Syllabus ADV 4930

College of Journalism & Communications Study Abroad 2009

Art of Persuasion

Dr. Michael Weigold 2018 Weimer Hall 392-8199 mweigold@gmail.com

Overview: This is a special topics course offered by the Department of Advertising. Special topics courses involve special issues not covered in the general curriculum. This 3 credit course will count toward your block 2 elective requirements if you are an ad major. You do not need to be an ad major to take this class however.

Objectives: The objectives for the course are to a) expose you to insights about persuasion and influence, b) encourage you to think critically about these insights, and to c) encourage you to link the insights to the fields of advertising and communication.

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The Texts: We will start with Cialdini’s (justifiably) famous “Influence,” which introduces students to ways that we can persuade (and are persuaded) “mindlessly.” Another book by Cialdini and some coauthors, titled “Yes,” describes 50 practical tips for being more persuasive. Finally, learn to improve your persuasive powers by applying the lessons of “Made to Stick.”

How the class works: Because we are in France for just 4 weeks, the class requires work on your part both prior to departure and after our return. Before we leave you should purchase and read the texts.

Complete all of the books during the spring semester. I will meet with students as needed during the spring to deal with questions or observations about the readings.

In Europe we will meet regularly as a seminar group to talk about the books and address how the lessons in the books can be applied to your present life and future career. Some out-of-class exercises will be assigned. To ensure you have read before arriving, a quiz may be given during the first class.

Finally, on our return, I will email students a final paper topic that will ask you to deal with several issues from our readings. You will have 30 days to complete the paper and email it back to me.

Grades will be based on:

a) Spot quiz on arrival (10%)

b) Classroom participation (quantity and quality) (24%)

c) Final paper (66%)

Calendar

Spring Semester: 4 mandatory meetings (once a month) to prepare for the trip.

May 4- June1: France

Week 1: Influence Week 3: Made to Stick

Week 2: Yes! Week 4: Integration and application