Contemporary Rhetoric Studies

general courses

For several dozen centuries, rhetoric was the basis of education that gave the possibility of active participation in civic life. It used to be the basis of education as one of the pillars of artes liberales, and in the 20th and 21st centuries it returns to modern universities as a new discipline with an extensive methodological apparatus relating not only to the sphere of words (ars bene dicendi), but more broadly – to the sphere of culture and human activity (rhetoric as shaping attitudes and behaviors using symbols).

Rhetoric, becoming a multidisciplinary science, with the status of an interpreter of phenomena in the field of humanities, social sciences, but also natural sciences, again

aspires to be the basis of university education.

The course provides basic insights in contemporary rhetorical studies. It aims at broadening scholarly horizons of students from various social and humanistic disciplines.

Remote learning

The course provides basic insights in contemporary rhetorical studies. It aims at broadening scholarly horizons of students from various social and humanistic disciplines.

Online synchronous classes via Zoom or GMeet.

The focal points of the meetings will concern the following topics:

1. Introduction to classical rhetoric

2. Introduction to modern rhetoric

3. Rhetoric across academic disciplines

4. Contemporary trends in rhetorical studies (1)

5. Contemporary trends in rhetorical studies (2)

6. Rhetorical Criticism

7. Rhetoric and argumentation studies

8. Rhetoric and democracy

9. Rhetoric as equipment for living

10. Final presentations

*Sourcebook on Rhetoric: Key Concepts in Contemporary Rhetorical Studies. 2001. James Jasinski, SAGE Publications, Inc.

*Methods of Rhetorical Criticism (RHEFINE's e-handbook), ed. Agnieszka Szurek.

* RHEFINE' Online Course in Rhetoric, Kampus (the University of Warsaw's online didactic platform )

* Scholarly articles and other sources prepared by the instructor.

Knowledge. The student knows and understands:

basic terminology from the field of rhetoric

basic concepts, researchers of contemporary rhetorical studies

basic scholars and rhetoricians and their works

Skills. The student is able to:

use the knowledge of rhetoric theory and use it to analyze cultural

and academic texts

correctly use terminology in the field of rhetoric studies

express their opinion, argue it in an ethical and effective manner,

both in speech and in interactive genres (discussion)

Social competences. The student is ready to:

- to acquire new knowledge and undertake continuing education for

professional and/or intellectual development:

- recognize the importance of humanistic reflection for the formation

of social bonds

- organize their own research and critically evaluate their

achievements

The teaching approach is discussion-oriented and uses the flipped classroom method to some extent. It means that the students are asked to read or prepare materials before the synchronous meetings. That gives more opportunities for fruitful conversations.

The final grade consists of:

1. Final presentation (the instruction and requirements will be given during the course) – 75%

2. Attendance and active participation - 25%.

One absence is allowed.

Not applicable.