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36R:302 Modern Rhetoric Syllabus
Fall 2003 - Joanna Ploeger - 6:00-8:30 p.m. in 106 BCSB

joanna-ploeger@uiowa.edu
155 BCSB
Office Hours: 9-10:30 T/Th; Friday by appointment
Phone: 353-1996/354-9059

Description

This course is designed to acquaint students with the history of rhetorical theory in the 20th century. Throughout the course, we will explore the evolving characterization of rhetoric as both a social practice and a field of study in the modern university. Reading and discussion will contextualize scholarly conversations about rhetoric through exploration of social and scientific change. In this sense, we will approach the evolution of rhetorical theory as both measure and outgrowth of the changing relationships and mutual influences among rhetoric, philosophy, the social and physical sciences and the larger culture.

This course will be of particular use to students preparing for qualifying examinations. The course will require you to master the road map of rhetorical theory in the first 2/3rds of the 20th century, understanding the nature and significance of various "routes" (and their concomitant twists and turns) to/through a deeper understanding of the nature and significance of rhetoric. As you do this, you will also asked to explore in detail a perspective or set of questions that intrigues you, placing it in relationship to major developments or movements in 20th century theory. Both of these activities should prove useful to students preparing their bibliographies and proposition statements.

Post quals students will find this course to be a useful way to account for gaps in your course work and preparation thus far. In particular, it can aid you in understanding how your theoretical interests and research questions relate to and were influenced by (or are influential upon) significant conversations in the field during this period. As you place your disciplinary interests in context, you will better understand the past, present, and future of the field you inhabit.

Texts

The following texts will guide you through a variety of different, but strongly interrelated perspectives on rhetoric and are thus required for this class:

The texts listed above provide context, background, and reprint essay central to the history of rhetorical theory. I strongly recommend that you go above and beyond the works included in the above collections and explore the primary texts from this period as well. Consider adding a few of the following texts your collection (or, at least, perusing them at the library):

Additional reading will be assigned by the professor and your fellow students.

Grading - 850 points possible

Rhetorical "dimensions"paper -- This is a short paper exploring the rhetoric of a given text or discourse area. The paper requires that you deal with the text/discourse, exploring its rhetorical dimensions outside of the framework of any specific theory or perspective, initially placing the text (rather than the theory or the argument) at the center of your analysis. Of particular importance, given the focus of the class, is the way in which your chosen text constructs meaning, both internally and in relationship to the context its production. Having thoroughly explored your chosen text or discourse area, you will then be asked to consider which theoretical perspectives (or combination of perspectives) would be most useful in the further development of a project in this area. You will be expected to circulate copies of your analysis among your classmates for comment. (75 pts)

Reactions to your classmates paper drafts -- You are expected to offer thoughtful comments to your classmates papers. Please offer both editorial suggestions and also more substantive theoretical and/or methodological contributions. (Failure to respond to your classmates work will be noted and may result in a deduction from your total class grade)

Presentation of your "dimensions"paper -- This short presentation will introduce your classmates to your texts and the analysis you develop in your paper. (25 points)

Annotated Bibliography --Your are expected to develop an annotated bibliography that builds upon 1-2 areas or conversations considered in the course that you believe would be useful to analysis in the your given discourse area. This bibliography should be modeled loosely on those students develop for qualifying examinations -- i.e. it should be grounded in theoretical school, movement, or question and move systematically through literature you consider to be central to work in this area, demonstrating which ideas and texts can and should be well known by anyone claiming expertise in this area. You will be expected to provide copies of your bibliography for your classmates. (200 points)

Final Paper -- This paper is designed to integrate the insights derived from your work on the "dimensions"paper and the annotated bibliography. For the final paper, you will reverse the trajectory of the initial paper, taking what you learned from the exploration of the discourse and using it to deepen our understanding of theory. You are encouraged to share copies of your paper with your classmates for further reactions and comments. (200 points)

Journal -- You will be expected to turn in three "journal entries"over the course of the semester. These 2-3 page essays can explore any dimension reading or discussion you find useful. It is hoped that you will use the entries to pursue lingering questions, explore the relationship between 20th century "conversations"and current issues, dig deeper into the context and events surrounding certain developments in theory, and/or stretch the boundaries of your academic writing. The only requirement is that you REACT to course work through a means different from traditional academic writing. In other words, be creative -- the best academic work takes risks. Think of this an opportunity to practice. (3 entries/25 points per entry/75 points total)

Class discussion and preparation -- You will lead the class in discussion of the theory/conversation you explore in your annotated bibliography. In order to do this effectively, you need to consider appropriate readings to assign to your classmates, how you will structure your lecture/discussion, and how to address likely questions/discussion points. (75 points)

Presentation of final paper -- You are expected give a thirty minute presentation that summarizes your final paper and explores the relationship between your project and course material. (75 points)

Mini exams -- These will be quals style exams that require you to demonstrate not only your knowledge of course readings, but also your ability to put them to work in relationship to a specific body of discourse. There will be three mini exams over the course of the semester. (3/25 point each/75 total)

Schedule

Unit One: Rhetoric and Meaning

Week One (8/26) -- Course introduction

Week Two (9/2) -- Bakhtin and Richards

Week Three (9/9) -- Langer

Week Four (9/16) -- Presentation of paper drafts (drafts due to me by Friday 9/12)

Week Five (9/23) -- Burke (journal)

Week Six (9/30)--Burke (draft comments due back to your classmates)

Unit Two: Rhetoric, Value, and Social Change: Debating the nature and function of Rhetoric

Week Seven (10/7) -- Weaver

Week Eight (10/14) -- Perelman and Olbrechts-Tytecha

Week Nine (10/21) -- Perelman and Olbrechts-Tytecha

Week Ten (10/28) -- Habermas (journal)

Unit Three: Rhetoric and Knowledge Production

Week Eleven (11/4) -- Rhetoric, Science, Toulmin, and Kuhn

Week Twelve (11/11) -- Rhetoric as Epistemic

Week Thirteen (11/18) -- The "place"of rhetoric in the modern university (journal)

Week Fourteen -- Thanksgiving break

Week Fifteen -- Presentation of final papers (papers are due the night you present!)

Week Sixteen -- Presentation of final papers (papers are due the night you present!)