"I have found Rhetorical Theory to be the most complete and comprehensive text on this topic and the best value for the cost. I have used the text for several years in my Rhetorical Theory class with nothing but praise and positive reviews from students in my course evaluations." — Kevin Jones, George Fox University
"An excellent textbook! Makes complex and sophisticated rhetorical theory accessible and exciting for undergraduate students. Highly recommended!" — Mark Bernard, Siena Heights University
"Comprehensive and written in a style conducive to student learning." — Rich Rice, Texas Tech University
"Clear, concise, and up to date, the Second Edition is an ideal introductory text for students of rhetoric, for writing-tutor training, or for advanced composition students." — Brian Johnson, University of Oklahoma
360 pages, $54.95 list
1-4786-3580-0
978-1-4786-3580-2
© 2018
paperback
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Rhetorical Theory
An Introduction
Second Edition
From the moment we begin to understand the meanings of words and symbols, we have used rhetoric. It is how we determine perceptions of who we are, those around us, and the social structure in which we operate. Rhetorical Theory, Second Edition introduces a broad selection of classical and contemporary theoretical approaches to understanding and using rhetoric. Historical context reveals why rhetorical theories were created, while present-day examples demonstrate how they relate to the world in which we live.
Borchers and Hundley present conceptual topics in a succinct and approachable manner. The text is organized topically rather than chronologically, so similarities and differences are easily detected in central ideas. Each chapter is enhanced by the inclusion of theorist biographies, applications of theory to practice, and Internet exercises. The Second Edition expands coverage on mediated rhetoric, feminist rhetoric, alternative rhetorical theories including Afrocentricity and intersectionality, cultural and critical rhetoric, and postmodern implications of rhetoric.
Borchers and Hundley present conceptual topics in a succinct and approachable manner. The text is organized topically rather than chronologically, so similarities and differences are easily detected in central ideas. Each chapter is enhanced by the inclusion of theorist biographies, applications of theory to practice, and Internet exercises. The Second Edition expands coverage on mediated rhetoric, feminist rhetoric, alternative rhetorical theories including Afrocentricity and intersectionality, cultural and critical rhetoric, and postmodern implications of rhetoric.
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Part I: THE NATURE OF RHETORIC
1. Defining Rhetoric and Rhetorical Theory
Defining Rhetoric / Characteristics of Rhetoric / Limits of Rhetoric / Influences on Rhetoric / A Brief History of Rhetorical Theory / The Academic Study of Rhetoric in the United States / Outline of the Book
Part II: IMPORTANT RHETORICAL FUNCTIONS
2. Rhetoric as Persuasion
The Origins of Rhetoric / Characteristics of Classical Rhetoric / The Major Theorists / Conceptions of Rhetoric / The Five Canons of Rhetoric
3. Style, Delivery, and Rhetorical Theory
The Second Sophistic / Christianization of Rhetoric / Rhetoric in the Middle Ages / Humanism and Rhetorical Education / Belletristic Movement / Elocutionary Movement
4. Rhetoric, Science, and Argumentation
The Epistemologists / Shaping a "New Rhetoric" / Rhetoric and Argumentation / Richard Whately / Rhetorical Approaches to Argumentation / The Layout of Arguments / Chaim Perelman's "New Rhetoric"
5. Rhetoric and Media
Media Impact on Rhetoric / Defining Media / Overview of Technology as New Forms of Communicating / Media Research and Rhetoric / Semiotics / Visual Images and Rhetoric / Visual Arguments
Part III: LINGUISTIC REFLEXIVITY
6. Rhetoric and Meaning
The Cultural Milieu / Linguistic Reflexivity / Meaning / Avoiding Misunderstanding: General Semantics / The Mind, Self, and Society / Broadening Conceptions of Meaning / Rhetoric and Oppression / Weaver: Meaning and Values / Rhetoric as Epistemic
7. Dramatism
The Nature of Rhetoric / Action and Motion / Identification / Rhetoric as Identification / Framing Symbolic Experiences: The Pentad / Redemption from Guilt / Narrative / Symbolic Convergence Theory
Part IV: RHETORIC, CULTURE, AND POWER
8. Feminist Rhetorical Theories
Defining Sex, Gender, and Feminism / A Short History of Women's Movements in the U.S. / Classifying Feminist Rhetoric / The Public Rhetoric of Women / The Private Rhetoric of Women / Campbell and the Women's Liberation Movement / The Womanization of Rhetoric / Invitational Rhetoric / Feminine Style / Gender Diversity Perspective / Rhetoric and Oppression/Liberation
9. Alternative Rhetorical Theories
Culture-Centered Rhetorical Theory / Afrocentric Rhetorical Theories / Chinese Theories of Rhetoric / Intersectionality and Rhetoric
10. Critical Approaches to Rhetoric
Shifting Emphases in Rhetorical Theory / Cultural Influences and the Development of Critical Theory / Rhetoric and Marxism / Critical Theory and Power / Knowledge, Rhetoric, and Power / Ideology / Critical Theory, Ideology, and Rhetoric / Critical Rhetoric / Critical Approaches to Rhetorical Theory
11. Cultural Rhetorical Studies
Intersections of Critical Theory and Cultural Studies / What Is Cultural Studies? / Representation and Signification / Identity, Ethnicity, Class, and Gender / Articulation / Active Audiences / Summarizing Cultural Studies / Relationship between Cultural Studies and Rhetorical Studies / Textuality / Using Both Rhetorical and Cultural Studies
12. Postmodern Approaches to Rhetoric
What Is Postmodernism? / Postmodernism and Rhetoric / Oversaturation of Media and Consumer Culture / Rethinking Rhetoric in the Postmodern Age / Postcolonial Theory / The Future of Rhetorical Theory
1. Defining Rhetoric and Rhetorical Theory
Defining Rhetoric / Characteristics of Rhetoric / Limits of Rhetoric / Influences on Rhetoric / A Brief History of Rhetorical Theory / The Academic Study of Rhetoric in the United States / Outline of the Book
Part II: IMPORTANT RHETORICAL FUNCTIONS
2. Rhetoric as Persuasion
The Origins of Rhetoric / Characteristics of Classical Rhetoric / The Major Theorists / Conceptions of Rhetoric / The Five Canons of Rhetoric
3. Style, Delivery, and Rhetorical Theory
The Second Sophistic / Christianization of Rhetoric / Rhetoric in the Middle Ages / Humanism and Rhetorical Education / Belletristic Movement / Elocutionary Movement
4. Rhetoric, Science, and Argumentation
The Epistemologists / Shaping a "New Rhetoric" / Rhetoric and Argumentation / Richard Whately / Rhetorical Approaches to Argumentation / The Layout of Arguments / Chaim Perelman's "New Rhetoric"
5. Rhetoric and Media
Media Impact on Rhetoric / Defining Media / Overview of Technology as New Forms of Communicating / Media Research and Rhetoric / Semiotics / Visual Images and Rhetoric / Visual Arguments
Part III: LINGUISTIC REFLEXIVITY
6. Rhetoric and Meaning
The Cultural Milieu / Linguistic Reflexivity / Meaning / Avoiding Misunderstanding: General Semantics / The Mind, Self, and Society / Broadening Conceptions of Meaning / Rhetoric and Oppression / Weaver: Meaning and Values / Rhetoric as Epistemic
7. Dramatism
The Nature of Rhetoric / Action and Motion / Identification / Rhetoric as Identification / Framing Symbolic Experiences: The Pentad / Redemption from Guilt / Narrative / Symbolic Convergence Theory
Part IV: RHETORIC, CULTURE, AND POWER
8. Feminist Rhetorical Theories
Defining Sex, Gender, and Feminism / A Short History of Women's Movements in the U.S. / Classifying Feminist Rhetoric / The Public Rhetoric of Women / The Private Rhetoric of Women / Campbell and the Women's Liberation Movement / The Womanization of Rhetoric / Invitational Rhetoric / Feminine Style / Gender Diversity Perspective / Rhetoric and Oppression/Liberation
9. Alternative Rhetorical Theories
Culture-Centered Rhetorical Theory / Afrocentric Rhetorical Theories / Chinese Theories of Rhetoric / Intersectionality and Rhetoric
10. Critical Approaches to Rhetoric
Shifting Emphases in Rhetorical Theory / Cultural Influences and the Development of Critical Theory / Rhetoric and Marxism / Critical Theory and Power / Knowledge, Rhetoric, and Power / Ideology / Critical Theory, Ideology, and Rhetoric / Critical Rhetoric / Critical Approaches to Rhetorical Theory
11. Cultural Rhetorical Studies
Intersections of Critical Theory and Cultural Studies / What Is Cultural Studies? / Representation and Signification / Identity, Ethnicity, Class, and Gender / Articulation / Active Audiences / Summarizing Cultural Studies / Relationship between Cultural Studies and Rhetorical Studies / Textuality / Using Both Rhetorical and Cultural Studies
12. Postmodern Approaches to Rhetoric
What Is Postmodernism? / Postmodernism and Rhetoric / Oversaturation of Media and Consumer Culture / Rethinking Rhetoric in the Postmodern Age / Postcolonial Theory / The Future of Rhetorical Theory