According to the university's course numbering conventions, a 400 designation indicates that a course is an Upper Division Selected Topics course. Across SU, departments use the 400 designation both to offer one-time topics that aren't otherwise found in their curricula and to pilot new courses before submitting them for "regularization." As the WP continues to innovate and refine its curriculum, you can expect to see that 400 number appear in the schedule of classes often. This semester's WRT 400 pilot course, The Ethics of Rhetoric: Truth or Flattery?, is taught by Lois Agnew, Associate Professor of Writing and Rhetoric and Director of Undergraduate Studies.
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We've all heard phrases like "nothing but rhetoric" and "empty rhetoric"—terms that illustrate rhetoric's negative reputation. Agnew points out that part of what makes this image of rhetoric interesting is that it differs from the longstanding belief that rhetoric's ideal role is to promote the public good. And it is this tension that is at the heart of her course.
This semester, Agnew and her students have discussed how rhetoric intersects with ethics, thinking about the implications and complications that emerge when historic ideas play out in contemporary politics, the media, and even daily interactions. Thinking about current debates like making English the official language in the U.S. helps students understand the complexity—and the relevance—of this work. And they don't just examine words; students also think about how images can further complicate, as well as potentially clarify, arguments around contemporary public issues.
The course, an option under the Histories and Theories requirement for the Writing and Rhetoric major, expands on issues and questions that are raised in WRT 255: Advanced Argumentative Writing. It culminates in a portfolio in which students choose a specific public issue, create an argument using different genres and/or media, and reflect on the ethical challenges that they face in constructing those arguments.
Agnew has been impressed with the way that her students, 13 Writing & Rhetoric majors and one minor, have engaged with the readings and the ideas: "These are important things for students to think about. They're seeing the relevance and making the class work." |
Lois Agnew
I like the class because we have taken a historical look at rhetoric and image and applied it to present day issues with technology. Also we have the liberty to choose the topics that we wish to talk about and write about—which makes this class very applicable. I can apply to things that I think are important to me—I love that kind of freedom.
—Alonna Berry
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