410.650.73
Introduction to Persuasive Communications: Theories and Practice
Location
Internet
Term
Winter Institute
Department
Health, Behavior and Society
Credit(s)
4
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
Synchronous Online with Some Asynchronous Online
Start Date
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
End Date
Friday, January 17, 2025
Tu, W, Th, F, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
Examines and interrogates theories of persuasion using lectures, discussions, readings, and assignments so that these theories can be applied to health behavior change interventions. Presents psychological, social, and environmental theories of persuasion as they relate to health behavior. Examines the theoretical underpinnings of persuasive health behavior change interventions. Addresses the strengths and challenges of applying persuasive communication theory to complex health issues. Emphasizes the role of theory in the design, implementation and evaluation of health behavior change interventions.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the features, constructs, and core assumptions of each of the theories covered in the course
- Use the theories covered in the course for the design, implementation, and evaluation of health behavior change interventions
- Compare and contrast the utility of different theories of persuasion for use in different types of behavior change interventions
- Identify which theories of persuasion are being used when given examples of persuasive health behavior change interventions
- Identify appropriate theoretic frameworks, given target audience, message objective, and behavior change goal
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 40% Quizzes
- 30% three written assignments - 250-500 word each
- 30% one written assignment - 6-7 pages
This course is going to be all virtual. Content will be offered synchronously (dates/times TBD) with lecture content offered asynchronously for those unable to attend synchronous sessions. Recommended, but not mandatory, one-on-one and small group meetings are offered synchronously only.