CMST 2: Rhetorical Criticism

This course is an introduction to rhetorical theory and the use of those theories to analyze public messages and rhetorical artifacts. This course fulfills the English 1B/1C requirement in writing and critical thinking, and is a requirement for the AA-T in Communication Studies. Any student wishing to fulfill their Eng 1B or 1C requirement is welcome to take this course.

In this class you will learn the art and practice of rhetorical analysis. Starting with the historical foundations of rhetoric, we will develop a theoretical understanding of language, meaning, and power. This will provide the basis to learn about the procedures and practice of rhetorical criticism. 

We will explore the features and values of different theoretical models to analyze contemporary communication artifacts (including public speeches, popular culture, art, and advertising) to uncover and discuss the cultural implications of our findings. This kind of analysis prepares you to further analyze messages you encounter in the world, but also provides you with tools to craft powerful messages of your own. To accomplish this the class focuses on the development of your academic and professional writing. You will write multiple essays demonstrating complex critical thinking and high-quality writing about contemporary communication artifacts, in addition to a lot of small writing prompts in a journal to help develop your writing voice and confidence.

This class is entirely online. There are no face to face class meetings, and no exams that meet in person.

The syllabus provides information about the course, requirements, and the textbook. I will send an informational email to everyone who is registered, and just before classes start each student will receive information on how to log in from the Distance Education Department. This information will be sent to your CCSF e-mail address so please be sure to check that e-mail regularly. 

Please contact me at via email at nsteele@ccsf.edu if you have any questions. If this class is full please contact me via e-mail to find out whether there is enough space in the class for you to add.

If you want to see what an online class involves and whether you are prepared to take an online class, please use the Distance Education Self-Evaluation.