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:
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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.
