Intro to Classical Rhetoric · English And Comparative Literature
I learned more broadly the theories around rhetoric-- rhetorical devices and methods themselves were rather incidental to the context in which the theories arose... the history of the course and surrounding discussions made it an extremely interesting course, and the reading syllabus is absolutely brilliant, hands down.
rhetorical devices, history of rhetoric, rhetoric in a global context
I learned what the classical idea of rhetoric is, both in terms of theory and practice. I also learned why the idea of rhetoric is often contested between different scholars, as it can mean many different things. Sometimes it is even connected to philosophy.
history of rhetoric, variability of definitions for the rhetorical tradition, how views on persuasion differed in different times/places
How to access rhetorical styles as well as the foundations of it in the earliest classical form.
The course expanded my understanding of the term rhetoric by examining the history of rhetoric in the West and introducing non-Western rhetorics. Additionally, the readings and class sessions begin to impart ways in which we can break down and examine the rhetoric we find in our day to day lives so that we can critically engage with it.
I learned about the foundations of rhetoric, mainly from Greece and Rome, along with some Chinese and Egyptian cultures as well.
I learned a lot, not only about Classical Rhetoric but also early rhetoric from other areas of the world like China and Egypt – How rhetorical thinking has changed over time – News ways of arranging different texts to privilege certain messages over others – Conventions of rhetorical composition – Speaking vs listening – How rhetoric is tied to everything else – or all "that which is otherwise"
I learned the chronological history and rhetorical devices employed by classic rhetoricians and philosophers in antiquity.
Hmmmm, I don't feel like I'm qualified to make such a statement for I am not well read in the course beyond the reading list. The early class time made many drowsy which I suppose impacted my peers' willingness to participate.