RHETORICAL CRITICISM

Catalog description

This course introduces students to multiple theories and practices in rhetorical criticism, as well as theory building for rhetorical criticism. Students are encouraged not only to apply existing frameworks in the interpretation of rhetorical artifacts but also to construct their own theoretical frameworks rooted in perspectives and concepts often overlooked by the contemporary discipline (e.g., the Transcendentals, the officia oratoris , Platonic psychology, medieval hermeneutics). Artifacts beyond speeches and written arguments will be considered (especially multimedia artifacts), as will the application of rhetorical criticism for popular audiences. The course concludes with a final paper or project that applies both research and analysis.