Classical Communication Writing Classes Overview

Three common writing problems
Coming up with something to say
Putting your thoughts in order
Expressing your thoughts appropriately

Three stages of writing
Invention (coming up with ideas)
Arrangement (ordering your ideas)
Elocution (expressing your ideas appropriately)

Goals for the year-
Learn to ask meaningful, beneficial questions
    To outline effectively
    To use rudimentary persuasive arrangement:
       Sorting
       Exordium
       Amplification
       Division
       Refutation
       Narrative
    To know and use the Five Common Questions
    To make and use comparisons
       Similarities
       Differences
       Difference in degree and kind
    To understand and use schemes:
       Parallelism
       Antithesis
       Alliteration
       Assonance
    To know and use the tropes:
       Simile
       Metaphor
       Personification

Class Expectations

• On-time, consistent attendance
• Your willingness to participate in class discussions
• Your commitment to quality, thoughtful work
• Completion of all assigned essays (expect about 3 final copy essays per semester)
• Preparation of oral presentations (expect about 2 per semester)
• Plan to rewrite! :)

Class Credit
Class Participation/Peer Reviews
Oral Presentations
Essays/Writing Exercises