As a field, Rhetoric is concerned with the myriad of competing arguments
in the world and how those arguments create persuasive impact. How does a
speech become iconic and influence an entire generation's actions? How does
a 5 second meme go viral? How does a controversial legal case create
ripples of impact into individuals? personal lives? In other words, how do
the textual and the material intersect?

In Research in Language and Rhetoric, we will explore several methods of
investigating rhetorical issues. Considering texts that are written and
spoken, contemporary and historical, we will develop frameworks for
analyzing texts and carrying that analysis into longer-term projects.
Conducting rhetorical research will also give us insight into how beliefs
and knowledge are constructed and shaped in a variety of disciplines and
genres. Students are encouraged to consider how these processes supplement
their individual research interests.

As we work through different methodological perspectives, students are
encouraged to weigh the strengths and weaknesses they see in each approach
and brainstorm potential ways of dealing with each. We will also consider
the ethics of ?on the ground? research and how this intersects with one's
writing choices.

Homework will include short weekly writing responses and exercises,
practice with the various research methods, a group presentation, and a
final portfolio. Methods may include rhetorical analysis, discourse
analysis, in-person interviews, surveys, and participant observation.