COM 303
Rhetorical Perspectives in Organizational Communication
Fall, 2012
TT 1:30-2:45, CGCC 212
http://interactivemedia.bradley.edu/ell/303/303_fall12.html
Edward Lee Lamoureux, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Communication and Department of Interactive Media
Bradley University
Global Communication Center 315
Peoria IL 61625
Office: (309) 677-2378 Home: 672-5878; Mobile: 635-2605
ell@bradley.edu; AIM/IM: dredleelam; 2nd Life: Professor Beliveau
-Rhetoric is the strategic use of symbols to generate meanings. Studying rhetoric examines how people are coordinated to get things done via verbal, nonverbal, and visual communication. The rhetorical perspective produces critical interpretations of how, when, and why verbal, nonverba,l and visual communication are effective and persuasive.
-Organizational rhetoric is the strategic use of symbols to influence the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of audiences important to the operation of organizations.
-The course focuses on rhetorical perspectives in five typical and recurring organizational contexts: identity rhetoric, issues rhetoric, risk rhetoric, crisis rhetoric, and rhetoric for internal audiences. We will emphasize the ethical dimensions of organizational communication during the strategic use of verbal, nonverbal, and visual communication.
Goals and Objectives:
The course asks students to read, write, and speak about rhetorical action and ethical dilemmas in organizational communication. As a result, students can improve their reading, speaking, and writing skills, as well as their critical thinking abilities, particularly in light of practical ethical and rhetorical dilemmas presented by everyday organizational communication challenges.
Class attendance is expected and monitored; sign in daily. Read and study the textbooks according to the schedule. College-level writing and speaking will be developed and is expected. Late reading analysis summaries are not accepted. Late written paper and speech materials lose a full letter grade per 24 hours after the due date/time for 4 days. Thereafter, they must be turned in but will still receive an "F." Late final papers and speaking assignments merit a zero and course failure (in the absence of prior arrangements). Scholarly documentation of sources (MLA) is required.
Reading analyses
40% of your course grade is based on summaries and analysis of the texts. Text summaries/analyses are posted to Sakai (DO NOT ATTACH a DOC. THERE; use the Sakai "paste into" function or enter the text into Sakai), one summary/analysis per chapter or page range, as assigned. If multiple chapters/ranges are due on one day, submit them in ONE post, with the chapter/section divisions clearly marked. These summaries only "count" for students who are in class on the target day: be sure to sign the roll sheet at each class. Each day's assignment will specify particular learning outcome(s) and foci for your summary/analysis (for example, theses/claims/evidence/reasoning). Reading assignments are due by 1pm the afternoon of the class day when we could cover the material.
Paper and speech (in parts)
40% of your course grade is based on writing and speaking assignments that analyze and interpret ethics in organizational communication case studies from a rhetorical perspective. Your paper is an informative essay concerning rhetorical approaches to/the role of rhetoric in one of the six sets of ethics communication practices in May (Alignment, Dialogical Communication, Participation, Transparency, Accountability, and Courage). Your speech is a persuasive presentation concerning rhetorical approaches to/the role of rhetoric in an other of the six sets of ethics communication practices. Select two of the categories from the list on the Sakai wiki. Support materials may be drawn from May, Hoffman and Ford, and any of the resources referenced within those two books. Microsoft Word files via email for outlines; WORD files through Turnitin/Sakai for drafts, final paper, and speech draft. Web pages, PowerPoint, Flash, Prezi or Keynote files can be used to support your oral presentations (materials AND the presentation will be graded). I will use the WORD "comment" function or send you a marked up .pdf. If I use the .pdf markup function, you'll need to open the file on a laptop or desktop (the mobile or tablet versions of .pdf readers do not render the mark up--largley in audio--properly). If I use the WORD comment function, you will need to open the files using WORD to see the comments.
Examinations
20% of your course grade is based on examinations. Midterm and final over Hoffman and Ford and lectures.
Special Considerations
You should sign in each class day. Failure to sign the roll sheet results in "missing" the day. Missing the day results in no scoring of the daily contributions/assignments.
There
is a Sakai site for grades, your written work, and class email.
Please
do not use tobacco products in class. I am distracted by their use and
will insist that you leave if you persist. Electronic devices may not be used in class. This includes laptop computers, iPods, iPads, and cell phones. If you wish to take notes, you'll need paper and writing instrument. Use of electronics will meet with suggestion that you leave; turn your cell phone and mp3 devices off/vibrate/silence. You will be instructed to bring your laptop on days they are required (writing critique days and perhaps for oral performances).
I do not use text messaging, so one student each day will be identified as the "designated emergency text message monitor" and will be asked to leave their cell phone on for this purpose. You must be registered with the BU emergency notificaction system to serve. Please help me identify this person in a timely fashion each day. All other cell phones should be turned to vibrate or off during class. If you must take a call during class, please come and go quietly.
All students
are responsible to the same syllabus schedule, regardless of outside or
BU-sponsored activities. If I accept materials early it is only by agreement, before the fact. Those with documented university-sponsored activities or illness MAY NOT reserve their 60 points using those excuses. Missing assignments in addition to the 40 points must be thoroughly documented and arrangements made BEFORE THE CLASS IN QUESTION in order to qualify for exception. I expect ALL students to be able to function within the 60 points worth of extra credit.
Students with BU-certified learning disabilities or adaptive technology needs, should contact me immediately. I've often worked with the BU Learning Assistance Center to facilitate learning. Arrangements must be initiated by the student, preferably at the start of the term. I can help connect you to the Center. However, without Center certification, I cannot make disability accommodations. The Center requires registration with the Center and "prior notice" for their services (see their website for time details.
Please do not call (home, 672-5878; cell 635-2605) after 8pm unless there is an emergency. I am often
in my office (GCC 315; 677-2378). "Official" office hours
are: Tues/Thursday, 10:30-11:15, and by appointment. My e-mail address
is <ell@bradley.edu>; iChat & skype: dredleelam; Second Life: Professor Beliveau.
Policy
regarding e-mail communication about grades:
As a matter of the Department of Communication's policy to protect student privacy
and in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act,
questions and concerns regarding grades must be presented in person or
in a written letter. Instructors will not respond to questions and concerns
communicated through e-mail or telephone calls regarding grades.
Policy regarding student absence due to an illness:
When missing classes and related assignments due to illness, it is
the student's responsibility to provide documentation to verify the student's absence, unless the Office
of the Associate Provost for Student Affairs informs an instructor of
the basis for the absence. Students may sign an informational release form at Student Health; the document enables faculty to verify treatment at the Clinic.
Plagiarism merits an "F" on the activity and disciplinary action. DON'T copy the work of others and DO document sources properly. Turnitin is licensed by the university. Students are responsible for knowing the Bradley University policy available here: http://www.bradley.edu/academic/undergradcat/20102011/overview-archeating.dot. Information about Turnitin and plagiarism prevention is available on the Bradley Turnitin website --http://www.bradley.edu/irt/turnitin/
In accordance with University policies, the Department Communication does not condone the use of pirated software. Details of the University policies are articulated at <http://www.bradley.edu/irt/policies/5.04.html>; further, the Student Handbook, at item 6 <http://www.bradley.edu/campuslife/studenthandbook/policies/conduct/>, forbids the possession of stolen goods. Students in violation of these policies can expect enforcement via the university procedures regarding conduct.
Grading:
20 reading analysis summaries (20 X 20) 400
1 Reading, writing, response paper, full sentence outline with bib. 50
1 Reading, writing, response paper, rough draft with bib. 50
1 Reading, writing, response paper, final paper with bib. 100
1 Reading, speaking, response presentation, written rough draft with bib 50
1 Reading, speaking, response presentation, oral rough draft 50
1 Self-critique, speech rough draft presentation
25
1 Reading, speaking, response presentation, final speech 75
1 Midterm exam (text readings and lecture) 100
1 Final exam (text readings and lecture) 100
Total points 1000 points (final total can vary from 1000)
100%-88.5: A 88.4-78.5: B 78.4-68.5: C 68.4-58.5: D <58.5: F
Texts:
Hoffman, Mary, F. and Debra J. Ford. Organizational Rhetoric: Situations and Strategies. Sage, 2010.
May, Steve (ed.) Case Studies in Organizational Communication: Ethical Perspectives and Practices. 2nd Ed. Sage, 2013.
Tentative schedule (subject to change, with notice)
August
23- class 1: Defining the rhetorical perspective to organizational communication
For class 2: Read and analyze Hoffman & Ford, chapter 1 as analysis of claims. Read but do not write about Plato and rhetoric
28- class 2: About rhetoric and Introduction to Rhetorical Theory in Managerial Research [.pdf]
For class 3: Read and analyze Rhetorical Theory in Managerial Research as analysis of evidence. Read but do not write about Aristotle and rhetoric
30- class 3: Introduction to Rhetoric and Ethics in Organizational Communication
For class 4: Read May, Introduction as analysis of warrants
September
04- class 4: Ethical challenges, dilemmas, perspectives, and practices in organizational communication.
For class 5: Read May, case studies 1 and 2 and analyze primary/secondary evidence presented.
06- class 5: Rhetorical fundamentals in organizations: artistic and inartistic proofs & the 5 canon
For class 6: Read Hoffman & Ford, chapter 2 as summary with take-aways; read but do not write about Notes from Donald L. Clark's Rhetoric In Greco-Roman Education: Clark on the Precepts of Rhetoric, rhetorical invention, arrangement, word choice/style, delivery, memory
11- class 6: Rhetorical fundamentals in organizations: artistic and inartistic proofs & the 5 canon
For class 7: Read Hoffman & Ford, chapter 3 as full sentence outline; Read but do not write about Bitzer pt. 1 & pt. 2
[note: I have mixed reverence for 9-11. Anniversary of a terrible tragedy; also my birthday. Please don't misunderstand humor or smiles I have today, etc.]
13- class 7: Rhetorical situations and audiences in organizational communication
For class 8: Read May, case studies 3 and 4 as an analysis of the relationships among sets of points in each of these two chapters.
18- class 8: Rhetorical situations and audiences in organizational communication
For class 9: Read and produce your claims analysis of Scott & Trethewey[.pdf]
20- class 9: No class. your claims analysis of Scott & Trethewey[.pdf] due before 2:45 pm.
For class 10: produce your evidence analysis drawn from the materials found in May, case studies 5 & 6
25- class 10: Introduction to critical theory & rhetorical criticism
For class 11: Hoffman & Ford, chapter 4 as a summary with take-aways. Read but do not write about Foucault, Feminist approaches, African, African American and Asian approaches, McGee
27- class 11: Critical approaches to organizational communication
For class 12: May, case studies 7 & 8 via Your Warrants analysis summary
October
02- class 12: Critical approaches to organizational communication
For class 13: Hoffman & Ford, chapter 5 as a summary with take-aways
04- class 13: Evaluating and critiquing organizational communication
For class 14: Hoffman & Ford, chapter 6 as a summary with take-aways; Read but do not summarize notes on Burke
6-9 Fall Break
11- class 14: Identity creation and maintenance rhetoric in organization
For class 15: May, case studies 9 & 10 as Your evidence analysis summary
16- class 15: Midterm Examination (Hoffman & Ford chapters 1-5 plus lecture material)
For class 16: Read but do not summarize notes on Perelman
18- class 16: Values in Organizations
For class 17: May, case studies 11 & 12 and Hoffman & Ford, chapter 7, as summaries with take-aways
23- class 17: Issue management communication in organizations
For class 18: May, case studies 13 & 14 as a summary with take-aways
25- class 18: Issue management communication in organization
For class 19: Hoffman & Ford, chapter 8 & May case studies 15 & 16 as summaries with take-aways
30- class 19: Risk management communication in organizations
For class 20: May, case studies 17 & 18 as summaries with take-aways
November
01- class 20: Risk management communication in organizations (speech 1 draft due)
For class 21 Hoffman & Ford, chapter 9 & May, case studies 19, 20, 21 as summaries with take-aways
06- class 21: Crisis rhetoric
For class 22: May, case studies 22 & 23 as summaries with take-aways
08- class 22: Crisis rhetoric
For class 23: Full sentence outline of paper due; Read but do not write about Hoffman & Ford, chapter 10
13- class 23: Full sentence outline of paper due; Rhetoric for internal audiences
For class 24: Rough Draft of paper due
15- class 24: Rough Draft due, no class
20- class 25: Rhetoric and internal organizational communication
For class 26: Final paper due; Read but do not summarize IM 250 concept 1 notes & Five Trademark Concerns When Rebranding
22- off, thanksgiving
27- class 26: Final paper due; Approaches to digital organizational communication
For class 27: Written speech rough draft due
29- class 27: Oral speech rough draft (in class)
by 9am December 03: Critique of your speech draft performance
December
03- by 9am: Critique of your speech draft performance
04- class 28: Speeches
Final:
Friday, Dec. 7, 12-2pm: Hoffman and Ford, Chapters 6-10
© Ed Lamoureux