How do the greatest authors and speakers get their points across eloquently and effectively persuade their audiences to listen to them? How do we critically analyze what we see, hear, and think? In this course, students will explore the foundations of rhetoric—the art of persuasion—and develop essential critical thinking skills. Engaging with exciting discussions about rhetoric and critical thinking, a variety of valuable texts ranging from poetry and fiction to real-world advertisements, interactive activities and writing assignments, and a final creative project, students will learn how to analyze arguments, communicate ideas clearly, and approach problems with thoughtful reasoning. Whether preparing for academic success in writing more effectively, discovering how to identify and thoughtfully respond to propaganda and the increasingly prevalent issue of misinformation, or learning how to build crucial thinking skills for future leadership roles, students will gain the tools they need to think independently, argue effectively, and make well-informed decisions. This course is ideal for students eager to sharpen their minds, build confidence in their communication skills, and become more thoughtful citizens of our increasingly globalized and information-heavy world.