History of Rhetoric

Catalog description

Rhetoric is as ubiquitous to us as air. It is everywhere. This course introduces students to the history of rhetoric, the key terms of the discipline, and the frameworks by which we use it to engage and analyze texts, events, communication, and any phenomenon. Part of this study includes considering the origins, development, and contradicting views of rhetoric and how it informs our realities. The purpose of this course is for students to have a strong working knowledge of the history of rhetoric, a lexicon of terms, understanding of rhetorical concepts and theories, and the ability to rhetorically engage texts. We will cover thousands of years of thoughts – from Aristotle to Burke – to see how our contemporary world is framed and reframed by rhetoric. Prerequisite: ENG 204 or permission of the instructor. (Offered every spring term)