This course revives the study of the ancient art of persuasion (or rhetoric) for the twenty-first century, educating students in the skills necessary to become more persuasive communicators. Beginning with a study of the fundamental elements of ancient rhetoric as set out by Aristotle, Cicero and Quintilian, we will examine some of the most famous examples of persuasive speech from the ancient world, including the appeal to Achilles in Homer’s Iliad, Socrates' Apology, and the speeches of Cicero. We will then apply our knowledge of rhetorical style to an analysis of famous examples of persuasive discourse and writing from the modern era, such as Martin Luther King Jr's "Letter from Birmingham Jail", John F. Kennedy's "Inaugural Address" and the speeches of Winston Churchill, Sir Robert Menzies and Paul Keating. The course will examine the role of persuasion in modern politics, advertising and marketing and there will be opportunities for students to practise their skills in persuasive writing and discourse.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:- formulate structured, persuasive, clear and fluent forms of spoken discourse;
- construct and recognize logical, reasoned arguments in written discourse;
- critically analyse different methods of persuasion, including media, advertising, and political discourse;
- acquire a high-level of precision and style in oral and written communication; and
- develop a sound understanding of the role of rhetoric in ancient Greece and Rome and the influence of ancient rhetoric on modern discourse.
Indicative Assessment
Essay, 3000 words (40%) [Learning outcomes 2, 4, 5]Speech to be delivered orally and also submitted in written form, 1500 words (25%) [Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5]
Final Examination, 2 hours (held during the formal examination period) (25%) [Learning outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5]
Tutorial participation (10%) [Learning outcomes 1, 3, 4, 5 ]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorial and tutorial-like activities; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Aristotle, The Art of Rhetoric (transl. H.C. Lawson-Tancred), Penguin, 1991.E. Corbett and R. J. Connors, Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student (4th ed.)
Preliminary Reading
Chapter 1 (pp. 1-26) of E. Corbett and R.J. Connors, Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student (4th ed.)Aristotle, The Art of Rhetoric (transl. H. C. Lawson-Tancred), Penguin, 1991.
Socrates’ Apology in Plato, The Last Days of Socrates (transl. H. Tredennick), Penguin, 1969.
A.N.W. Saunders (ed.), Greek Political Oratory, Penguin, 1970.
Cicero, Selected Political Speeches (transl. M. Grant), Penguin, 1989.
E. Corbett and R.J. Connors, Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student (4th ed.)
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $3630 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7618 | 26 Jul 2021 | 02 Aug 2021 | 14 Sep 2021 | 29 Oct 2021 | In Person | View |
