This module is inactive in the selected year. The information shown below is for the academic year that the module was last running in, prior to the year selected.
2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
CLAS2660 The Art of Persuasion
20 creditsClass Size: 12
Module manager: Professor Malcolm 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
CLAS3660 | The 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.
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 |
Interactive Lecture | 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 hoursBackground 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 | 1000 words each approx | 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 00 mins | 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 websiteLast updated: 30/04/2019
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD