An introduction to the questions around which classical rhetorical theory and practice are organized. Through analysis of materials drawn principally from the Ancient Greek and Roman periods, possibly including later revivals of classical rhetoric, the course will examine the formation of rhetoric in the West as an intellectual stance from which to practice a range of related fields, including but not limited to philosophy, history, literature, politics, religion, law, science, and the arts.

This seminar offers an introduction to classical rhetorical theory and practice from Homer to Augustine. Secondary readings will be drawn from scholarship in Classics (e.g., Vernant, Loraux, A. A. Long) and from modern philosophy and critical theory (Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Adorno, S. Weil, Arendt, Foucault, Rancière, A. Carson, and Latour, among others). Topics will include speech and writing; rhetoric and philosophy; language and reality; persuasion, seduction, and epistemological critique; literal and figurative meaning; agency and responsibility; aesthetics, politics, and religion. More details will be made available on bCourses. The final syllabus will be determined at the first session to reflect student preferences. No prerequisites. Open to graduate students from all departments including Critical Theory DE students for whom this class counts as a CT elective (CT 290). Classics students are encouraged to read texts in the original. Requirements: bi-weekly blog post responses; in-class presentations; a short final research paper geared towards participants’ research fields.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.