Introduction to Communication in Public Advocacy

Catalog description

Introduces students to the theoretical, philosophical, and methodological influences integral to legal and political communication research. Aid in the development of students’ understanding of those sources through readings, class discussions, writing assignments, examinations, and presentations. To provide a theoretical and technical vocabulary of legal and political communication research that will establish a foundation for successful advancement in the major. Writing is integrated into this course in several ways. First, students will write regularly throughout the term. Course Assignments will require that students engage with the content of the course and recognize their own positions and those of others on controversial issues, while simultaneously attending to principles of writing. Second, we will devote class time to learning about substantive writing through lectures, discussions, and in-class activities. Writing assignment topics will include personal position statements, argument analysis, and argument development. Writing instruction will focus on idea generation, essay organization, use of divers sources for support (including source citations), and ownership. Third, students will write a maximum of 15 pages of text, including three/four 2-3 page response essays and one 5-6 page research paper. Fourth, each assignment will require students to revise and resubmit their work, using peer assessment and/or instructor assessment practices, depending on the nature of the assignment.