FROM CLASSICAL RHETORIC TO MODERN COMMUNICATION DR. CAROLINE PETIT RHETORICS FROM CLASSICAL RHETORIC TO MODERN COMMUNICATION DR. CAROLINE PETIT

WHAT DOES ‘RHETORIC’ MEAN?

Uses of ‘rhetoric’ in modern media outlets Today’s news? Speech gone wrong…

Rhetoric in scholarship ISHR

Rhetoric in the classical world: An ‘art’ (technè) Theory + technical training Controversial: competing with philosophy? Professional discipline Follows grammar and precedes any other training in school

The role of rhetoric in ancient societies Public speaking training Where? Assemblies, courts, army, debating places, private space When? Lifelong practice Literature in a broad sense (composition) World of knowledge For us: a crucial interpretive tool for understanding ancient texts, mentalities, social activities…

Classical rhetoric: new research Third Sophistic? New texts by e.g. Hyperides Editions of fragments/testimonies (Caecilius of Calè-Actè, Hermagoras…) Christians & classical rhetoric (Eusebius, Origen…) Ancient rhetorical theory (Hermogenes) and literary criticism (Longinus) Spaces of rhetoric: reconstructing the physical conditions of ancient speeches Archaeology/architecture: Temple of Peace (Rome)

This module Rhetoric in ancient society Rhetoric in ancient texts Rhetoric in question Beyond classical rhetoric

Syllabus (autumn) Week 1: Introduction to ancient rhetoric (Weeks 2-5: theme 1: Rhetoric & Society) Week 2: Rhetoric, education and public life Week 3: Rhetoric in the classroom: how to write a speech (and why it matters) Week 4: Rhetoric & politics: Saving democracy Week 5: Rhetoric and the Empire (new forms of public speaking) Week 6: Reading week, no class. (Weeks 7-10 : theme 2: Praxis: Rhetoric in texts) Week 7: Professional Speeches: Athens and Rome Week 8: Rhetoric & Poetics (Homer, tragedy...) Week 9: Rhetoric & Historiography Week 10: Rhetoric and technical literature

Syllabus (winter) Week 1: Introduction : Men, theories and debates in the history of rhetoric (Weeks 2-5: Theme 3: Rhetoric in question) Week 2: Rhetoric, Philosophy and Sophistry in classical Athens Week 3: Rhetoric, pro et contra: from Aristotle to Sextus Empiricus Week 4: Pagans vs Christians (the enduring power of rhetoric) Week 5: The evolution of argumentation theory and persuasion strategies Week 6: Reading week, no class (Weeks 7-10: Theme 4: Rhetorics, beyond the Classical) Week 7: Biblical and semitic rhetoric Week 8: Islamic rhetoric: Aristotle in Baghdad Week 9: Rhetoric and modern approaches to argumentation and literary criticism (20th c.) Week 10: Rhetoric & Politics (2): words, images, media in the 20th/ 21st c.

Lectures & Seminar work Weekly effort (reading/question/task) Individual or small group prep Group work on questions/texts in second hour of class (weekly) Mind the emphasis on ancient TEXTS! Essential virtues of the student of rhetoric: congeniality & dialogue!

Essays 1 essay each term Ca. 2,500 words Regulations/style guide/ marking criteria : see UG handbook Mind the *new* university proofreading policy New 20 point-marking scale Deadlines: week 8 in term 1 and week 8 in term 2 Essay questions + mini-biblio on the module page Special hour dedicated to essay-writing in Week 5

Personal project Not assessed (no mark!) Identify a personal (or small group) project in which you can use/question the tools of rhetoric Key points: Use the tools of rhetoric (ancient and modern) Any topic/support : write speech? Educational project? campaign? advertisement? Use social media?... Schedule: Term 2/Easter break (no particular deadline) To be presented after Easter (term 3)

URSS ideas? Book under contract: Affreux, sales et antiques. Les méchants dans l’Antiquité Les Belles Lettres Help me find more bad guys? Companion visual project around ancient scoundrels/rascals edit/publish translation of the Progymnasmata of Pseudo-Hermogenes I need help with the English and ideas for accessible publication