WHAT IS RHETORIC?

RFSS 100

On this page, you will find various curricular development materials I created for RFSS 100: What is Rhetoric? This is a core, introductory-level class that provides a historical survey of rhetorical theory from classical times to the present to critique the role of language in establishing, perpetuating, and challenging power.

What is Rhetoric?: Text

SYLLABUS

Course syllabus for RFSS 100.

RFSS 100 Syllabus

THINKER DIALOGUE ASSIGNMENT

Assignment description, expectations, and rubric for the Thinker Dialogue homework assignment, which asks students to engage with primary texts by staging a dialogue between them and the rhetorical thinker they've read.

Thinker Dialogue Assignment

TAKE-HOME ASSESSMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Instructions, expectations, and grading criteria for the Take-Home Assessments.

Take-Home Assessment

QUESTION PAPER

Assignment description, expectations, and rubric for the Question Paper assignment (an argumentative paper due mid-semester that asks students to synthesize what they've learned about ancient rhetorical history and theory and apply their knowledge to contemporary issues).

Question Paper

FINAL PAPER

Assignment description, expectations, and rubric for the Final Paper (due at the end of the semester and asks students to craft an argument in response the question "what is rhetoric?").

Final Paper

SAMPLE LESSON PLAN

Lesson plan, including lecture & discussion questions, for the topic "Rhetoric Before and Beyond the Greeks" which explores the ancient African/Egyptian rhetorical tradition.

Lesson Plan

What is Rhetoric?: List