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2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CLAS3660 The Art of Persuasion

20 creditsClass Size: 16

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

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

Year running 2019/20

This module is mutually exclusive with

CLAS2660The Art of Persuasion

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.

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:
1. an understanding of the place of rhetoric in ancient society, culture and education;
2. 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;
3. 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.
4. transferable skills in analysis and argument, oral and written communication, and collaborative as well as individual working.
5. In addition, students will have subjected the rhetorical theory taught and applied in this module to critical evaluation.


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 typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Workshop201.0020.00
Private study hours180.00
Total Contact hours20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

Consolidating theory: 40 hours
Background reading: 20 hours
Preparing exercises for class: 60 hours
Practical and critical 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 typeNotes% of formal assessment
PortfolioTwo practical exercises (approx. 1000 words each), outlining a line of argument and indicating its relationship to the theoretical framework.20.00
Critique1000-word critical reflection on the theoretical system that has been applied in class and in written exercises.10.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)30.00

Two 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 two; if they submit more than two, the final mark will be based on the best two. 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. Students will also have to write a 1000-word critical reflection on the theoretical system that has been applied in class and in written exercises.


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Open Book exam2 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: 30/04/2019

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