Yay for rhetoric! My PhD is in Rhet/Comp, so most of the time I make use of it running a first-year writing program and training GTAs, but I do get to teach the occasional rhetoric course, most recently Classical Rhetoric. My specialization in grad school was feminist historical rhetoric, which is fascinating, and my dissertation was on the 1980 Reagan campaign's attempt to win the women's vote (and failing).
I've been trying to think of books to recommend, and there are both too many and not enough depending on how deep someone wants to go and what you're interested in... Happy to try, if someone has a specific area of interest. Jill's recommendations below are great places to get started with terms and definitions!
OMG feminist historical rhetoric sounds amazing!!! I bet these conventions through that lens have been fascinating. I would listen to YOUR podcast gladly!!
I am here for all the nerdy analysis of "good speeches" ... did you read Fintan O'Toole's essay in this week's New York Review of Books? He showed the through-line of what the four nights did ... and I thought it was great (especially after reading your essay!)
Here are the two books I use in my rhetoric class in an independent school.
This is the graphic text I use: It’s called “Understanding Rhetoric” by Losh,Alexander, Cannon, and Cannon: Understanding Rhetoric: A Graphic Guide to Writing
(That was supposed to be a link. I guess that doesn’t work here).
I also use this small but mighty booklet called “The Essential Guide To Rhetoric” by Lundberg and Keith. It packs a lot of info in a concise set of explanations.
I’m with you Sarah. Rhetoric is everywhere! Can’t really understand the messages our culture sends without it.
This was so interesting! I have many feelings about the change in political conversation in the last decade and this framework for analysis is very helpful as I try to navigate discussions with friends and family. Also, it's timely as I have a junior who begins AP Lang this week! She just finished her summer reading but I added your piece to her list. :)
Yay for rhetoric! My PhD is in Rhet/Comp, so most of the time I make use of it running a first-year writing program and training GTAs, but I do get to teach the occasional rhetoric course, most recently Classical Rhetoric. My specialization in grad school was feminist historical rhetoric, which is fascinating, and my dissertation was on the 1980 Reagan campaign's attempt to win the women's vote (and failing).
I've been trying to think of books to recommend, and there are both too many and not enough depending on how deep someone wants to go and what you're interested in... Happy to try, if someone has a specific area of interest. Jill's recommendations below are great places to get started with terms and definitions!
OMG feminist historical rhetoric sounds amazing!!! I bet these conventions through that lens have been fascinating. I would listen to YOUR podcast gladly!!
I am here for all the nerdy analysis of "good speeches" ... did you read Fintan O'Toole's essay in this week's New York Review of Books? He showed the through-line of what the four nights did ... and I thought it was great (especially after reading your essay!)
No I did not!! Going to find it right now!
I bookmark and save so many of these! My nerd heart is so thrilled by the analysis and discussion, too! Appreciate this concise and usable framework.
Thanks, MJ!! I love writing these kinds of posts. I know they're niche so I really appreciate hearing when people like them and find them useful!
Here are the two books I use in my rhetoric class in an independent school.
This is the graphic text I use: It’s called “Understanding Rhetoric” by Losh,Alexander, Cannon, and Cannon: Understanding Rhetoric: A Graphic Guide to Writing
(That was supposed to be a link. I guess that doesn’t work here).
I also use this small but mighty booklet called “The Essential Guide To Rhetoric” by Lundberg and Keith. It packs a lot of info in a concise set of explanations.
I’m with you Sarah. Rhetoric is everywhere! Can’t really understand the messages our culture sends without it.
Thank you, Jill!!! This is so helpful!!
This was so interesting! I have many feelings about the change in political conversation in the last decade and this framework for analysis is very helpful as I try to navigate discussions with friends and family. Also, it's timely as I have a junior who begins AP Lang this week! She just finished her summer reading but I added your piece to her list. :)
Thank you!! And good for your junior! It is a really great class and super helpful for college or whatever comes next!