The Western Tradition of Rhetoric II

A survey of the major developments in the theory and practice of rhetoric in Western Civilization, beginning with the Renaissance. The Belles Lettres, Enlightenment and Modern Periods in the Western Tradition are explored. This course continues to explore the relationship between rhetoric and truth, knowledge and the political order that began with the Greek and Roman traditions of public persuasion. Readings and lectures are designed to encourage students to engage rhetorical theory at the levels of theory building, philosophy, application, and analysis. Students will examine the works of such figures as Erasmus, Ramus, Campbell, Whately, Blair, Burke, Vico and Richards.