SPCM 414: RHETORIC IN GLOBAL CONFLICT

SECTION #001, Spring 2016 Syllabus

Department of Communication Studies | Colorado State University
(Contact Hours: 3-0-0 | Mode of Instruction: Face-to-Face)
Instructor: Hillary Hawkins
Instructor Contact: Hillary.Hawkins@colostate.edu
Classroom Meeting Time: MWF 12-12:50

Classroom Location: Eddy 117

Office Hours: Tuesdays 11:30-12:30, Wednesdays 10:00-11:30, Thursdays 11:30-1:30, By Appointment

Office Location: Behavioral Sciences Building, Room A208 (2nd Floor, East Side)

Intended Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students who successfully complete SPCM 414 will:
-Become more aware of different concepts,

-Understand how various communication

definitions, and applications of rhetoric in a

theories are applicable to international

global setting.

policy and diplomacy.

-Learn to recognize various forms of

-Enhance their critical thinking, academic

nationalized rhetoric in various areas

research, and discussion skills.

throughout the world, and how they are

expressed in periods of conflict.

Course Structure
-An introduction to the course, general guidelines and a foundation for how to read, interpret,
and discuss the texts.
-Four main sections, each broken down into two regions or territories with specific, nationalistic
ideals and expressions of rhetoric that are involved in conflict with each other, now or
historically.

Included will be areas of perhaps more well-known western concepts of rhetoric, which
will be situated to perhaps lesser-known or considered areas of varying interpretations of

rhetoric.
We will first look at how rhetorical expressions or theories are applied within their own
nations, and then see how they are directed outward to their partner in conflict, looking
for unifying themes or distinct differences and why each may or may not be effective.

Possible selected readings: Time of Deliberation and Space of Power: Athens and Rome, The
First Conflict by Barbara Cassin, Three Tropes of Empire: Necessity, Spectacle, Affection
by Robert Hariman, An African Assertion? The Question of Reconciliations Place in a Time of
Emergencyby Erik Doxtader, RHETORIC IN CONFLICT-RELATED YORUBA PROVERBS:
GUIDE TO CONSTRUCTIVE CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN AFRICA by Adeyemi Adegoju,
Leaders' rhetoric and preventive diplomacy - issues we are ignorant about by Drazen Pehar,
etc.
-A concluding session summarizing the main theories we have covered, how they have been
applied, and how we may apply the knowledge we have learned going forward in efforts of
global communication and conflict resolution.
Required Texts:
In light of the cost of text books and the financial burden often placed on students, the instructor
of the course will make every possible effort to limit the number of text book purchases required
my students enrolled in the class. Reading selections from each of the four core sections will be
posted for the students via Canvas. It is the students responsibility to actively check Canvas for
updates to readings or notes from the instructor. Please bring a copy (paper or electronic) of each

reading to class, so that it may be easily referenced and discussed together. Additional readings,
videos, and resources may be posted for free on the classs Canvas site.
COURSE POLICIES
Creating a Supportive and Tolerant Classroom Environment: In SPCM 414, we will be
discussing a variety of topics, some of which you may be opposed to, unfamiliar with, or
uncomfortable with. It is important that we create a healthy and encouraging environment for all
because every students voice deserves an equal platform and we are here to grow together. You
are always encouraged to express your views, but you will be expected to do so in a respectful
manner. There will be no tolerance for any threatening, intimidating or harassing statements.
Attendance: Attendance is crucial to the success of this course, and students will be expected to
attend and engage fully in each class session in order to build the classroom community overall.
Because illnesses and emergencies do arise during the course of the semester, one weeks worth
of absences are allowed without penalty:
Fall/Spring Semester (MWF): 3 unpenalized absences (T/TR): 2 unpenalized absences.
After your unpenalized absences have been used, each unexcused absence will result in a 15
point per absence deduction from your final grade.
Tardiness: It is important that you are on time and ready to begin when class starts. This is
especially true on presentation and exam days. Any tardiness that results in your arrival 20
minutes or later than class start time will be counted as an absence. On presentation days, the
classroom door will be closed as soon as class begins. If you come to class late, after attendance
has been taken, you are personally responsible for informing the instructor that you were present.
Habitual tardiness may result in the loss of attendance points.
Accommodating Special Needs Students who require special accommodations during testing or
instruction should first contact Resources for Disabled Students, 100 General Services, Fort
Collins, CO 80523, (970) 491-6385 (V/TDD). Information about Resources for Disabled
Students can be found online at http://rds.colostate.edu/. Please discuss your needs with your
instructor at the beginning of the semester so that the requisite accommodations may be put in
place. Failure to contact your instructor at the beginning of the semester will not justify
retroactive grade changes.

Academic Integrity: Plagiarism: copying of language, structure, ideas, or thoughts of

another, and representing them as ones own without proper acknowledgement (CSU
General Catalog 2012-2013) Students in SPCM 414 are expected to do their own work.
Research, visual aids, and outlines for all assignment submissions must be products of a students
individual, original work. Failure to conform to Colorado State Universitys standards for
academic integrity can result in failure of the assignment, failure of the course, and/or reporting
of the students conduct to the universitys Conflict Resolution and Student Conduct Service
office. For a detailed explanation of CSUs academic integrity guidelines, see the General
Catalog.
Vericite: The Department of Communication Studies uses the Vericite software built into Canvas
as a tool to deter plagiarism and educate students on how to properly cite other sources in their
work. You will be required to submit assignments electronically to the service; it is no more
difficult than emailing an attachment. Students who do not submit their assignments to
Vericite on time will receive a zero on their assignment until the matching document is
submitted successfully. The instructor will provide detailed instructions for using Vericite at the
appropriate time.
Honor Pledge: To assist and remind students, faculty, and other community members that we
aspire to form a culture of academic integrity at Colorado State University, students are
encouraged to write and/or sign the CSU Honor Pledge on all assignments for this class. The
honor pledge is: I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance.
Classroom Cell Phone Policy: As this is a university-level course that requires your full
engagement, your attention should be focused on what is going on inside the classroom. Cell
usage will be limited to when the instructor indicates it is OK to use them for research or
reference, or if you have a limited-time emergency when you need to be in immediate contact. If
you have such an emergency, please discuss it with the instructor prior to class. At all other
times, phones are expected to be put on silent and stored away. If it becomes a habitual problem,
participation points may be taken away.
Classroom Technology Policy: Laptop and tablets are acceptable for note-taking and research
that has been prompted by the instructor. Any web-browsing, emailing or social media
interactions should wait until you are outside of the classroom.

Recording Policy: At no time will students engage in any form of recording other students or
the instructor, unless prior permission is obtained from all parties.

Assignments
Mid Term Exam (150 points): Students will be expected to take a midterm exam, which will be
structured as a comprehensive exam of primary examples and concepts presented from the first
half of the semester. Please plan on being present on the day of the exam, as make-up exams will
be offered only to those who have a documented absence due to extenuating circumstances. If
you know in advance you will not be present on the day of the exam, you must notify the
instructor at least 2 weeks in advance to establish alternate arrangements.
Final Paper (350 points): Students will submit a thoroughly researched, academically rigorous
paper presenting a theory and region of their choice from the core material covered in class.
Student Presentations (250 points): Students will be expected to make one formal presentation
during the semester, selecting from one of the main areas of concentration or region, and
presenting their research to the class. More details and guidelines will be distributed in class.
Reading Comprehension (15 points each-90 points total): Throughout the semester, students
will be given six reading comprehension surveys, consisting of four questions each. These may
be given in-class or online.
Current Events (20 points each-80 points total): Students will be asked to bring one example of
a current event from their choice of news source from a region under discussion for an informal
class review and brief discussion for each of the four sections of the course.
In-Class Assignments (80 points): Students will have opportunities for engagement in class
discussions, breakout sessions and various avenues to voice their opinions and thoughts in class.
An open and welcoming environment to all ideas is essential to the success of this class and the
success of the student. In addition, having a variety of students present during class is a crucial
component to active discussions; therefore your timely attendance to class will be noted and
taken into consideration under the guidelines of the attendance and tardiness policy. Class
content and course design is centered on student-lead discussions, moderated by the instructor.

Conversation and discussion is actively encouraged, keeping in mind respect for others and ideas
that may be unfamiliar or counter to your own.
Grading Scale
Below is the point distribution and corresponding letter grade for each assignment in class:
Letter Grade
A+ 100+ A 96-94

A- 93-90

B+ 89- 87 B 86-84 B- 83 80
C+ 79 77 C 76 74 C- 73 70
D 69-60
F 59 and below