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2008/09 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 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module takes a practical approach to the understanding of rhetoric (the art of persuasion), a key part of advanced education in the ancient world. Students will learn about key aspects of the principles of persuasive argument in classical rhetorical theory, and will learn how to apply those principles in practical exercises. The module is suitable for Level 2 or 3 students. Although there are no formal prerequisites, some familiarity with classical Greek society will be an advantage, since scenarios in the practical exercises are generally set in an idealised classical Greek city-state. The module is worth 20 credits and runs over two semesters. There is a total of twenty contact hours, which combine explanation of theory with interactive discussion of the practical exercises. For further information, visit us at the Electives Fair or contact the Department of Classics, situated on the first floor of the Parkinson Building, south end (email: classics@leeds.ac.uk; website: www.leeds.ac.uk/classics/; telephone: 0113 343 3537).

Objectives

This module takes a practical approach to the understanding of rhetoric (the art of persuasion), a key part of advanced education in the ancient world. On completion of the module, students should have an understanding of key aspects of the principles of persuasive argument in classical rhetorical theory, and should be able to apply those principles, analysing the persuasive resources available on either side of a given dispute so as to produce and evaluate outline strategies of argument.

Learning outcomes
Students completing this module are expected to have acquired:
- an understanding of the place of rhetoric in ancient society, culture and education;
- an understanding of key aspects of the principles of persuasive argument in classical rhetorical theory;
- an understanding of how these principles were applied to practical exercises by ancient rhetoricians and their pupils.

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

The place of rhetoric in ancient society and in ancient education; student experience in the ancient world; the elementary rhetorical exercises (progymnasmata); the basics of rhetorical invention (kinds of speech; the parts of a speech; the theory of issues; the division of issues); advanced rhetorical exercises (declamation).

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
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).

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Portfolio3x 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

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


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)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: 13/03/2009

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