Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - ENGL 375 D100

Studies in Rhetoric (4)

Class Number: 3338

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 14, 2025
    Mon, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    30 units or two 200-division English courses. Recommended: One of English 199, 199W, or 214.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Advanced study in the theory and/or history of rhetoric. The course may be repeated for credit if a different topic is taught, though students who obtained credit for English 375 prior to Summer 2015 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Rhetoric and Humour

From the Sophists of the fifth century BCE to twenty-first century stand-up comics, this course offers a selective survey of the relationship between rhetoric and humour. We will read from rhetorical theory and humour studies, and look at examples of humour in politics, nonfiction writing, interpersonal communication, and performance. Though definitions of rhetoric vary widely, all seem to agree that it has to do with inventing and using language effectively toward a particular purpose with a particular audience. As academic writers, we’re taught that “effective” means logical, unambiguous, appropriate, and serious. Since humour seems often to be none of those things, how can it be rhetorically effective? Other questions include:

  • Can humour do things that literal, serious language cannot?
  • When and why does rhetorical humour fail?
  • What are the benefits and the drawbacks of choosing to use humor?
  • What does it mean to “get” a joke?
  • If we laugh at something others deem offensive, what, if anything, does that say about us—and them?
  • What power should the experience of offense have in determining what should be written or spoken?
  • What might it mean to deploy humour not only as a mode or strategy but as an attitude, as a disposition toward experiences and other people?

Regarding the course content, be aware that humour often risks offending someone, and in some cases sets out to offend. Whether you will find yourself offended by any of the course material is yet to be determined, but do note that it’s a possibility. This will also be an opportunity to discuss issues central to the study of rhetoric: issues of reason and emotion, responsibility and judgment, citizenship and censorship.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • developing or extending your knowledge and application of rhetorical concepts, theories, and authors
  • understanding, using, and critiquing some important works in the history of humour studies
  • improving as an effective reader and writer of academic discourse

Grading

  • participation 10%
  • three short reading quizzes 15%
  • a shorter paper 30%
  • a longer paper or equivalent project 45%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings and viewings will be available online or on Canvas.
They will include the Sophistic pedagogy of dissoi logoi, Cicero’s de Oratore, Kenneth Burke’s discussion of “perspective by incongruity,” some stuff from Freud, stand-up comedy by Joan Rivers, Hannah Gadsby, and others, The Daily Show, essays by Jonathan Swift and Dorothy Parker, political commentary by Anne Coulter and Alexandra Petri. We will also consider relevant items from the daily news.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

IMPORTANT NOTE Re 300 and 400 level courses: 75% of spaces in 300 level English courses, and 100% of spaces in 400 level English courses, are reserved for declared English Major, Minor, Extended Minor, Joint Major, and Honours students only, until open enrollment begins.

For all On-Campus Courses, please note the following:
- To receive credit for the course, students must complete all requirements.
- Tutorials/Seminars WILL be held the first week of classes.
- When choosing your schedule, remember to check "Show lab/tutorial sections" to see all Lecture/Seminar/Tutorial times required.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.