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2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CLAS3660 The Art of Persuasion

20 creditsClass Size: 24

Module manager: Prof. M. Heath
Email: M.F.Heath@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module takes a practical approach to the understanding of rhetoric (the art of persuasion). Students will learn selected aspects of the principles of persuasive argument in classical rhetorical theory, with an emphasis on strategies for arguing on either side of a given dispute, and will learn how to apply those principles to practical exercises. The 20 contact hours combine explanation of the theory with interactive discussion of its application. In-class exercises will include debates between groups, and between class and tutor. The module is suitable for Level 2 or 3 students.

Objectives

This module aims to give students an understanding of selected aspects of the principles of persuasive argument in classical rhetorical theory, with an emphasis on strategies for arguing on either side of a given dispute by a combination of theoretical explanation and practical application. On completion of the module, students should be able to analyse the persuasive resources available on either side of a given dispute so as to produce and evaluate outline strategies of argument, and communicate their arguments orally and in writing.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should have gained:
- an understanding of the place of rhetoric in ancient society, culture and education;
- an understanding of selected aspects of the principles of persuasive argument in classical rhetorical theory, with an emphasis on strategies for arguing on either side of a given dispute;
- an ability to apply those principles to practical exercises, analysing the persuasive resources available on either side of a given dispute so as to produce and evaluate outline strategies of argument.
They will have developed transferable skills in analysis and argument, oral and written communication, and collaborative as well as individual working.

Skills outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
- demonstrate a range of subject-specific skills, including an ability to apply background knowledge of the classical world to the analysis of hypothetical situations, and an appreciation of the social, cultural and educational significance of the material studied;
- demonstrate a range of transferable skills, including an ability to master an abstract theoretical framework and apply it to concrete cases; an ability to produce concise and well-reasoned written analyses of the arguments available in hypothetical situations; and an ability to contribute to oral discussion of these analyses.

Syllabus

Rhetoric in ancient society and in ancient education, and the student experience in the ancient rhetorical schools. The introductory rhetorical exercises; the basic principles of discovering and organising (kinds of speech; the parts of a speech; the theory of issues; the division of issues); advanced rhetorical exercises.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	20	1.00	20.00
Private study hours			180.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Consolidating theory: 40 hours
Background reading: 20 hours
Preparing exercises for class: 60 hours
Written exercises: 30 hours
Exam preparation: 30 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

All teaching sessions will be partly interactive. Student progress will be monitored informally by their participation in these sessions, and formally by a portfolio of written exercises (see below, on assessment rationale).

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Portfolio	3x practical exercises worth 10% each. Students will be required to submit a written version of three of the practical exercises discussed in class (approx. 1000 words each, each worth 10%), outlining a strategy for arguing the case and indicating its relationship to the theoretical framework.	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		30.00

Three practical exercises (approx. 1000 words each), outlining a line of argument and indicating its relationship to the theoretical framework. Five exercises will be set: students must submit at least three; if they submit more than three, the final mark will be based on the best three. Release dates for the exercises: S1 W3, W11; S2 W2, W6, W9. Submission deadlines, normally be 2 weeks after the release date, but may be extended depending on the class’s rate of progress through the material.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Open Book exam	2 hr	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		70.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 26/04/2017

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