Course content

Rhetoric as a discipline originated in classical Athens, where persuasive technique became a prerequisite for the development of democracy, and essential in connection with the ensuing expanding forensic activities. Roman orators and theorists further refined and developed this discipline. Generally, all kinds of oral and written presentation involve, deliberately or not, rhetorical patterns. Rhetorical reflection also integrates elements of philosophy, ethics, semiotics and other humanistic disciplines. But modern forms of communication, e. g.
the press, television, the movie industry, advertising, and political debate, in particular, exploit rhetorical persuasive technique. This course comprises formal aspects of classical rhetoric, and further demonstrates how various modern forms of communication integrate rhetorical patterns.

Learning outcome

The course gives insight into the formal aspects of classical rhetoric, and further aims at exposing rhetorical patterns, whether obvious or subliminal, in various modern forms of communication.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures.

Four-hour written examination.

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Required previous knowledge

None

Credit reductions