Thinking critically about terrorism
photo provided by
Kevin Ayotte
Kevin Ayotte teaches
a class that encourages students to think critically about how language
influences their perception of terrorism. |
By Donna Taketa
The Collegian
A course titled, “The
Rhetoric of Terrorism,” may sound too scholarly for some students,
however several communication, political science, and history students
have already enrolled.
“It’s a provocative name for a college course,” said
graduate student Bradley Adame, who took the class when it began in the
spring of 2004. Intrigued by the title and familiar with the instructor,
Adame signed on.
The course, which is designed to examine how language affects public perceptions
of terrorism, is offered on a trial basis. Instructor Kevin Ayotte of
the communication department introduced the course and hopes to make it
a permanent offering.
“Terrorism is a significant issue and will continue to be a significant
issue,” Ayotte said. “I hope students take the opportunity
to think critically about terrorism, not just getting information from
the news— that’s essentially what the class is designed to
do.”
Through the class Ayotte wants to explore, “how the way we talk
about terrorism shapes the way we understand terrorism.”
Reviewing the use of language in current and post Sept. 11 political speeches
and media articles are some of aspects of the class. The format requires
class discussion.
“Topics were not fed to students, but explored through dialogue,”
Adame said.
Terrorism can be perceived as highly political, however Ayotte clarifies
that the class is, “not designed to criticize the administration.
It’s not a propaganda tool.”
Additionally, Ayotte thinks that sometimes the word “rhetoric”
has a negative connotation.
“Rhetoric isn’t about lying or deceiving people,” Ayotte
said. “It’s any type of discourse used to persuade audiences.”
Ayotte has taught at Fresno State for four years and has been encouraged
by the number of students interested in the class. The subject also aligns
with his own research.
Adame recommends the course pointing out that, “the topics and the
course will be relevant for as long as there is global conflict.”
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