Course Description

Welcome to Power, Persuasion and Propaganda, an introductory course in persuasion. We will explore the theory of persuasion in face-to-face encounters with others (including interpersonal communication, sales and debates) as well as in the mass media (including commercials, political communication, "propaganda" and other persuasive campaigns). Because this is a presidential election year, this semester we will focus much of the course on political persuasion. To understand how persuasion works we will explore how we ourselves are persuaded as well as how others are persuaded.

Required Materials

Persuasion: Reception and Responsibility by Charles U. Larson 10th Edition (available in the bookstore) and chapters from An Introduction to Debate unpublished text that I wrote (will be provided free of charge by me).

Grading

75% Three Tests (25% each)

Tests will be essay and/or short answer. A review sheet will be handed out at least one week prior to the test.

25% Class participation and written assignments

Written assignments will include out-of-class assignments and in-class writing about the day's reading or other topics. Class participation will be measured by my perception of your constructive participation in class activities and discussion. Be aware that this portion of your grade is completely dependent on my subjective view of your participation. I expect that students will be cordial and respectful of others at all times. Please note that beepers, cell phones and any other electronic devices that make audible noise must be turned off in class. Communication with others (by voice, text or other means) via any electronic devices (including answering a call or taking it out of the room) is not allowed. Use of such devices in class is disruptive, rude and will count against class participation. Each infraction of this policy will also count as an absence from class and you may be asked to leave the classroom.

Extra Credit Debate Option

Participate in a debate practice session and compete in a Public Forum Debate Tournament in the fall. Tournaments are usually held on Sundays and take an afternoon (an evening tournament may also be scheduled).

Course Policies:

Attendance - You are allowed 3 absences. Two lates equal an absence. Each additional absence will lower your final mark one full letter grade (An A becomes a B etc.) Your active participation is essential for the success of this course. If you have a medical condition or other problem that may cause additional absences, please let me know in advance. If you are asked to leave the class, it will count as an absence.

Academic Code of Conduct -Stealing or passing off the ideas of another person as your own is called plagiarism. The student code of conduct indicates that I may fail any student who plagiarizes. If any speech or written work is called into question you must be able to produce a bibliography of sources used. The burden of proof is on the student to prove that the sources cited were sufficient to create the entire piece of work in an ethical fashion.

Changes in Course Policy: If I want to change a course policy outlined in this syllabus I will only do so if a majority of students who are present in class approve it.

Learning Disabilities: If you are a student with a disability and you believe you will need accommodations to succeed in this class contact the Office of Disability Services at 845-574-4541.

Book Loan Funds: The financial aid office and the student senate may loan students money to buy textbooks. Don't fall behind in the reading. Take advantage of these funds if you need them

Course Outline

Schedule of Reading Assignments

Note: Readings are due on the day listed. Assignments and schedule are subject to change which is especially likely this semester to accommodate guest speakers or to discuss political developments.

• Tuesday September 2: Introduction
• Thursday September 4: Larson - Chapter 1: Persuasion in Today's World
• Tuesday September 9: Larson - Chapter 3: Traditional and Humanistic Approaches to Persuasion
• Thursday September 11: Larson Chapter 3 Cont'd 
• Tuesday September 16: Fisher's excerpt from Human Communication as Narration: Toward a Philosophy of Reason, Value, and Action
• Thursday September 18: Larson - Chapter 14: The Use of Persuasive Premises in Advertising and IMC
• Note: Monday, September 22 is the last day to drop without a grade.
• Tuesday September 23:  Chapter 14 Cont'd
• Thursday September 25:  Review
• Tuesday September 30: No Day or Evening Classes (Rosh Hashannah)
• Thursday Oct 2: Test
• Tuesday October 7: TBA
• Thursday October 9: No Day or Evening Classes (Yom Kippur)
• Tuesday October 14: Tuesday October 7: Jacobs Chapter 1: Introduction to Debate and Jacobs - Chapter 3: Flowing
• Thursday October 16: Pfau - The Subtle Nature of Debate Influence and Jacobs' The Bush-Kerry Debates
• Tuesday October 21: Larson - Chapter 6: Tools for Analyzing Language and other Persuasive Symbols
• Thursday October 23: Larson - Chapter 6 cont'd.
• Note: Friday, October 31 is the last day to withdraw without a failing grade. It is also the last day to file pass/fail or audit forms.
• Tuesday October 28: TBA
• Thursday October 30: Larson - Chapter 9: Cultural Premises in Persuasion
• Tuesday November 4: Excerpt from: Don't Think of an Elephant! by George Lakoff
• ELECTION DAY!
• Thursday November 6: Review
• Tuesday November 11: Test
• Thursday November 13: Larson - Chapter 2: Perspectives on Ethics in Persuasion
• Tuesday November 18: Chapter 2 cont'd.
• Thursday November 20: Larson - Chapter 11: The Persuasive Campaign or Movement
  • Viewing Questions for an excerpt from Triumph of the Will, Directed by Leni Riefenstahl will be handed out today
   
• Tuesday November 25: Larson - Chapter 11 Cont'd.
• Thursday November 27 Thanksgiving No Class
• Tuesday December 2: Hand Out: "The Techniques of Propaganda" by Charles U. Larson
• Thursday December 4: Continue discussing Hand Out: "The Techniques of Propaganda"
• Tuesday December 9: Mral "The Rhetorical State of Alert before the Iraq War 2003"
  • Answers to viewing questions on Triumph of the Will are due today
   
• Thursday December 11: Review
• Tuesday December 16: Test
• Thursday Dec 18: TBA

Have a good winter break!!