COMM 110 - Rhetoric and Public Discourse

Lower Division

This course examines general principles of argument and advocacy as they relate to rhetorically creating change in different spheres of social life. Communication scholar, Rod Hart, writes that advocacy “is the human creature’s most natural way of changing the world. It is also the most civilized way of doing so. Bombs, torture and mayhem change the world too, but those are primitive modalities and they lead to unstable outcomes. Symbolic influence is better. It lasts longer and it’s less noisy.” Students will explain the importance of communication in civic life and explore how the conventions of argument change-and how advocacy functions-in different societal spheres. Students will develop an understanding of argument and evaluation theories, while also embodying those theories by developing practical advocacy and critical appraisal strategies. Finally, students will identify the challenges faced by communities and the role of communication in contributing to the resolution of those challenges. This course involves significant public speaking (speeches) as well as some writing.

Repeatable
No

Fee
$15

Additional Notes
Previous course number: COMM 010

Course credits: 3