Keywords for Rhetoric and Communication Studies

Course Information

RHCS Capstone - Spring 2019



RHCS 490 | Monday and Wednesday 3:00 - 4:15pm |  Weinstein 304
Dr. Lauren Tilton | Weinstein Hall 408  | ltilton@richmond.edu
Office Hours: By appointment

Course Description

Rhetoric and Communication Studies brings together a plethora of approaches to scholarly inquiry.   Building off the same foundation, each student has taken their own path through our interdisciplinary department. As a result, each student had developed a conceptual toolbox on which to draw to analyze the world around them. One way to frame these conceptual frameworks is as "keywords", which have changed over time and come to shape how we engage in RHCS inquiry. Keywords, then, are a way to name the tools in our analytical toolkit that we have developed as RHCS scholars. As a class, we will be developing a digital book called Keywords for Rhetoric and Communication Studies. 

Throughout this course, students will learn to:


Class and Reading Schedule / Required Texts

Information about the class reading schedule is available here. All materials will be available as a link in the spreadsheet.

Course Components

Class Participation & Attendance: Assessment is based on the “quality” of participation, which entails active engagement in class and undivided attention. To facilitate an undistracted environment, no laptops, tablets or phones will be permitted in class unless otherwise told. Using one of these devices during class time will adversely affect your class participation grade. If you feel strongly about using a laptop in class, please see me to discuss. Students are permitted three absences over the course of the semester. Additional absences will result in a class participation grade penalty of .3 points/day. More than three absences will constitute grounds for failing this course. If you are absent on a given day, it is your responsibility to catch up on any work you miss. 

Participation Rubric

GradeParticipation
AStudent demonstrates superior preparation for class; draws connections between readings and other course materials; shows excellent critical thinking skills; contributes significantly to discussion, elevates the level of discussion; comments in a thoughtful manner
BStudent demonstrates solid preparation for class; offers analyses of texts; contributes to the advancement of discussion; student is consistently involved; shows a willingness to challenge ideas and concepts
CStudent shows basic preparation but is sporadically involved in class discussion; shows some critical engagement with course concepts; participates infrequently
DStudent is present but is not involved in class discussion; shows little engagement with course materials
FStudent has missed more than three classes; attendance is a consistent problem; makes no effort to communicate with professor.

Keywords:  Each author will contribute two keywords to the book.  The essay should provide a definition, history, and at least two applications of the keyword as used in RHCS. The essay will also include embedded media, which should include at least two primary sources and two examples. Each entry should be between 1,500 - 2,500 words. The citation format will be MLA In-Text Citations. For examples, see Keywords for American Cultural Studies .

Video Essay Assignment:  Each author will create a 3-5 minute video explaining one of their keywords.  The video should clearly provide a definition, history, and application of the keyword as used in RHCS. 

Reflection Paper: The 500-1000 word paper should reflect on (a) why you selected the keywords that you chose and (2) the process of creating your keywords and video essay. The essay should be written in google docs and link posted in our Box Folder. 

Course Evaluation 

10% Participation 
15% Keywords Workshops: Keyword 1 Outline Workshop, Keyword 1 Draft Workshop, & Keyword 2 Draft Workshop 
20% Keyword 1 Chapter
20% Keyword 2 Chapter
20% Video Essay
05% Video Essay Final Cut Presentation
05% Capstone Seminar Presentation
05% Final Reflection Paper

Grades will be given on a 4.0 scale.

Grade Updates: I am happy to speak with you at any point in the semester to discuss your progress in the course. I am available during office hours as well as by appointment.

Grade Complaints: Should you wish to challenge a grade, I require that you email me within one week of receiving your grade to set up a meeting to discuss. I will not entertain grade complaints via email.

Late Work: Late work receives a 1/3 of a grade deduction [ex. 3.7 (A-) to a 3.3 (B+)] for each day it is late. You’ve almost make is through this syllabus. If you’ve read this by January 31, email me your favorite meme and you will receive an extra day to turn in an assignment if you need it.

Student Accommodations: I would like to hear from anyone who has a disability or a special challenge that requires some modification of seating or other class requirements so that we can make appropriate arrangements. Please see me after class or during office hours.

Academic Integrity: This course adheres to the University’s policy regarding academic integrity. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Students are required to pledge the following statement on all assignments, quizzes, exams, and projects submitted for this course, acknowledging their commitment to the University’s Honor Code.

Academic Support


The Writing Center (http://writing.richmond.edu or 804-289-8263) assists writers at all levels of experience, across all majors. Students can schedule appointments with trained writing consultants who offer friendly critiques of written work. The Writing Center is located in Boatwright Library on the first floor in the Research Commons area and we have a Writing Consultant assigned to our course. If you experience difficulties in this course, do not hesitate to consult with me. There are also other resources that can support you in your efforts to meet course requirements.

Academic Skills Center (http://asc.richmond.edu, 804-289-8626 or 289-8956): Assists students in assessing their academic strengths and weaknesses; honing their academic skills through teaching effective test preparation, critical reading and thinking, information conceptualization, concentration, and related techniques; working on specific subject areas (e.g., calculus, chemistry, accounting, etc.); and encouraging campus and community involvement.

Boatwright Library Research Librarians (http://library.richmond.edu/help/ask/ or 804-289-8876): Research librarians assist students in identifying and locating resources for class assignments, research papers, and other course projects. Librarians also provide research support for students and can respond to questions about evaluating and citing sources. Students can email, text or IM or schedule a personal research appointment to meet with a librarian in his/her office on the first-floor Research and Collaborative Study area.

Career Services (http://careerservices.richmond.edu/ or 804-289-8547): Can assist you in exploring your interests and abilities, choosing a major or course of study, connecting with internships and jobs, and investigating graduate and professional school options. We encourage you to schedule an appointment with a career advisor early in your time at UR.

Counseling and Psychological Services (http://wellness.richmond.edu/offices/caps/ or 804-289-8119): Assists currently enrolled, full-time, degree-seeking students in improving their mental health and well-being, and in handling challenges that may impede their growth and development. Services include short-term counseling and psychotherapy, crisis intervention, psychiatric consultation, and related services.

Disability Services (https://disability.richmond.edu/students/index.html or 289-8032): The Office of Disability Services works to ensure that qualified students with a disability (whether incoming or current) are provided with reasonable accommodations that enable that student to participate fully in activities, programs, services and benefits provided to all students. Please let your professors know as soon as possible if you have an accommodation that requires academic coordination and planning.

Speech Center (http://speech.richmond.edu or 804-289-6409): Assists with preparation and practice in the pursuit of excellence in public expression. Recording, playback, coaching and critique sessions offered by teams of student consultants trained to assist in developing ideas, arranging key points for more effective organization, improving style and delivery, and handling multimedia aids for individual and group presentations.

Writing Center (http://writing.richmond.edu or 804-289-8263): Assists writers at all levels of experience, across all majors. Students can schedule appointments with trained writing consultants who offer friendly critiques of written work.

Support Outside of the Course

Although your time at UR should be a positive experience of learning and personal growth, we care about your wellness.Violence and harassment do exist on college campuses, including here. If you experience violence of any nature or are suffering in any other way, you are encouraged to turn to the offices below to get the support and protection you need. Please also remember that Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender are civil rights offenses subject to the same kinds of accountability and the same kinds of support applied to offenses against other protected categories such as race, national origin, etc. The University of Richmond is committed to providing maximum support for all students who have experienced sexual or other violence and strongly encourages students to report any incident. All college services are available to those who have experienced violence, regardless of whether or not a student intends to file a formal complaint. If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted – sexually or otherwise – the campus community has structures in place to support its students. Resources for students include:

Weekly Discussion


Questions for each keyword(s):Questions for each reading/piece of media:Your Questions/ Comments: Come to class prepared with 1-2 questions/ issues you want to discuss. Final Question: What do we learn about media, culture and/or identity?

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Workshops

 
As a part of this course, there were workshops for keyword essays, video essays, and Scalar. All workshop information is below.