Overview

The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with a broad overview of rhetorical studies. In particular, we will read texts that examine the question of what is rhetoric; the historical roots of rhetoric; the significance and purpose of rhetorical theory; the relation between rhetoric and philosophy; the relation between enlightenment and modernity; and postmodernity.

This course will engage you in the reading and discussion of the works of major rhetorical theorists both ancient and modern. If you do all the reading and attend class on a regular basis, at the end of the semester you will have a basic understanding of the rhetorical tradition and an understanding in depth of contemporary trends.