Contemporary Rhetorics

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures16

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes16

Independent study hours49

Date of course confirmation30.11.2021

Responsible UnitInstitute of Social Sciences and Humanities

Course developer

Sociālo un humanitāro zinātņu institūts

Juris Vuguls

Dr. phil.

Prior knowledge

Filz1013, History of Philosophy

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to provide knowledge about the main categories of rhetoric and to develop public speaking and polemic skills for a sociologist in a modern communication situation.
The course provides knowledge about the main categories of rhetoric and the multidisciplinary aspects of the art of public speaking. The study course analyzes the main problems of public speaking and seeks solutions, incl. stress management opportunities, solutions for successful communication with the audience as well as correct and incorrect aspects of argumentation and controversy in today's communication situation. The study course looks at how this knowledge and skills can be practically applied in the development and management of internal and external communication of public and private organizations, how this knowledge can be combined with the profession of a sociologist.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge: The study course provides in-depth knowledge of the essence of rhetoric, its philosophical, psychological, physiological and aspects of etiquette and the possibilities of stress management (1st test, seminars, discussions), as well as the main principles of logic, argumentation and polemics (and their violations ), unfair practices and possibilities of counter-argumentation and response solutions (test 2, seminars, discussions, independent work, presentation).
Skills: The study course provides skills to apply knowledge of rhetoric and its main categories in public speaking situations, helps to identify problem situations in public speaking, to manage stress, to establish successful communication with the audience, to see and analyze logical correctness, incorrectness and problems in argumentation and develop counter argumentation (Tests 1 and 2, seminars, discussions). General skills - is able to responsibly plan time and perform assigned tasks, independently obtain the necessary information, critically evaluate and analyze the obtained information using various sources of information, form cooperation, engage in discussion and reasonably defend one's opinion (discussions, group work).
Competence: By developing knowledge of rhetoric and skills based on its categories, students develop competence in public speaking, stress management, argumentation and polemics both in general and in the professional sphere of sociology. (preparation and presentation of individual work and preparation and presentation of public speaking)

Course Content(Calendar)

List of lectures (16 hours)
1. Rhetoric as an art of public speech and performance. (1 hour)
2. Rhetoric and philosophy. (2 hours)
3. Rhetoric and psychology. (3 hours)
4. Rhetoric and ethics. (2 hours)
5. Communicative aspects of rhetoric. (1 hour)
6. Rhetoric and logic. (1 hour)
7. Argumentation. (1 hour)
8. Controversy. (1 hour)
9. Rhetoric and etiquette. (1 hour)
10. Physiological aspects of rhetoric. (1 hour)
11. Aspects of speech preparation and presentation. (2 hours)

List of seminars (16 hours)
1. Reflection on the problems of public speaking. (1 hour)
2. Vocal warm up of the speech apparatus, proper breathing and tongue twisters. (2 hours)
3. Communication barriers and filters of awareness. (1 hour)
4. Self-knowledge. Mechanisms of psyche protection. (1 hour)
5. The essence of rhetoric, multidisciplinarity of rhetoric and stress management options. (Independent work - 1 hour)
6. Possibilities of audience analysis. (1 hour)
7. Main logic rules and logic fallacies. (2 hours)
8. Speech analysis options. (1 hour)
9. Argumentation analysis. (1 hour)
10. Analysis of controversy. (1 hour)
11. Logic fallacies, argumentation and polemics, unfair methods of polemics, solutions of answers. (1 hour)
12. Speech structure and speech preparation. (1 hour)
13. Speech presentation and analysis. (Individual work presentation - 2 hours)

All topics specified for full-time studies are covered, but the number of contact hours is reduced to half of the number specified for full-time studies.

Requirements for awarding credit points

The cumulative formal test consists of: Independent work 1 - 20%; Independent work 2 - 20%; Discussions, group work - 20%; speech preparation and presentation - 40%.

The study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with Order of the Vice-Rector for Studies No. 2.4-8/54 on distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. Students acquire the topics covered in each course independently, using the materials prepared and uploaded by the lecturer in the e-studies environment (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics is provided through self-assessment tests, discussion forums, and individual tasks, as well as during face-to-face or online consultations, lectures, and final examinations, according to the timetable.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

During the studies the student develops, submits and presents 2 works in the indicated time: 1. Logic fallacies, argumentation and polemics, unfair methods of polemics, solutions of answers; 2. Preparation of a speech on an independently chosen topic.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Independent work is assessed according to the quality requirements of compliance with the task.
Discussions are judged by engagement, ability to reasonably argue and discuss issues related to study topics.
Main focus in assessment of independent and discussion tasks – development of individual critical, philosophical thinking and elements of independent thinking.

Compulsory reading

1. Apele A. Prasme runāt publiski. Zvaigzne ABC, 2012. 136 lpp. (Pieejams: LBTU: Abonements; Pamatfonds; (12/116 )
2. Geikina S. Retorikas pamati. Raka, 2003. 112 lpp. (Pieejams: https://kopkatalogs.lv)
3. Schreiber L., Hartranft M. Principles of Public Speaking. The Virtual Text., The Public Speaking Project, 2011. Pg. 270. Pieejams: https://www.baycollege.edu/_resources/pdf/academics/academic-resources/open-education/principles-public-speaking.pdf
4. Alekse I. Runātprasme. Raka, 2003. 126 lpp. (Pieejams: https://kopkatalogs.lv)

5. Gloria Moses (2016) Synthesizing Powerful Influence at Work and with Friends : Finding and Using That Sweet Spot on How to Effectively Influence People! [Place of publication not identified]: JNR Publishing. Available at: https://research-ebsco-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/linkprocessor/plink?id=4f01dbdc-6a03-35de-9cdf-8d7b8f92ddee (Accessed: 15 September 2025).

Periodicals and other sources

1. Fallacies. Pieejams: https://iep.utm.edu/fallacy/
2. Journal of Contemporary Rhetoric: /http://contemporaryrhetoric.com/
3. The Foundation for Critical Thinking. Pieejams: http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/a-brief-history-of-the-idea-of-critical-thinking/408
4. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Principal Editor: Edward N. Zalta. Pieejams: https://plato.stanford.edu/contents.html

5. Žurnāls "Rīgas Laiks" - ISSN 1407-1622. Pieejams: https://www.rigaslaiks.lv/

Notes

Compulsory study course for ESAF academic bachelor study program "Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration".

Atsauksmes