IRONTON — Students in communications courses at Ohio University Southern will watch and analyze the upcoming presidential and vice-presidential debates as an exercise in weighing rhetorical techniques.
The sessions, which will be open to the public, will be in Bowman Auditorium in the Collins Center and will kick off Thursday with the vice presidential debate between Republican Sarah Palin and Democrat Joe Biden.
The second session will cover the second presidential debate Oct. 7.
The sessions are intended as thoughtful academic exercises, not partisan rallies, so students and the public alike are discouraged from bringing banners, signs, buttons or apparel displaying party or candidate preference, said communications professor David Lucas.
Chanting, cheering and sloganeering also will be discouraged, Lucas said. “We want people to engage and think about ideas ... we’re going to be dissecting the messages, looking at the rhetoric.”
Students also will be using hand-held electronic clickers to register their reactions during the debate. For instance, students may be asked which candidate appears to be making the most effective presentation, Lucas said.
If there are clickers left over after distribution to students, some may be handed out to the public participants, he said.
Data gathered by the clickers will be used in later classes.
The sessions will start at 8:30 p.m. and the debates will be shown on the giant-screen television in the auditorium.
During the second debate, which is to be in a town-hall format, audience members both at the debate and on the internet will suggest issues.
OUS students will bring laptops and submit their own questions.
MIKE JAMES can be reached at mjames@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2652.
Local News
OUS class to analyze upcoming debates
- Local News
-
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
A national search will begin soon to replace Ashland Community and Technical College President Gregory D. Adkins, who is retiring.
-
Red Tails recommended
With sincere appreciation to their hosts, local military veterans whose service spanned World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan gathered at Kyova 10 Theatre late Tuesday afternoon for a screening of the film “Red Tails.”
-
More updates coming to Boyd jail
While a nonfunctional fire alarm system has been fixed, the Boyd County Detention Center is now dealing with problems in another of its security systems.
-
APD probes early morning stabbing
Ashland police are investigating a stabbing in the area of 30th Street and Greenup Avenue early Tuesday morning.
-
Local briefs: 2/8/12
A Carter County man was killed Monday in an all-terrain vehicle accident.
-
3 indicted in grave-marker thefts
A Carter County grand jury has indicted three in connection with the December theft of metal markers from the graves of World War II veterans.
-
Boyd to save money with refinancing
The Boyd County Fiscal Court is planning to save money by refinancing a bond issued for work on the county’s jail and sewer system.
-
White-nose syndrome found in more Kentucky caves
The mysterious and deadly disease that has been killing bats for several years in the United States has reached more caves in Kentucky.
-
A haunted hunt for a hidden hundred
On the heels of a tremendously popular effort in Louisa, “the Scare Crew” from the Fallsburg Haunted House will begin its next Haunted Hunt for Cash in Ashland this week, starting with a clue on the organization’s Facebook page.
-
Minton asks for additional funding
With several circuit clerks seated behind him, Kentucky’s Chief Justice of the Supreme Court told a legislative budget subcommittee Tuesday the court system can’t retain entry-level employees because as soon as they are trained they’re hired away by the executive branch.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
