AP/MODR1770 6.0 C: Techniques of Persuasion
Offered by: MODR
Session
Fall 2025
Term
Y
Format
ONLN (Fully Online)
Instructor
Calendar Description / Prerequisite / Co-Requisite
This is a skills-based course focusing on critical thinking, persuasive writing, and strategic argumentation. Examples are drawn from various forms of persuasion including advertising, propaganda and political argument. Course credit exclusions: AP/MODR 1730 6.00, AP/MODR 1760 6.00. Note: This is an approved LA&PS General Education course: Humanities OR Social Science.
Course Start Up
Course Websites hosted on York's "eClass" are accessible to students during the first week of the term. It takes two business days from the time of your enrolment to access your course website. Course materials begin to be released on the course website during the first week. To log in to your eClass course visit the York U eClass Portal and login with your Student Passport York Account. If you are creating and participating in Zoom meetings you may also go directly to the York U Zoom Portal.
For further course Start Up details, review the Getting Started webpage.
For IT support, students may contact University Information Technology Client Services via askit@yorku.ca or (416) 736-5800. Please also visit UIT Student Services or the Getting Help - UIT webpages.
Professor Dan McArthur
djmc@yorku.ca
Virtual office hours:
After Class on Tuesday although part of the course meeting can be devoted to individual meetings.
In Addition to the themes emphasized in the Calander we will also address misinformation in the media, social media in particular, and how to detect it.
Technical requirements for taking the course:
High Speed internet access since the course is on line and on Zoom.
Zoom@YorkU User Reference Guide
Computing for Students Website
Student Guide to eLearning at York University
To determine Internet connection and speed, there are online tests, such as Speedtest, that can be run.]
Times and locations: Please note that this is a course that depends on remote teaching and learning. There will be no in-person interactions or activities on campus. Meetings will be posted on e-class portal. Times will be Thursdays 4-7:00 PM.
The Power of Critical Thinking 6th Edition, 2024, By Chris McDonald and Lewis Vaughn, Oxford University Press, ISBN: 9780197768204
Fall assignment 25%
End of term assignment 25%
Mid-winter term assignment 25%
End of term assignment 25%
The course will he held via online zoom meetings. The meetings invitations will be accessed via the e-class portal. Assignments will be accessed there as well and submitted via the Turn-It-In portal accessed on e-class.
Familiarity with the techniques of basic logic, argumentation and critical thinking and its application to various topics we encounter at work school and in the media.
Course policies
Tests must be submitted on time. Due dates will be announced on e-class.
Attending Zoom meetings is recommended but not required.
- Academic Honesty
- Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Religious Observance
- Grading Scheme and Feedback
- 20% Rule
No examinations or tests collectively worth more than 20% of the final grade in a course will be given during the final 14 calendar days of classes in a term. The exceptions to the rule are classes which regularly meet Friday evenings or on Saturday and/or Sunday at any time, and courses offered in the compressed summer terms. - Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
