Rhetorical& Persuasive Theories
GENERAL Parameters of Final Assignment
The proposed thinkers to be used in the final paper are Wallace, Stewart, Gates, and Fell
Thisfinal essay is designed to provoke informed and innovative reflectionon the ongoing project of rhetorical theory building discussed in classand your readings.Your papers will be largely theoretical—that is, willwork with concepts, definitions, and relationships, but will involve SOME reflection/applicationas to how these theories might serve you in your vocations (that is your professional and private life).
General Parameters
1. Identify 4 RHETORICAL theorists andwhat you take to be their most significant contribution(s) torhetorical theory. Do NOT regurgitate Herrick or any of your othersources (i.e. avoid long block quotes!).We already know what Herrick,Bizzel, and Herzberg have to say about these characters.I am interestedin a brief synopsis of each theorist (roughly 1 -2 paragraphs for each)and your understanding of their theoretical conclusions about RHETORIC(i.e. your synopsis should be rhetoric +____ focused). 2. FOLLOWING the (roughly one paragraph) rhetorical synopsisof WHO the theorist was and their thoughts, I would like to see atleast ANOTHER paragraph of YOUR OWN analysis in which YOU consider thecontribution each person made to the rhetorical tradition and a concept(rhetoric +______) (ie. Power, paideia, aesthetics, etc.).3.Thefinal section of your essay will in many ways be the most difficult forit is here where you will synthesize the ideas of your chosen 4theorists and devise a blueprint of sorts (perhaps your own rhetorical“theory”) for communicative action in (YOUR and others) everydaylife.This might take the form of theory pressed into critical service inthe guise of rhetorical criticism OR you might have two separatesubheadings for applying your rhetorical theory in public and privatespheres of your everyday life.
4. Devise at least one practical rhetorical “tool” or subset of rhetoric that can be used.
Specifics
1. Remember, you should produce 8 – 15 FULL typed pages of thoughtful analysis (not counting the title page or references). Accordingly, you will need to make strategic choices about which theorists to showcase, describe, and interrogate in a concise manner.
2.Remember, too, that the point is to demonstrate to me and yourclassmates the CONNECTIONS and/or POINTS OF DEPARTURE shared (ordiverging) between your 4 chosen theorists.Who is each theoristresponding to or railing against? For this reason you will want tocarefully select 4 subjects for either points of congruence ordissonance.
3. Feel free to explore OTHER sources.Go to the library, do some web searches, just make sure to quote/paraphrase accurately and provide a full citation for quoted material in APA (MLA or Chicago style accepted) format and do not let OTHERS do YOUR analysis for you.