Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - ENGL 214 D100

History and Principles of Rhetoric (3)

Class Number: 2665

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    12 units or one 100-division English course.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to the history and principles of rhetoric, and their application to the creation and analysis of written, visual, and other forms of persuasion.

COURSE DETAILS:

How (and why) people argue

Welcome to English without literature. To consider discourse from the rhetorical perspective is to focus less on what a text or utterance is about than on what its author is trying to do and for whom, and how well the text accomplishes that. Rhetoric considers writing and speaking as purposeful actions that influence public opinion and constitute public deliberation. The study of rhetoric thus equips one to become not only a more effective user of language, but a more astute commentator upon the use of language by others in public discourse. We will look at examples of disagreements past and present, and learn to use rhetorical terminology from classical Greece to the present to analyze and critique them.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  1. Acquire a solid, foundational understanding of the history of rhetoric
  2. Be able to use rhetorical terminology to astutely analyze persuasive writing and speech
  3. Become a more careful, thoughtful, confident, and effective user of persuasive writing and speech

Grading

  • two shorter writing assignments (c500 words each) 30%
  • final paper (c2,000 words) 35%
  • final exam 25%
  • attendance, preparation, and participation 10%

NOTES:

This course counts toward completion of the Writing and Rhetoric Certificate (see https://www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2026/spring/programs/writing-and-rhetoric/certificate.html).

REQUIREMENTS:

Students are expected to complete all the readings, and come to class prepared to discuss them.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

There are no books to purchase; all readings will be available online or posted on Canvas.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.