Aristotle wrote [The function of rhetoric is] "to see the available means of persuasion in each case." In other words, rhetorical studies attempts to locate the options available for influencing individual persons or groups of people in a variety of different situations.
In Aristotle's time the preferred strategy was a well-crafted speech. Today,
in a heavily mediated-environment, the options available to the rhetorician
include speeches, multimedia presentations, public service announcements, television
programs, advertising campaigns, songs, films, web pages and more.
Since rhetoric focuses on the means of persuasion, critics like Plato have argued that rhetoric does not aim at the greater good, and in some circumstances, Plato complains that rhetorical appeals can be highly unethical. Plato goes so far as to compare rhetoric to a "knack" like cookery, a false art that does not care about the greater good of the audience. Even today, the term "rhetoric" is sometimes used in a pejorative sense to refer to hollow, pompous, or bombastic language.
Contemporary rhetorical studies responds to the intellectual challenge implicit in Plato's critique. Instead of indicting rhetoric and chastising rhetoricians, rhetorical studies teaches students to examine persuasive events from a critical perspective, providing an analytical framework that leads to a greater appreciation and understanding of the impact of the persuasive event. By examining the potential power of communication, rhetorical studies empower students to be effective communicators and thoughtful critics.
The Department offers a range of courses dealing with various aspects of rhetoric. All majors are required to take CO010--Rhetorical Tradition, an introductory course that acquaints students with the basics of rhetoric. Students interested in pursuing rhetorical studies can also select courses that satisfy both the theory--Argumentation Theory or Rhetorical Theory--and the writing-intensive seminar--Communication Criticism, Television Criticism, Political and Social Communication, or Seminar on Political Debate--requirements. The Department also offers Elements of Debate on a regular basis.
CO010 Rhetorical Tradition
An introductory course that is designed to introduce students to classic texts and the fundamentals of rhetorical theory.CO105 Elements of Debate
Designed for students without any formal training in debate, this course introduces the theory and practice of debate.CO60 American Public Address
An introduction to great speeches and speakers from World War II to the present.CO375 Argumentation Theory
Argumentation Theory considers the nature of argumentation, discusses the qualities of good argument, and concludes with an introduction to fields or communities of argumentation.CO378 Rhetorical Theory
Rhetorical Theory expands on the introductory theory presented in Rhetorical Tradition. To demonstrate their mastery of this body of literature, students apply the concepts to the analysis of contemporary media.CO435 Rhetoric, Resistance and Protest
This course engages the discourses of discontent, mobilization, transformation and discipline that emerge and evolve whenever a "movement" attempts to make the world over againCO438 Rhetoric and Public Memory
This course engages in the theory, recovery, and analysis of the rhetorically-constructed past.CO447 Communication Criticism
Communication Criticism examines a wide range of critical methodologies that can be used to reach a greater understanding of public persuasion.CO448 Television Criticism
This course provides students with methods for critically evaluating the cultural and social impact of television. The goal of the course is to make students more informed critics of our television-saturated age.
To learn more about rhetoric or the Department's course offerings in a particular area, please contact the appropriate Communication faculty member.
American Public Address
Bonnie Jefferson
21 Campanella Way 516
jeffersb@bc.edu or (617) 552-1924Argumentation and Law
Dale Herbeck
21 Campanella Way 521
herbeck@bc.edu or (617) 552-4281Communication and Gender
Lisa Cuklanz
21 Campanenella Way 523
cuklanz@bc.edu or (617) 552-8894Rhetorical Criticism and Theory
Charles Morris
21 Campanenella Way 529
charles.morris.1@bc.edu or (617) 552-6905Fulton Debating Society
John Katsulas
21 Campanella Way 534
katsulas@bc.edu or (617) 552-4298