The course deals with:
* some important theoretical approaches, such as rhetorical situation, modes of persuasion, argumentation strategies and argumentation topics
* practical tools for preparing, structuring, formulating, memorising and presenting different kinds of speeches and presentations
* rhetorical strategies for verbal and non-verbal communication, argumentation and for coping with nervousness
Oral tasks include various types of speeches and presentations, both individually and in groups, as well as a debate. Written tasks include a written reflection of the student's own performance as well as an analysis of a rhetorical object (e.g., a speech, a lecture, or an image).
After completion of the course, students should be able to:
speak before an audience in a well-formulated, structured and persuasive way, as well as have the ability to adapt, present, and vary their message according to the rhetorical situation
be familiar with the most common classical rhetorical strategies, and be able to use these to interpret, analyse, compare and critically examine various rhetorical objects
reflect on their own and others´ use of different means of persuasion and the consequences this may have for the individual, for society, and for democracy
understand the value and importance of changes of perspective in communication with regard to the situation and the audience´s understanding, which also includes the ability to communicate their own field of expertise to laymen.
work with speaking and writing as processes, which also includes the ability to give and take constructive criticism and use this when revising their own speeches and texts.