readings.  Thus, class attendance and participation in class activities is expected.  Excessive class absences (after warning) may result in a student being placed on "no cuts" by the instructor or may result in a lowered course grade.  Except for medical or other emergency reasons, assignments will not necessarily be accepted late unless advance arrangements are made. Failure to complete any assignments will result in a substantial grade penalty or failure in the course.  Enrollment in this course constitutes an agreement by the student to permit the instructor to keep, maintain on file, and share any and all submitted work for the course. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY CAN RESULT IN FAILING THIS COURSE and will be reported to the Academic Dean.

 

 

  Graded Assignments  (and approximate weight of each):
 

Persuasion Ethics Paper

10%

Persuasion Theory - Exam 1

15 %

Campaign Overview & Audience Analysis

15 %

Message Strategy Presentation 20 %

Campaign Plan Description

20 %

Final Exam

20 %