Advanced Multicultural Rhetoric Courses

These courses are delivered fully online through a series of asynchronous modules that introduce participants to the foundations and applied practice of a selected cultural rhetorical tradition. Each module builds on the last, enabling learners to engage with the material at their own pace while progressively developing the analytical and rhetorical tools needed for the final project.

A brief overview of course thematic progression:

• Begin with an introduction to the course, including an overview of goals, expectations, and guided goal setting.
• Explore the featured rhetorical tradition, examining its key concepts, historical context, and its intersections with legal doctrine and legal practice.
• Learn how to apply these rhetorical frameworks to legal analysis and advocacy, using them to critique, reimagine, and improve legal documents and arguments.
• Workshop and present your final project, receiving structured feedback as you refine and share a polished, rhetorically informed piece of legal work.

One required textbook must be purchased or otherwise obtained: Critical and Comparative Rhetoric: Unmasking Privilege and Power in Law and Legal Advocacy to Achieve Truth, Justice, and Advocacy (Elizabeth Berenguer, Lucy Jewel & Teri A. McMurtry‑Chubb, 1st ed. 2023).

The instructor will provide other readings in PDF form and links to a variety of multimedia resources.

Completion Requirements

To earn the completion certificate and digital badge, participants must fulfill all of the following requirements:

• Select a Case or Artifact for Analysis - Participants must identify the course, judicial opinion, and/or legal brief (trial or appellate) that will serve as the focus of their work across the four modules.
  Law student participants will receive a curated set of case files from which to choose, forming the simulated litigation universe for their trial  and appellate brief assignments.
• Complete All Module Exercises - Each module concludes with one or more exercises designed to apply the concepts presented. All exercises must be completed to progress through the course.
• Produce a Final Work Product - Participants must complete one of the following, using at least one analytical tool introduced in the course:
  •    A lesson plan
  •    A rewritten judicial opinion
  •    A revised or newly drafted legal brief
• Record a Brief Presentation - Participants must create a short video presentation summarizing their selected case and final work product, including a discussion of key writing choices, strategies, and analytic decisions as outlined in the assignment instructions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Identify and explain the key tenets of the featured rhetorical tradition.
• Design and apply legal analytical frameworks that incorporate the reasoning and analytical paradigms of that rhetorical tradition.

CLE credits and CEU credits may be awarded upon completion of all course components.

Course fees must be paid in full before the course start date. Please see our FAQs for detailed information on our cancellation and refund policy.

Can I apply these courses towards a Law degree at Stetson University?

No. The courses within the legal communication program do not carry academic credit and cannot be applied toward any degree programs at Stetson University College of Law. Participation in these courses will not result in a degree, alumni status, or earned academic credit at Stetson University or Stetson University College of Law, nor will it be recorded on their transcripts. Additionally, it does not guarantee admission to Stetson University, Stetson University College of Law, or any other institution.

What is a digital badge?

Digital badges are online credentials that visually showcase verified skills or achievements. They include metadata about who issued the badge, what was required to earn it, and evidence of completion, and can be shared on platforms like LinkedIn. This credential allows participants to:

• Display their completion publicly on LinkedIn
• Signal advanced training in legal rhetorical scholarship and inclusive advocacy
• Demonstrate sustained professional development to hiring and promotion committees
• Join a growing national network of Institute alumni

How much CLE credit will I earn?

Stetson Law has applied to the Florida Bar for CLE credits for each of the courses within the program. While Stetson Law does not apply for or pay for CLE credits in states other than Florida, we will provide attorneys with the materials needed to apply for CLE credits in other states. Attorneys should contact their state's Bar association with specific questions about obtaining CLE credits for these courses.

Are accommodations available if needed?

Stetson is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We encourage learners with disabilities or other special needs to contact the Office of Professional Education at [email protected] as early as possible if accommodations or support may be required to fully participate in this course.

What is your cancellation/refund policy?

Stetson Cancellation: If Stetson University College of Law needs to cancel a course for any reason, participants will be notified at least 24 hours in advance by phone or email. In the case of a course cancellation, a full 100% refund will be issued to each registered participant.

Attendee Cancellation: Stetson Law will provide a refund, minus a $75 cancellation fee per course, for any cancellation requests received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the fourteenth (14) business day before the course start date. Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. No refunds will be granted for cancellations received within thirteen (13) business days of the course start date or for cancellations made after the course begins. Additionally, once you access the online course materials, you will no longer be eligible for a refund.