TCM 1010 - Argument and Persuasion

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits

Course Description
This course introduces students to both the rhetorical theory supporting and the practical applications of messages. Students will encounter a series of classic and contemporary readings to prompt examinations of rational thinking and decision making in a variety of contexts. In addition, they will analyze the arguments, premises, and conclusions of messages delivered across various media. Project work will include refining their own messaging in their personal and professional correspondence and on their social media platforms.
Prereq: None
Note: None
This course meets the following Raider Core CLO Requirement: None

Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Explain the relationship among rhetoric, design, and messaging
identify opposing classical views on rhetoric
Communicate ideas effectively
Explain the relevance of rhetoric to everyday life
Describe the limitations of generalizations, analogies, and causal claims
Identify fake news, suspect sources
Explain errors in reasoning and logical fallacies
Analyze cultural artifacts and social media
Analyze and refine messages

Prerequisites by Topic

None

Course Topics

Interdisciplinary nature of communication design
Classical rhetorical theory
Creating clear, concise messages
Arguments: premises and conclusions
Generalizations, analogies, and causal claims
Common mistakes in reasoning
Media, messages, and fake news
Cultural artifacts and social media
Issues in contemporary rhetoric

Coordinator
Dr. Tammy Rice-Bailey

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