Persuasion Theory explores the psychological and social factors that influence how people are convinced to change their attitudes or behaviors. You'll study various persuasion models, rhetorical strategies, and the role of emotions in persuasive communication. The course covers everything from advertising techniques to political campaigns, helping you understand how persuasion works in different contexts.

Is Persuasion Theory hard?

Persuasion Theory can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The concepts can get pretty abstract, and you'll need to wrap your head around a lot of psychological theories. That said, most students find it super interesting, which makes it easier to stay engaged. As long as you keep up with the readings and participate in class discussions, you should be able to handle it.

Tips for taking Persuasion Theory in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Pay attention to real-world examples of persuasion in ads, political speeches, and social media
Practice applying theories to everyday situations (like convincing your roommate to do the dishes)
Watch documentaries on advertising or political campaigns to see persuasion in action
Form a study group to discuss and debate different persuasion techniques
Keep a "persuasion journal" to track examples you encounter in daily life
Try to identify the persuasion strategies used in popular TED Talks

Movies to check out: "Thank You for Smoking," "The Social Dilemma," and "Wag the Dog"

Common pre-requisites for Persuasion Theory

Introduction to Communication Theory: This course covers the fundamental theories and models of communication. It provides a solid foundation for understanding how people exchange information and create meaning.
Social Psychology: This class explores how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others. It's crucial for understanding the social aspects of persuasion.
Public Speaking: In this course, you'll learn how to craft and deliver effective speeches. It's great for understanding the practical side of persuasive communication.

Classes similar to Persuasion Theory

Rhetoric and Argumentation: This course dives into the art of effective speaking and writing to persuade others. You'll study classical and contemporary approaches to constructing arguments.
Political Communication: Here, you'll explore how communication strategies are used in politics and campaigns. It's all about understanding how political messages are crafted and delivered to sway public opinion.
Consumer Behavior: This marketing-focused course examines how and why people make purchasing decisions. You'll learn about the psychological factors that influence consumer choices and how marketers use this knowledge.
Media and Society: This class looks at the role of mass media in shaping public opinion and behavior. You'll analyze how different media forms influence our perceptions and decisions.

Communications: Focuses on various forms of human communication, from interpersonal to mass media. Students learn about theory and practice of effective communication in different contexts.
Marketing: Concentrates on understanding consumer behavior and creating strategies to promote products or services. Students learn about market research, advertising, and brand management.
Political Science: Examines political systems, theories, and behaviors. Students study government structures, policy-making processes, and the role of communication in politics.
Psychology: Explores human behavior and mental processes. Students learn about cognitive processes, social influences, and how these factors affect decision-making and persuasion.

What can you do with a degree in Persuasion Theory?

Advertising Copywriter: Creates persuasive content for ads across various media. They use their understanding of persuasion techniques to craft messages that resonate with target audiences.
Political Campaign Manager: Oversees the strategy and execution of political campaigns. They apply persuasion theories to develop messaging and outreach strategies to win votes.
Public Relations Specialist: Manages the public image of organizations or individuals. They use persuasive communication to shape public perception and handle crisis communication.
Market Research Analyst: Studies market conditions and consumer behavior to help companies understand what products people want. They use their knowledge of persuasion to interpret consumer motivations and predict trends.