11AP Language amp Composition Excerpts from Renee H Sheas The Language of Composition Second Edition What is it To many people the word rhetoric automatically signals that trickery or deception is afoot ID: 640902
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Slide1
Introduction to Rhetoric
11AP Language & Composition
- Excerpts from Renee H.
Shea’s
The Language of Composition
, Second EditionSlide2
What is it?
To many people, the word rhetoric automatically signals that trickery or deception is afoot.
They assume that an advertiser is trying to manipulate a consumer, a politician wants to obscure a point, or a spin doctor is spinning.
“Empty rhetoric” is a common criticism – and at times an indictment.Slide3
Summer Reading
Question #1: Write a paragraph of your own in which you define and discuss the importance of rhetoric.
First step = always annotate!
Let’s hear some of your responses!Slide4
Definition
Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 B.C.E.) defined
rhetoric
as “the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion.”
What is the
key word here?
At its best, rhetoric is a thoughtful, reflective activity leading to effective communication, including the rational exchange of opposing viewpoints. In Aristotle’s day and in ours, those who understand and can use the available means to appeal to an audience of one or may find themselves in a position of strength. They have the tools to resolve conflicts without confrontation, to persuade readers/listeners to support their position, or to move others to take action.Slide5
Diction + Syntax = Tone
Diction
: speaker’s choice of
words
Syntax
: the arrangement of those words
Tone: speaker’s attitude toward the subject as revealed by diction and syntaxSlide6
Rhetoric is not just for Roman senators in togas.
You
might use rhetoric
to:
convince a friend
that Pearl Jam is worth listening to, explain to readers of your blog why
The Exorcist
is the most influential horror film of all
time,
or persuade your parents that they should buy you a car.Slide7
Rhetoric is also not just about speeches. It can be visual.
Every essay, political cartoon, photograph, and advertisement is designed to convince you of something.
What is the artist of this image attempting to persuade you of/about?Slide8
Let’s Simplify.
We will call ALL of these things
texts
because they are cultural products that can be “read,” meaning not just consumed and comprehended, but investigated.
We need to be able to “read” between the lines, regardless of whether we’re reading a political ad, cartoon, or speech.
Consider documentary films: every decision – such as what lighting to use for an interview, what music to play, what to show and what to leave out – constitutes a rhetorical choice based on what the filmmaker thinks will be most persuasive.Slide9
Blackfish
What kinds of visual rhetoric can you find in the official trailer for the documentary
Blackfish
? In what ways is it meant to be persuasive? Take notes!
https
://
youtu.be/G93beiYiE74Slide10
Important:
It is part of our jobs as informed citizens and consumers to understand how rhetoric works so that we can be wary of manipulation or deceit, while appreciating effective and civil communication.
It is essential that each of us communicates as effectively and honestly as possible.Slide11
“Words matter” says Hillary Clinton of Donald Trump’s recent second amendment comment.
Which words matter to YOU and why?