WHAT IS RHETORICAL ANALYSIS? Rhetorical analysis focuses on how a text persuades its readers, not what it is attempting to persuade them; but, how that persuasion is achieved. Being able to figure out how arguments work. Knowledge of rhetorical and literary devices used to achieve desired results.

HISTORY OF RHETORIC Rhetoric in Ancient Greece: The Sophists Many historians credit the ancient city-state of Athens as the birthplace of classical rhetoric. Because Athenian democracy marshaled every free male into politics, every Athenian man had to be ready to stand in the Assembly and speak to persuade his countrymen to vote for or against a particular piece of legislation. A man’s success and influence in ancient Athens depended on his rhetorical ability. Consequently, small schools dedicated to teaching rhetoric began to form. The first of these schools began in the 5th century B.C. among an itinerant group of teachers called the Sophists.

ARISTOTLE

WHY ARISTOTLE? While the great philosopher Aristotle criticized the Sophists’ misuse of rhetoric, he did see it as a useful tool in helping audiences see and understand truth. In his treatise, The Art of Rhetoric, Aristotle established a system of understanding and teaching rhetoric.

THE ART OF RHETORIC In The Art of Rhetoric, Aristotle defines rhetoric as “the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion.” While Aristotle favored persuasion through reason alone, he recognized that at times an audience would not be sophisticated enough to follow arguments based solely on scientific and logical principles. In those instances, persuasive language and techniques were necessary for truth to be taught. After establishing the need for rhetorical knowledge, Aristotle sets forth his system for effectively applying rhetoric: Three Means of Persuasion (logos, pathos, and ethos) Three Genres of Rhetoric (deliberative, forensic, and epideictic) Rhetorical topics Parts of speech Effective use of style

Why Study Rhetoric? Magnifies your influence as a person. Every day you have dozens of interactions where you need to influence people – from the memo you write at work to the conversation with your kid on picking up after himself at home. Your ability to persuade others through language is key to your influence as an employee, friend, parent, and citizen.

CITIZENSHIP Makes you a better citizen. Here in the US, we just had our midterm elections where many states voted for government officials and Congressional seats. Leading up to the election we were bombarded with campaign ads on TV and radio, opinion pieces in newspapers and on blogs, and a 24/7 stream of talking pundits on television. With so many different voices being blasted at voters, it was easy to get confused as to what was fact and what was “spin.”

ADVERTISING Protects you from intellectual despotism. Since ancient times, powerful men have used propaganda to maintain control over their subjects. According to the sources used in this class, advertising is just a benign name for propaganda. Both rely on emotional appeals to change our ideas and feelings about a cause, position, or product.

COLLEGE AND BEYOND Empowers you for rigorous and constructive debate (and grants insight on what constitutes one). Everyone should know how to discuss and debate with vigor, intelligence, and civility. Throughout your college career and into the future, you will be required to present relevant and successful arguments.