How do we become more discerning consumers of messages? How do we shape consensus and agreement? What is the link between democracy and persuasion? How does persuasion serve as a vehicle for change? How do ethics and values play into persuasion? These are some of the questions we will explore together in this course as we unlock the mysteries of persuasion.

Today more than ever, as creators and receivers of messages, we must become responsible and critically aware of how the myriad messages coming to us from advertisers, politicians, friends and colleagues finds its way into every aspect of our lives. This course provides an overview of historical and contemporary theories, philosophy and practice of persuasive communication in personal, group and mass media. I believe that we all learn when we are actively involved in exploring issues that transfer to our everyday life experiences. With this in mind, together we will analyze and apply theories of persuasion and rhetorical patterns in messages and inquire into evaluative and ethical issues that can affect our judgment and the way we communicate.

Contact Information

Although you are working online, you are not expected to complete your work in isolation. The focus of this course is communication and to be successful we must communicate with each other and with your classmates. I am available to answer your questions and to help you in any way possible. I check my email several times a day and you can expect a response from me with 12 hours of your email (M–F).

When writing to me please state in the beginning of the subject heading, ONLINE CLASS. This alerts me when I'm checking email that yours is not a SPAM and I won't delete it.

You can also reach me at my UNCG office:
115 James S. Ferguson Bldg.
phone: (336) 334-3839

Academic Honor Policy

Academic honesty and integrity are central to the mission of the University. Students in this class must abide by the principles of the University Honor Policy as described in http://www.uncg.edu/soe/documents/policy_manual/honorpolicy.htm

Attendance policy

There are eight (8) online sessions for this course. Although you are taking this course outside the traditional classroom environment, there are expectations for successful completion of this course. These include participation in each session, on time submission of weekly projects, completion of quizzes and submission of a final project. I urge you to check announcements at least twice weekly to receive any updates or other information that may be important.

Special Needs students