Rhetoric Studies

• Chair: James Hanson
• Patrick Belanger
• Matthew de Tar

Rhetoric is the art of persuasion, of communicating effectively and with consequence. As such, Rhetoric Studies examines public advocacy and social expression by exploring influential speeches, internet posts, court opinions, media representations, written documents, and the many ways society engages in persuasive arguments. Courses focus on political, legal, environmental, social, activist, identity politics, and cultural argument while providing a solid grounding in the theory, practice, and criticism of contemporary communication. Students ultimately utilize this rhetorical understanding on the kinds of communication in which they have interest. In the process, they learn what makes rhetoric effective as well as how it affects their and others’ lives.

Distribution: Rhetoric courses count toward Humanities except as noted below. For Special Topics, see the individual course descriptions.

• Fine Arts: Rhetoric Studies 110, 111, and 245
• Cultural Pluralism: Rhetoric Studies 240, and 340
• Activity Credit and No Distribution: Rhetoric Studies 121, 221, and 222

Major Tracks:

Rhetoric Studies Track: This is the track for students with interest in Rhetoric broadly or whose interest does not fit the Political and Legal Rhetoric track. A student who enters Whitman without any prior college-level coursework in rhetoric studies will complete 34 credits to fulfill the requirements for this track, including 387, and 491 or 498, with up to 8 credits of 200 level or higher courses outside the department fitting to the students rhetorical studies that are pre-approved by the student’s major adviser.

Political and Legal Rhetoric Track: This track is for students specifically interested in political argument, legal rhetoric, public policy advocacy, argument in international relations, and political campaign strategies. A student who enters Whitman without any prior college-level coursework in rhetoric studies will complete 34 credits to fulfill the requirements for this track including at least three political and legal rhetoric courses numbered 250-259 or 350-359, 387, and 491 or 498. Students may take up to 8 credits of 200 level or higher courses outside the department, typically in politics, fitting to the student’s political and legal rhetoric interests that are pre-approved by the student’s major adviser.

For both Major Tracks:

• Junior Seminar: All majors will complete the 387 course in the fall semester of their junior year. With major adviser consent, this course may be completed as a senior (typically because of off-campus studies).
• Senior Thesis: All majors will complete and orally defend a thesis for the 491 or 498 course during the fall semester of their senior year.
• Students may not count more than 4 credits of Rhetoric Studies 121, 221, or 222 towards either major track.
• Department policy does not allow a P-D-F grade option for courses within the major tracks.
• Rhetoric & Film Studies (RFS) and Rhetoric & Media Studies (RMS) courses taken prior to Fall 2012 shall count for either track. The RFS/RMS 387 course shall count for Rhetoric Studies 387, RFS/RMS 250 shall count for Rhetoric Studies 245, RFS/RMS 388 shall count for Rhetoric Studies 356. RFS/RMS 379 shall count for 349 if it counted for cultural pluralism or environmental studies, and for Rhetoric Studies 359 if it was cross-listed with politics but not environmental studies.
• Students may not receive credit for taking both the Rhetoric Studies and RFS/RMS versions of the same class, except for 221, 222, 401, and 402.

Minor: A minimum of 20 credits in rhetoric with up to 4 credits of 200 level or higher courses outside of the department fitting to the student’s rhetorical studies that are pre-approved by the student’s minor adviser.

• Students may not count more than 4 credits of Rhetoric 121, 221, or 222 toward the minor.
• Department policy does not allow a P-D-F grade option for courses within the minor.

110 Fundamentals of Public Address
4, 4 de Tar

Speech is one of our primary means of communication. This course provides training in the fundamentals of effective speaking including the preparation, presentation and evaluation of a variety of types of communication. Preparation emphasizes the use of clear organization, cogent arguments, and strong and interesting supporting material. Presentation focuses on the use of vocal variety, distinct articulation, presence, gestures, and effective use of oral language. Evaluation encourages students to critique public address, learning to think and express what could make a presentation more effective. Oral presentations and several papers required. Students may not receive credit for both Rhetoric Studies 110 and 111.

111 Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Second-half of Spring semester; x, 3 Hanson

This course trains and engages students in effective public speaking including the preparation, presentation and evaluation of a variety of types of communication. Students prepare by learning to use clear organization, cogent arguments, and strong and interesting supporting material. Students improve their presentation skills in the use of vocal variety, distinct articulation, presence, gestures, and effective use of oral language. Students evaluate by critiquing public rhetoric, learning to think and express what could make a presentation more effective. Oral presentations, individually scheduled practice and presentation outside of class time sessions, and two short papers required. Students may not receive credit for both Rhetoric Studies 110 and 111.

121 Fundamentals of Debating
1, x Hanson

Introduction to and participation in debate without a heavy commitment throughout the semester. Students are expected to attend classes covering and engaging key debate skills for the first six to eight weeks of the semester, and then participate in one intercollegiate or on-campus tournament. Students may not jointly register for Rhetoric Studies 121, 221, 222. May not be taken P-D-F.

221 Intercollegiate Parliamentary Debate and Speaking Events
2, 2 Hanson

Participation in parliamentary debate and a speaking event throughout the semester. Students are expected to attend a preparation session the week before school begins (exceptions on a case-by-case basis only). Students are expected to attend meetings, prepare for parliamentary debate and a speaking event, practice each week with staff, and assist in the management of tournaments that Whitman hosts. Students must compete at two tournaments during the semester in parliamentary debate and in one speaking event when offered. Students may not jointly register for Rhetoric Studies 121, 221, 222. Rhetoric Studies 121 is not a prerequisite. May not be taken P-D-F.

222 Intercollegiate Policy Debate*
2, 2 Hanson

Participation in policy debate throughout the semester. Students are expected to attend a preparation session the week before school begins (exceptions on a case-by-case basis only). Students are expected to attend meetings, prepare research assignments, engage in practice drills and debates, and assist in the management of tournaments that Whitman hosts. Students must compete in debate at a minimum of two tournaments during the semester. Students may not jointly register for Rhetoric Studies 121, 221, 222. *Topics change yearly. Rhetoric Studies 121 is not a prerequisite. May not be taken P-D-F.

230 Introduction to Rhetoric and Public Culture
4, x Belanger

An introduction to the Rhetoric Department, this course examines the role of communication in our contemporary society. We address three core areas: political and legal rhetoric, rhetorics of social justice, and contemporary rhetorical theory. Students evaluate public discourse such as political speeches (from across world regions), print and digital media (e.g., news, documentaries, web campaigns), and institutional advocacy (e.g., propaganda, legal arguments, and policy deliberations). Course requirements include class discussion, an oral presentation, and two short writing assignments. Throughout, students develop two key proficiencies: how to better interpret the diverse communication that surrounds them, and how to become effective and reflective advocates for change in the world.

240 Rhetorical Explorations: Race, Class and Gender
x, 4 Hanson

This course seeks to examine the ways in which race-, class-, and gender-based rhetorical practices can and do create, reinforce, adjust and sometimes overcome inequality in society. The nature of this inequality is addressed as a rhetorical construct that continues to serve as a basis for often heated discussion in society. Those in the class critique communication in the media, daily discourse, the law, politics, and in their own experiences. The goal of this examination is to increase awareness of inequity in communication, to challenge theoretical assumptions about what constitutes inequity, and to offer new perspectives from which to view race-, class-, and gender-based rhetorical practices. This course may count toward the requirements for the gender studies minor and major.

245 Persuasion, Agitation, and Social Movements
4; not offered 2012-13

This class explores the rhetorical grounds of social interaction with an emphasis on the role of communication in both social continuity and change. The course introduces students to theories and the practice of mass persuasion, propaganda, public advocacy, and social activism. Theories are illustrated through examination of a set of case studies (e.g., civil rights campaigns, environmental politics, grass-roots social movements, and digitally networked global communities). Students evaluate and construct persuasive arguments in both formal and informal settings. By studying the phenomenon of social movements (broadly defined), we examine how collective identification is created, and how groups are motivated to act in concert, particularly in contexts where communication alone may be insufficient to alleviate injustice. Credit not allowed if RMS 250 (formerly RFS 250) has been previously completed.

247-249 Special Topics in Social Justice Rhetoric
1-4

Courses in social justice rhetoric. Any current offerings follow.

247 ST: Environmental Communication
x, 4 Belanger

This class provides a detailed study of the modern environmental movement and its reliance upon varied communication practices. We will study digital campaigns and branding strategies, contemporary debates, and theories of environmental justice. Course discussion, lectures, and readings will focus on a range of regional (Pacific Northwest), national, and global environmental issues such as dam removal, logging practices, commercial fish farms, climate change, and global freshwater shortages. Course requirements include class discussion, an oral presentation, and a final research paper. Distribution area: humanities or social sciences.

248 ST: Argumentation and Social Advocacy
4, x Belanger

This course immerses students in social advocacy: the interactive construction and critical evaluation of everyday argument (e.g., community issues, contemporary public deliberations). Our aim is to learn how to combine passion and civility while providing students with a more sophisticated grounding in the practice and theory of public argument. Students engage in presentations and debate, and develop carefully structured arguments in advocacy and refutation papers. This class should change your views of both what argument is and what it can do in this world. Distribution area: fine arts.

257-259 Special Topics in Political and Legal Rhetoric
1-4

Courses in political and legal rhetoric. Any current offerings follow.

277-279 Special Topics in Rhetoric and Discourse Theory
1-4

Courses in rhetoric and discourse theory. Any current offerings follow.

340 African American Protest Rhetoric

4, not offered 2012-13

Students examine the conflicting strategies of assimilation, separation, and revolution, and the rhetoric of the civil rights movement used to promote and attack these strategies. Various stages of the social movement will be examined, with a primary focus on the nature of public argument about blacks in America beginning with the arrival of the first Africans in the early 17th century and ending with the era of vigorous African American protest in about 1965. May be elected as Politics 349.

347-349 Advanced Special Topics in Social Justice Rhetoric
1-4

Advanced courses in Social Justice Rhetoric.

347 ST: Rhetorics of Identity and Nationhood
x, 4 Belanger

This course examines the rhetorical construction of community, group identity, and varying conceptions of nationhood, particularly in light of the post-WWII emphasis on inclusive democracy and cultural pluralism. It will also introduce students to major critical concepts for analyzing and understanding public memory – we will consider the roles of communication and power in remembrance practices, and will explore how different cultures such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, India, the U.S., and Vietnam symbolically construct historical events. Distribution area: humanities.

348 ST: Civil Rights Rhetoric
x, 4 Belanger

Civil Rights movements have transformed America and global society with their advocacy and persistent efforts to mobilize change for equality. This course examines the rhetoric of the African American, GLBTQ, Women’s, Latino, and Native Peoples movements, particularly in light of the discourse of human rights. Attention is placed on the persuasive themes, strategies, challenges, and implications these movements have had on the larger public’s discussion of equality. Course requirements include class discussion, an oral presentation, and a final research paper. Distribution area: humanities or cultural pluralism.

350 Freedom of Speech and the First Amendment
4; not offered 2012-13

Arguments over the “appropriate boundaries” of freedom of speech are among the most interesting and hotly debated issues addressed by the legal system. In this course, the evolution of current legal standards on freedom of speech will be traced through a wide range of cases that made their way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Issues such as privacy, obscenity, “fighting words,” and commercial speech will be discussed, along with considerable discussion dealing with special issues of free speech such as free speech and fair trials, prior restraint, and free speech in prisons, schools, the military, and the marketplace. May be elected as Politics 379.

351 Argument in the Law and Politics
4; not offered 2012-13

This course emphasizes the study and practice of argument in the law and politics and involves three critical aspects. First, students engage in and evaluate legal argument in important court cases. Second, students participate in and evaluate political campaign and public policymaking argument. Third, students are exposed to argumentation theory as a way of interpreting the arguments they construct and evaluate. The goal of the course is to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the use of argument. May be elected as Politics 380.

352 Political Campaign Rhetoric
4, x Hanson

This course focuses on communication used in political campaigns, particularly the Presidential and to a lesser degree Senate and House races as well as ballot initiatives in the current election year. The course examines the recent history of campaigns, the importance of character and public policy, advertisements, speeches, media coverage, debates, new technologies, demographics, and after the election, implications of the results. May be elected as Politics 352.

356 American Public Address
4; not offered 2012-13

Students examine the creation, reception, and impact of American public discourse from the colonial period to the present, focusing on the process of public advocacy as it occurs in significant political and social movements and during important public controversies. Examination of public arguments will allow students to better understand the strategic choices available, the limitations and constraints that face advocates, and the nature of critical responses that resulted. Students will better understand the role of public discourse in American history and the relationship between rhetorical practice and public culture. Credit not allowed if RMS 388 (formerly RFS 388) has been completed.

357-359 Advanced Special Topics in Political and Legal Rhetoric
1-4

Advanced courses in Political and Legal Rhetoric. Any current offerings follow.

371 Rhetoric in Early Western Culture
4, not offered 2012-13

Focuses on the principal rhetorical developments that occurred during several of the great periods of Western thought, beginning with the classical conflict between the Sophists and Platonists in Greece, to the emphasis on the liberally educated person in the Roman Empire, the rhetoric of the church in the Middle Ages, and concluding with the study of logic and argument during the Scottish Enlightenment. May be elected as Classics 371.

377-379 Advanced Special Topics in Rhetoric and Discourse Theory
1-4

Advanced courses in rhetoric and discourse theory. Any current offerings follow.

377 ST: Language and Argument in the War on Terror
4, x de Tar

This course explores the dominant modes of signification and argument that operate in War on Terror discourse, focusing on the changing nature of war in political speech, and the meaning of the war metaphor in American politics. The course will approach the rhetoric of the War on Terror through the work of authors such as Talal Asad, Kenneth Burke, George Lakoff and Mark Johnson, Roland Barthes, and Jacques Derrida. Class discussion, lectures, and two student essays will focus on prominent War on Terror communication using these theories and others of the students’ choosing. Students will develop skills for analyzing contemporary political messages in the War on Terror by examining the cultural history that underlies decisions about going to war, the public assumptions that structure the rhetorical forms of war, the political actions that influence the way we talk about war in public, and the relationship between civil liberties and military action in times of war. Distribution area: humanities.

378 ST: Rhetoric, Politics, and Postmodernity
x, 4 de Tar

If Enlightenment modernity was characterized by a relative certainty in representation and philosophical truth, postmodern theory dissolves this certainty, with significant consequences for understandings of politics and culture. This course introduces students to the work of prominent postmodern and poststructuralist theorists, focusing on the way that this body of theory influences rhetorical analysis of contemporary culture and politics. Primary philosophers of post-Enlightenment modernity, such as Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, and Jean-François Lyotard are covered, as well as more contemporary authors who utilize these philosophies in cultural and political critiques, such as Judith Butler, Ernesto Laclau, and Talal Asad. Course discussion, lectures, and writing assignments allow students to develop an understanding of the main arguments and themes of postmodern theory related to the political and cultural critique of rhetoric. Distribution area: humanities.

387 Rhetorical Criticism
4, x de Tar

Using a variety of critical theories such as Neo-Aristotelian, Textual, Genre, Narrative, Ideology, Gender, Sexuality, Dramatism, Hyperrealism, Power Relations, and Deconstructionism, this course focuses on the analysis of rhetoric in speeches, court opinions, film, writing, television, political debates, and advertisements among many examples of communication. Students give presentations and write papers utilizing these various perspectives. The goal is to prepare students to integrate theory effectively in analyzing rhetoric, writing cogent and organized theses, and participating in the larger intellectual conversation about the significant influence communication has in our lives. Credit not allowed if RMS 387 (formerly RFS 387) has been previously completed. Primarily for students majoring in Rhetoric Studies, open to other students only by consent of instructor.

401, 402 Independent Study
1-3, 1-3 Staff

Individually directed studies in rhetoric culminating in a presentation, paper, or other creation as arranged between the student and professor. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

491 Thesis
4, x Hanson

Research and writing of the senior thesis. Open only to and required of senior majors.

498 Honors Thesis
4, x Hanson

Research and writing of the senior honors thesis. Open only to and required of senior majors. Prerequisite: admission to honors candidacy. Students wishing to be considered for honors must apply to the department within the first six weeks of spring semester of the junior year.