Key facts
UNE unit code: WRIT526
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2025
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Rhetoric, the use of language to persuade, is central to many and varied forms of human communication. Understanding rhetoric - the strategies and techniques involved, and their ethical dimensions, is important because rhetoric influences the ways in which people think and act, and perceive themselves and others.
Studying this unit you will draw on a range of theories, from ancient to contemporary times, to examine communication from a rhetorical perspective, with a particular focus on speeches and the professional writer.
You will be able to analyse rhetorical texts from such sources as politicians, social reformers, corporate or religious leaders, and others.
You will have an option to gain some experience in speechwriting.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- independently identify, analyse and synthesise complex debates within the field of rhetoric and rhetorical criticism;
- apply an advanced knowledge of the ways by which rhetorical texts engage with their generic conventions and their cultural, geographic and historical contexts;
- coherently communicate an independent critical analysis and evaluation of a range of rhetorical texts and their ethical implications;
- apply an advanced knowledge of rhetorical texts and relevant theories in the field of rhetorical criticism; and
- demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the field of rhetoric and rhetorical criticism and its wider application.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Definitional exercise No. Words: 2000 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Project: Case study, or speechwriting and reflection No. Words: 4000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Great Speeches: Words that Made History
ISBN: 9780143205111
Penguin 2010
Text refers to: All offerings
Persuasion: Reception and Responsibility
ISBN: 9781111349271
Larson, C.U., Thompson/Wadsworth 13th ed. 2012
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Modern Rhetorical Criticism
ISBN: 9781138702493
Hart, R.P. and Daughton, S., Allyn and Bacon 4th. 2017
Text refers to: All offerings
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