Time Schedule:
Katherine R Knobloch
COM 471
Seattle Campus
Analysis of the ways in which beliefs, values, attitudes, and behavior are deliberately influenced through communication.
Class description
We are surrounded with persuasive messages on a daily basis. Some of these messages aim to inform us or encourage us to make better, more empowered decisions while others are oriented toward specific goals, attempting to change our attitudes and actions in ways that may or may not benefit ourselves and our communities. This course provides an overview and analysis of the ways in which beliefs, values, attitudes, and behavior are deliberately influenced through communication, relying on both scientific and rhetorical perspectives to explore what persuasion is, how it works, and what role you can play in both constructing and deciphering persuasive messages. During the first half of the quarter you will be introduced to theory and research that attempts to understand and explain how persuasion works. The second half of the quarter will be devoted to looking at persuasion in context, exploring the professional use of persuasion and the ethical implications persuasion has on the world in which we live.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
