what is rhetoric? what is the history and theory of rhetoric? What do you want to do with the content from this course?

I think of rhetoric as the effective use of speech and written word to persuade or influence an audience. Contrary to popular belief, politicians and other public figures are not the only users of rhetoric – everyone uses it. Although I didn't realize it at the time, I used rhetoric to persuade my family to allow me the privilege of buying my first car and taking it with me to college. I can still remember compiling a list of reasons that made this a great idea as well as a list of objections I was most likely to face with my researched responses to them. Ultimately, I was able to purchase the car I wanted and drive it 5 hours away from home to my college campus. This is a simple example of how rhetoric can influence an audience to give the expected outcome. I would argue that rhetoric and critical thought is used by humans as soon as they have a basic command of their native language and start to form opinions about themselves and the people who make up their small but very influential world.

The Sophists, Isocrates, Plato, and Aristotle began the formal study of rhetoric in Greece during the fifth century B.C.E. This early start was then built upon by Romans, specifically Cicero and Quintilian. Out of this Roman influence we began to see the five-stage process of writing: invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery. These five stages are still used in modern times for the writing and speech-making processes. Abraham Lincoln and Jesus Christ are well-known examples of orators who used these five stages of rhetoric to shift perceptions and beliefs of people. They also both used ethos, pathos, and logos in their speeches and lectures.

During the nineteenth century, rhetoric in the United States retained the Scottish idea of belles lettres shifted away from primarily speaking as a form of communication and began to incorporate writing into rhetorical studies. Prestigious institutions like Harvard adopted this practice, which caused other institutions to follow. Until the era of progressive education, not much changed with this model.

This course will challenge my critical thinking and writing skills and encourage me to place a greater emphasis on the steps to becoming a good writer (brainstorm/plan, create a draft, revise, edit, and publish). I also plan to use the information I learn from Dr. Rice and my peers to help students become great writers and great critical thinkers. Just think – how well do you write if you can’t think critically? And how well do you read if you can’t write well?

In addition, what I learn in this class will assist me when I re-enter the professional world. I plan to transition into writing proposals for government contractors and for non-profit organizations. Though the government and non-profits are two very different audiences, I think that much of the theories related to composition will apply to both. In particular, persuasive writing is needed in both situations to urge the recipient of the proposal or grant to choose the proposal the proposal I submit.