Rhetorical Criticism for Legal Writing Faculty

The course combines synchronous and asynchronous learning. Participants meet on Zoom for a 90‑minute session every two weeks, with early sessions blending brief lecture content and guided discussion of readings and project development. Between meetings, participants complete weekly readings - typically a short textbook chapter and a scholarly article applying rhetorical theory - and respond to instructor‑guided discussion questions on Canvas.

Participants can expect to spend three to four hours per week on reading and discussion.

In the final portion of the term, class sessions focus entirely on participants’ research proposals, writing, or lesson‑planning projects. Each participant records a presentation of their work, engages with peer presentations on Canvas, and contributes to discussion during synchronous meetings. All synchronous sessions are recorded and accessible only to registered participants.

One required textbook must be purchased or otherwise obtained: Rhetorical Criticism: Perspectives in Action (Jim A. Kuypers, ed., 3rd ed. 2021).

Additional readings will be provided by the faculty as PDFs or through links to open‑access repositories. In many cases, participants may choose between longer and shorter supplemental readings to help manage workloads during busy points in the academic term.

Completion Requirements

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

• Weekly Reading Responses - Participants must post a written response to each week’s assigned readings before the corresponding synchronous session. Participants may miss no more than three of these weekly deadlines and still qualify for the certificate.
• Participation in Synchronous Discussions - For at least six of the biweekly synchronous class sessions, participants must do one of the following:
  • Attend the session live, or
  • Watch the session recording and post a commentary in the associated Canvas discussion forum before the end of the term.
• Final Project Presentation and Draft - Participants must prepare the following items in time for peer discussion and review during the scheduled synchronous session. Attendance at that specific session is preferred but not required.
  • Video Presentation (up to 15 minutes): An overview of the participant’s research project, short form essay, or lesson plan. A simple slide deck with voice over is sufficient.
  • Written Draft or Outline: A draft or outline of the participant’s research prospectus, first short form rhetorical criticism, or lesson plan. This must be provided early enough for peers to read and discuss it during the scheduled session

Learning Outcomes

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

• Recognize key elements of major rhetorical theories.
• Apply a rhetorical theory to at least one legal rhetorical artifact.
• Evaluate a legal rhetorical artifact using the selected rhetorical framework.
• Create original analysis that deepens readers’ understanding of legal rhetorical artifacts, the choices shaping their form and substance, and the alternatives available to their authors.

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.