Course Title:
Rhetoric, Marketing and Democracy
MKTG486 AND Hons301-13/POLI300-02/ ENGl385 01
Fall 2019
4 Hours Credit
Course Description:
The course serves as a bridge between theories of Rhetoric, Marketing and Democracy with empirical research on the relationship between political elites and mass behavior. The course will begin by defining rhetoric, considering different types of and devices for using rhetoric and learning the fundamentals of rhetorical analysis, whereby students will learn to identify the specific rhetorical strategies employed within democracy and the wider media. In addition, this class will examine the ethics of rhetoric in marketing, including questions of who is included and excluded from messaging and considering the best rules for rhetorical participation to maintain open communication. This will studies using a range of contexts to include society, democracy and the economy.
Course Title:
Rhetoric, Marketing and Democracy
MKTG 486, cross-listed with HONS 301-07/POLI300-01/ ENGl385 01
4 Hours Credit
Course Description:
Frustrated by how hard it is for people to talk with each other when their political opinions vary? Craving better political conversations with friends, family, strangers, and opponents? Us too! This course brings together Political Science, English, and Marketing to foster better political understanding and discussion. We describe the evolution of democratic ideals from ancient Greece to contemporary America. We learn empirical means to explore actual trends in political behavior. We study rhetorical concepts to more carefully judge the political claims made by others. Finally, we practice marketing strategies to engage in better political communication ourselves. Hands-on projects will help us implement what we learn outside of the classroom.
All majors and student levels are welcome. No prior knowledge of any of the fields is needed.
download the course syllabus and assignments