Course - Classical Rhetoric - ANT1003
Classical Rhetoric
Choose study yearAbout
About the course
Course content
Rhetoric is the art of discourse, the aim of which is to inform, persuade, or motivate particular audiences in specific situations. Rhetoric was originally cultivated as an intellectual discipline in Athens, where this art was the premise for the birth of democracy. The art of rhetoric was later developed by the Romans, both during the Republic and the Empire. A rhetorical perspective on public relations draws on the rich rhetorical heritage of Western civilization that originated with the writings of Greek and Roman orators. The traditional rhetorical tools are still used today in mass media, journals, radio, television and is especially present in modern publicity and politics.
Learning outcome
A candidate who has completed this course
- has knowledge about the classical rhetorical system
- has knowledge about the main works within classical rhetoric, which include theories and examples, from the rhetorician Gorgias (5th century BC) to Lucian (2nd century AD).
- has knowledge about the place of the rehtorical system and the rhetorical main works in ancient civilizations in relation to poetry, law, paedagogy, philosophy, politics, and forms of governments such as democracy and tyranny.
- has the skill of relating basic language knowledge of Greek and Latin to the classical rhetorical terminology.
- has skills in practicing the rhetorical system and in transferring knowledge about classical rhetorical theory, the rhetorical terminology and rhetorical cases from antiquity to rhetorical situations in later times.
Learning methods and activities
Lectures and seminars.
3 mandatory learning activities (group presentations or individual essays).
A 3 days home exam with examination questions related to the syllabus will be given at the end of the semester.
Compulsory assignments
- Assignment
- Assignment
- Assignment
Further on evaluation
The exam consists of a take home assignment and a school exam, weighted 20/80.
Recommended previous knowledge
None
Required previous knowledge
None
Course materials
The curriculum consists of primary sources in translation and of secondary literature.
Subject areas
- Comparative Literature
- Classical Civilization
- Philosophy
- Greek
- Classical Culture
- Latin
- Scandinavian Language and Literature
- Political Science