Rhetorical Criticism

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Rhetorical Criticism

• Instructor A. Goldrick-jones
• Spring 2006

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Introduction

• From Sonja Fossrhetoric the actions performed
  when humans use symbols to communicate
• Language is symbolic and persuasive
• Reality is created through language/ rhetoric and
  thus is not fixed it is changeable

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Introduction

• Rhetorical criticism systematically investigates
  and explains symbolic/persuasive acts and
  artifacts
• Its purpose is to (1) improve our own
  communication (2) understand the effects of
  persuasion on ourselves and others (3) suggest
  principles and guidelines for communication.

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Introduction

• Rhetorical criticism involves an ACT and an
  ARTIFACT
• An ACT requires an AUDIENCE
• An ARTIFACT is printed, transcribed, recorded,
  preserved in some fashion
• Which of the following is a rhetorical artifact,
  and why?

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Introduction

• Which are artifacts?
• If you chose the PETA ad, the storyteller, and
  the red rose images, youre on solid ground.
  The blank TV, the ancient writing tablet, and the
  crying child may be artifacts if theyre used as
  symbols within a discourse to persuade or built
  identity with an audience.

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Introduction

• In the American tradition of rhetorical
  criticism, an artifact is usually a speech
  but many other options exist. Heres a good web
  site explaining rhetorical artifacts and
  outlining the basics of how to write a rhetorical
  criticism essay.

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Introduction

• For Mon. May 8, please read Bitzers The
  Rhetorical Situation in the Reading Pack.
• See you then !
• For Canadian rhetorical artifacts, click on the
  radio