CMST2315

Meets MN Transfer Curriculum Goal Area 1: Oral Communication. Meets MN Transfer Curriculum Goal Area 9: Ethical and Civic Responsibility. Citizens within a democracy are exposed to persuasive messages on a daily basis affecting their understanding and perceptions of the world in which they live. This course will explore the communicative, logical, and psychological processes of persuasion. This is accomplished through analysis of various persuasive theories and practices as they occur in a range of communication situations and across different media. Students will apply concepts from these areas through writing, discussion and speaking. This course will focus on the impact of mediated persuasion on society in order to develop an awareness of our responsibilities as consumers of persuasion. Student Learning Outcomes

• Examine the nature, methods and functions of persuasion in contemporary society.
• Evaluate persuasion in a variety of communication contexts to become better receivers of persuasive messages.
• Understand our responsibility as citizens to be aware of the impact of persuasion on us.
• Identify and employ strategies for analyzing and discussing persuasive messages.
• Analyze the impact of media on cultural attitudes and values.
• Assess how persuasive messages from the media influence a receiver's attitudes and creates behavioral change.
• Understand the ethical and moral obligations of being a consumer of the media's persuasive messages.