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36:015 Persuasive Communication

Description of Course/Curriculum Fit:

This course is designed as an introductory course in persuasion. This class will focus on application of course material in persuasive situations. As an introductory course, this class provides students with an overview of how to use basic principles of persuasion in everyday circumstances. Application is the principle method of analysis used in this course. Students should be expected to use and identify principles of persuasion in varying events.

This is a practice course. These courses focus on the production and practice of communication. The primary objective of these courses is the acquisition of practical skillsÑhowever modest. At the introductory level students often spend a large part of the course learning to recognize and understand the communication skills of others (whether they be interpersonal, public speaking, or media communication skills). Students are trained to be skilled observers of communication practices, as well as informed practitioners.

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Course Goals:

    1. To introduce students to traditional and social science theories and research on persuasion.
    2. To increase student abilities in message strategy and audience analysis.
    3. To assist students in becoming informed, critical receivers of persuasive messages in their professional and everyday lives.
    4. To develop substantial student abilities in the planning, design and delivery of oral and written persuasive efforts.

Suggested Textbooks:

Benjamin, J. B. (1997). Principles, elements, and types of persuasion. Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt Brace College Publishers. ISBN: 0155023551

Gass, R. H., & Seiter, J. S. (2003). Persuasion, social influence, and compliance gaining (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. ISBN: 0205263526

Typical Workload/Assignments:

Analysis presentation using a theory or model from the text, multiple small analysis (1-2 pages) papers, final paper (6-8 pages), mid-term exam, quizzes, and final.