Rhetoric and Civic Life

Catalog description

Rhetoric is the art of producing an effect on listeners, through the prudential choice of words or phrases, for the purposes of persuasion. The study of rhetoric will enhance the student’s ability to read and analyze original texts, speeches, and documents carefully. The study of how the rhetorical character of important speeches have influenced historical events and political ideas will also reveal to students a deeper understanding of the meaning and significance of those events and ideas. Students will see the central role that rhetoric can play in civic life, for better and worse.