Examines the reasons for the introduction of interdisciplinary courses in secondary school curriculum. Discusses the method necessary for effective utilization of such curriculum development and how it affects student learning. (RK)

Examines the influence of culture on persuasive managerial communication in the People's Republic of China. Finds that the interrelated cultural values of group-centeredness, hierarchy, and "face concern" were reflected most often, followed by political ideology and changing managerial roles. (SR)

Presents a case (based upon an actual situation that occurred between an insurance underwriter and a major university) used in a business writing course. Notes that the assignment requires students to compose a letter that addresses complaints, conveys bad news, maintains good will, and attempts to persuade the reader to renew a contract under…

Presents exercises designed to make argument and discussion easier by situating them in institutional events where argument could be expected to happen: the governmental commission, the school board meeting, the congressional hearing. Shows how these imaginary places allow for creating three role play situations for different college classes. (PA)

Examines persuasive text, first describing it and discussing it with reference to relevant philosophy and rhetoric, and then asking whether it is successful: do written texts change the minds of their readers? Notes that research on designing text to disabuse students of scientific misconceptions points to text features that authors could use to…

Argues that presentations in second language conferences should not be read because written discourse is too difficult for the audience to understand, whereas spoken discourse normally has a great deal of repetition to ensure that the main points are successfully transferred. Points out that read presentations are dull and inflexible, difficult to…

Investigates the role of content and cultural knowledge in writing effective essays and asks why content has been as neglected as it has in college writing curriculums. Looks at the role of cultural knowledge in the persuasive rhetoric of two nineteenth-century historical figures--Frederick Douglass and William Apess. (TB)

This study focuses on the importance of epistemic markers in language socialization from the perspective of the second language classroom. The goal of the study is to more fully understand what second language learners must acquire to become competent members of the target language community. (28 references) (Author/CK)

This study is part of a larger study of genre conventions of annual reports and environmental reports issued by British companies. The article attempts to apply Swales' move-step approach to a different genre belonging to a different discourse community. (43 references) (Author/CK)

Replies to Billig's (1995) critique of his paper on the relations between language and ideology. The article argues that the paper critiqued is tentative and maintains that social cognition should not be reduced to structures of interaction or rhetoric. The article also emphasizes that ideologies are crucial in the cognitive and social management…

Principles and techniques for college fundraisers to use in preparing for a major solicitation are discussed, including information gathering, adequate and appropriate preparation for the call, content of the conversation, rehearsal of the interaction, making the appointment, handling objections, and closing the gift. (MSE)

Reports on a qualitative study in which preservice science teachers (PSTs) enrolled in an advanced methods course participated in a complex, data-rich investigation based on an adapted version of the "Struggle for Survival" curriculum. Uses the Galapagos Finches software and emphasizes giving priority to evidence and constructing…

Finds that prosocial messages directed at African American youth overlook the social contexts that shape the receiver's perception and interpretation of messages in urban youth culture. Suggests that the design of these messages incorrectly assumes that the linear communication style used by mainstream culture will persuade an audience that…

The message-learning approach uses persuasive communication to encourage people to examine and change their beliefs and attitudes. It provides useful strategies for direct patient education and helps health educators promote change in the health behavior of their patients. (JOW)

Examines President Clinton's address to 5,000 African Americans at the site of Martin Luther King's last speech in Memphis. Develops a critical orientation revolving around the concepts of tradition, invention, and authority to explore Clinton's performance. Shows how he interanimated the black church and liberal traditions in American politics.…