SoC First Year Seminar: Interdisciplinary Topics in Communication Arts & Sciences (101-0-3)

Topic

Persuasive Communication

Instructors

Mehrnoosh Fetrat

Bryan Markovitz

Meeting Info

University Hall 101: Tues, Thurs 4:30PM - 5:50PM

Overview of class

This seminar examines the power of persuasion through speech, writing, and media, with a particular emphasis on performance and cinema as influential forms of communication. We will explore how creators employ spoken language, written text, and visual imagery to shape opinions and construct narratives that are both persuasive and resonant with audiences. Through the lens of film and media, students will critically analyze rhetorical strategies, framing techniques, and storytelling structures that make communication compelling and impactful. The course integrates theory and practice: students will engage with readings, class exercises, and media-making assignments designed to strengthen their persuasive communication skills. This project-based seminar emphasizes active participation through discussions, written reflections, and creative projects that experiment with a range of persuasive modes and techniques.

Registration Requirements

This course is open to School of Communication first-year students who were assigned to take CMN 101 in the Winter quarter.

Learning Objectives

Learning Goal: Engage critical thinking skills while exploring the breadth of School of
Communication creative and research endeavors.

Learning Outcome: Students will identify key factors relevant to the course topic,
differentiate between multiple perspectives and interpretations, and explain how at least
two School of Communication disciplines might approach a given topic.

Learning Goal: Experiment with research and communication conventions associated with
School of Communication disciplines.

Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate their ability to communicate ideas and/or
experiences compellingly by using appropriate research tools, soliciting feedback,
employing disciplinary conventions, and addressing audience expectations.

Learning Goal: Collaborate with peers from different SoC majors to highlight the benefits of
interdisciplinary inquiry.

Learning Outcome: Students will collaborate with peers across different majors to
successfully complete at least one group project and reflect upon the skills employed to
accomplish that task.

Class Attributes

SOC First-Year Seminar