Rhetorics is about being conscious of words, circumstances, and form. Those engaging in practical rhetorical communication must do so within a specific situation, with certain frameworks and circumstances. The communicator, orator, conveys their case and argumentation by giving it a rhetorically well-formed and appropriate expression to influence the recipient in the desired manner. The subject is structured around these necessary elements in rhetorical communication.

In this context, the subject will provide an introduction to and knowledge of the theoretical foundation for persuasion, persuasio. What has rhetoric done to create the desired persuasion? This entails that students will gain both a theoretical and practical understanding of persuasion. This encompasses both the pure words, that is, the narrow persuasio, and the broad persuasio; all external, yet significant elements in what has created the persuasion.

Central to the course is Aristotle, but also more recent rhetoricians and new rhetoric. However, the Aristotelian orientation is central. Aristotle understood rhetoric as the ability to persuade, but also as an awareness of misuse and manipulation, including the concepts of propaganda, dialogic communication, and monologic.

The emphasis in the course will be on connecting central theories with practical applications:

Conviction, words, defense strategies.
Speeches, lyrics and how appeals are developed.
Audience analysis
Language as a weapon
Ethos / virtues
Debate techniques and timing
Strategic staging and public roles
Presentations, the body as an instrument, nervousness

Subject description 2427

Rhetorics and Argumentation

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