As I see it, this course is a complement to ComS 168, "Approaches to Rhetorical Criticism,"  so that the student interested in a broad understanding of communication criticism (including mediated, political, commercial, or social movement rhetoric) is served in this course by examining, in depth, the theoretical foundations of rhetorical practice.  Criticism per se is not the goal of the course; that is the domain of 168.  This course is intended to enrich and codify student understanding of the notion of "rhetoric" and "rhetorical theory."
 
As suggested above, the focus of the course is on the practical question, "What is the relationship of theory to practice?"  The outcomes of this course should be an understanding of the value of theory, an ability to read theory, and an ability to use theory to criticize and create important and effective messages.