Rhetoric: Then and Now

For this blog post, I want you to explore what rhetoric is--how it is defined and used, why it is important to know and understand, how it connects to writing, what it means to you in the class and perhaps in your major. Use the reading to ground your post, but also begin to synthesize (this means taking your thinking past a summary) to make connections to the class, to each other, and to yourself as a writer. You can also use this post to explore what rhetoric means today in our society--the ways in which people practice it (often without evening realizing it) and how it might be useful for you once you graduate. 


Per normal: shoot for 250-500 words. Make specifics connections to the reading and to your peers. 


Due: Thursday, January 19 by class time. 

The Rhetorical Situation

Guidelines for blog post:

In about 250-500 words, I want you to explore the following questions. Be specific in your responses. You can use direct quotes from Bitzer’s piece (and in fact this might be the most helpful in your explanation of a rhetorical situation). Remember: blog posts are free and open and their language is casual. I should be able to begin to see who you are as a writer—through your voice, style and language choices.

According to Bitzer, what is rhetoric? What is a rhetorical situation? Why are both important in the understanding of how to write? What do you believe comes first—the writing or the rhetorical situation? Do you believe all writing needs a rhetorical situation in order to write? Why or Why not?

Don't forget to engage with as others as part of the assignment.

Due: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 by class time.