Full Description
A comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the analysis of public rhetoric, Modern Rhetorical Criticism teaches readers how to examine and interpret rhetorical situations, ideas, arguments, structure, and style. The text covers a wide range of critical techniques, from cultural and dramatistic analysis to feminist and Marxist approaches. A wealth of original criticism demonstrates how to analyze such diverse forms as junk mail, campaign speeches, and popular entertainment, as well as literature. This long-awaited revision offers specific guidance on crafting analytic essays, and contains new coverage of legacy as well as new media, identity criticism, and post-colonial and decolonial criticism. The fourth edition also offers additional resources online for instructors and students.
Contents
Preface
Unit I
INTRODUCTION TO CRITICISM
Chapter 1: THE RHETORICAL PERSPECTIVE
The Arts of Rhetoric
The Range of Rhetoric
The Functions of Rhetoric
Conclusion
Chapter 2: THE CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE
The Purposes of Criticism
Qualities of the Ideal Critic
The Reasons for Criticism
The Standards of Criticism
Conclusion
Unit II
GENERAL FORMS OF CRITICISM
Chapter 3: ANALYZING SITUATIONS
The Meanings of Speech-Acts
The Functions of Speech-Acts
The Components of Speech-Acts
Conclusion
Additional Reading
Chapter 4: ANALYZING IDEAS
The Study of Ideas
Guidelines for Creating an Analysis
A Topical Approach to Ideas
Conclusion
Additional Reading
Chapter 5: ANALYZING ARGUMENT
The Logic of Persuasion
Evidence and Reasoning
Narrative and Reasoning
Toulmin and Reasoning
Conclusion
Additional Reading
Chapter 6: ANALYZING FORM
Structure and Form in Rhetoric
Generic Studies of Form
Conclusion
Additional Reading
Chapter 7: ANALYZING SYNTAX AND IMAGERY
Examining Syntax
Examining Imagery
Conclusion
Additional Reading
Chapter 8: ANALYZING WORD CHOICE
Examining Group Lexicons
Examining Individual Lexicons
Conclusion
Additional Reading
Chapter 9: ANALYZING MEDIA
Rhetoric and Mass Media
The Rhetoric of News
The Enduring Influence of Television
The Multiplying Influences of Digital Rhetoric
Exploring Visual Symbols
The Rhetoric of Entertainment
Conclusion
Additional Reading
Unit III
SPECIALIZED FORMS OF CRITICISM
Chapter 10: Analyzing Persona and Role
The Emergence of Role
The Management of Role
The Assessment of Role in Rhetor-Centered Discourse
Conclusion
Additional Reading
Chapter 11: CULTURAL CRITICISM
Values: The Beginnings of Culture
Myths: The Substance of Culture
Fantasy Themes: The Grassroots of Culture
Conclusion
Additional Reading
Chapter 12: DRAMATISTIC CRITICISM
The Principles of Dramatism
The Methods of Dramatism
Conclusion
Additional Reading
Chapter 13: IDENTITY CRITICISM
Principles of Identity Criticism
Practicing Identity Criticism
Policy Critique
Representational Critique
Performative Critique
Conclusion
Additional Reading
Chapter 14: IDEOLOGICAL CRITICISM
Deconstructionist Critique
Marxist Critique
Postcolonial Critique
Conclusion
Additional Reading
