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 study course provides knowledge of the main categories of rhetoric and the multidisciplinary aspects of the art of public speaking. It analyzes the key problems of public speaking and explores possible solutions, including stress-management techniques, strategies for successful communication with an audience, and the correct and incorrect aspects of argumentation and debate in contemporary communication settings. The course also examines how knowledge and skills in rhetoric can be applied in shaping and managing both internal and external communication in public and private organizations, and how these competences relate to the work 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 - ability 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)

Full-time studies:

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, the 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)

Part-time distance learning:

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 assessment consists of:
1st test -10%; 2nd test - 10%; Discussions, group work - 30%; Individual work and its presentation - 20%; Speech preparation and its presentation - 30%.

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 study course, students develop, submit and present 2 assignments 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

Individual assignments are assessed according to how well the quality of the work meets the stated requirements. Discussions are evaluated based on participation and the ability to explain and debate issues related to the course topics with well-reasoned arguments. When grading individual assignments and discussions, primary attention is given to the student’s development of critical and philosophical thinking and the ability to think independently.

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

Free elective course in the ESAF academic bachelor's study program "Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration".

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