The two papers in this compilation were drawn from a conference designed to encourage scholars to continue the rhetorical tradition. The first paper, delivered by Todd Sorenson and Carrie Stopek, was the paper most highly commended by a panel of critics at the conference. The paper uses fantasy theme analysis, specifically the three fantasy theme…

Written descriptions of student accomplishments should be required to supplement letter grades.

Advertising copy should be given classroom attention in literary as well as moral terms. (JH)

Results of a pilot test for a public relations campaign to assist in the distribution of funds from the settlement of a nationwide class action suit brought by tenants against the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are presented in this report. The first chapter presents the background of the case, noting that tenants of Section 236…

This paper analyzes the similarities and differences between the French and American presidential election campaigns of 1988, focusing in particular on the processes of political communication. After discussing the framework of law, tradition, and climate of opinion within which political campaigns take place in these two countries, the paper…

A case study focused on the set-up, execution, and post-debate review of one specific debate held in October 1988 in Rochester, New York among the candidates for the 30th Congressional seat. Data were gathered via pre-and post-debate interviews with the candidates involved, their party chairs and campaign managers, as well as close on-site…

To bridge the gap between broad philosophical claims about the value of forensics and actual current practices and experiences, the concept of the "total" forensic program offers critical components that are educationally valid with numerous advantages for participants and sponsoring departments. The total approach is defined as the most…

The idea of establishing some form of exchange among student debaters from the United States and the People's Republic of China (PRC) grew out of the participation of California State University (CSU) (Northridge) in the 1987 debates in Montreal between American and Canadian universities. Since CSU Northridge was in the process of expanding its…

This study examined the verbal message strategies employed in the two 1988 presidential debates by Vice-President George Bush and Governor Michael Dukakis, independently and comparatively. A number of broad verbal categories were developed to code the messages of each candidate from videotapes and transcripts. Verbal characteristics under…

In an effort to plan a more useful media course for advertising majors at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a survey was conducted, along with a series of informal interviews, of media directors with large and small advertising firms. The five participating directors completed broad questionnaires on which they rated on a five-point…

A study investigated the level of black participation in the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) to discover means of increasing and improving black student involvement in forensic activities. Of 64 schools reporting that they compete in CEDA, only 22 reported having black debaters on the team. Additionally, these schools reported a total…

This study examined the differences in the use of language in television commercials from the United States, Japan, South Korea, and China to persuade viewers (consumers) to buy a product. Because cultural norms in these East Asian nations favor indirectness when suggesting or recommending, it was hypothesized that: 1) suggestions would be more…

The college speech communication classroom can serve as a laboratory for rhetorical theory and criticism. Applying the hypothesis of "experimental persuasion" to the study of oral expression, an instructor can promote in his/her students the development of story-telling skills of concrete depiction, dramatic action, the elements of…

A study investigated the interrelationships among warrants, argument dimensions, and perceived argument effectiveness. Warrants were operationalized as analogies, examples, and causal warrants, while argument dimensions were defined as degree of logicality, emotionality, and ethicality. Based upon prior research, weak and strong arguments were…