Rhetorical theories of the 20th and early 21st centuries have done more than recover classical concepts and apply them to contemporary situations. The 20th century brought about a new appreciation for the power of language to shape human society, action, and even identity.
In this course, then, we will be tracing certain issues – such as agency or gender – that have been critical to the development of late modern and postmodern theories of language, discourse, and persuasion. Although our focus will be on rhetorical theory, we will also be drawing on some theorists and philosophers of language in the areas of literary criticism, linguistics, and communication as well.
Students are expected to write up daily reading notes, complete two exams, and give a presentation to satisfy the requirements of the course.
Required Textbook: Killingsworth, M. Jimmie. Appeals in Modern Rhetoric: An Ordinary Language Approach. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois UP, 2005.
Created July 2008