Rhetoric!?! What exactly is rhetoric and why should anyone care to study it?

This course hopes to answer that question.

In the sparest terms, rhetoric is the strategic use of language and symbols to get things done in the world (and the systemic study of those uses). This course introduces rhetorical theory from the classical period to the present, including an overview of core issues, vocabularies, and concepts in rhetorical theory; a discussion of methods for studying rhetoric; and a consideration of the social importance of studying rhetoric in the contemporary moment.

Class projects will require students to identify, explore, and respond to the rhetorical contours of salient public issues of their choosing. We will consider both the consequences of rhetoric, as well as how rhetoric might be deployed as a tool for social action and intervention. There will be more weight placed on contemporary rhetorical theory, including an emphasis on visual and new media rhetorics.

This course will be particularly beneficial to individuals interested in rhetorical studies, rhetoric and composition, and graduate-level English work, but also to those entering professions such as law, education, business, public relations, and journalism