This course was taught at the California State University, Northridge during the fall 2010 semester.
Excerpt from Syllabus
One of the characteristics of contemporary American popular discourse is a marked increase in irrationalism. Belief in the paranormal, pseudoscience, and millenialism is perhaps more prevalent than at any other time in the history of Western Civilization. This course seeks to test these beliefs through the application of rhetorical analysis and critical thinking to discourse advancing extraordinary claims.
Learning Goals
Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to:
- Identify extraordinary claims in popular discourse.
- Identify the types of appeals, including forms of reasoning and evidence, used to advance extraordinary claims in popular discourse.
- Assess the strength of rhetoric advancing extraordinary claims.
- Prepare critical analyses and refutations of rhetoric advancing extraordinary claims.
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Topics addressed: astrology • esp and psi • evolution and/or creationism • ghosts and haunted houses • ufos/aliens/crop circles
Resource type: syllabi
Academic discipline: freshman foundation and general education
Academic level: college and university
Resource type: syllabi
Academic discipline: freshman foundation and general education
Academic level: college and university
