The first two or three weeks of class are focused on rhetorical theory concepts and terms. The main textbook by Crowley and Hawhee are read and discussed, as well as other texts by various authors.
Lloyd F. Bitzer is one of those outside authors. In 1968 he wrote an academic essay titled, “The Rhetorical Situation”. In this he covers not only that idea, which says that every situation is inherently rhetorical in some way, but he also allows for discussions on induction, and exigence. His ideas allow us to think about how the situation effects the types of discourse produced, and also how they are created. He also discusses the relationship that language and argument have.
A portion of Bitzer
We also covered a portion of Carolyn Miller’s “Genre as Social Action”. Her essay proposes a conception of social motives and constructs that are found in reoccurring situations.
Below I have provided a basic definition and way to understand some of the rhetorical terms presented in the class.
Invention: refers to the way a rhetor discovers and researches all available information on a given topic. It is also the first of five canons of rhetoric.
Kairos: a propitious moment for decision or action. Kairotic moments can be crucial for composing an effective discourse. This is also 1 system of invention.
Stasis: the state of equilibrium or inactivity caused by opposing equal forces. When two or more parties disagree, they often begin talking around or over each other. It can become a shouting match. In this case, stasis has not been achieved. These parties are no longer talking/ arguing about the same thing and therefore, nothing productive will come of their interactions. This is also important for invention. Again, this is a system of invention.
Commonplaces: refers to statements that regularly curculate within members of a community. Commonplaces yield prospositions and proofs that come from daily discussions and debate. Also a system of invention.
Ethos: “Ethics” or “ethical”. This Greek word refrers to a person’s character, or reputation.
Logos: Greek word that translates in English to “logic” and “logical”. It now refers to reason.
Pathos: Can be used to appeal to the audience’s emotions, possibly though stories.
*The triangle to the right is a good representation of each of these 3 intrinsic proofs. They work together, yet sometimes independently, to aid a rhetor in acheiveing his/ her goals.
As previously mentioned, this course is built on a foundation of rhetoric. Even more so, the concepts, theories and ideologies presented build off of each other. Each of the concepts or ideas mentioned came in to play several times throughout the semester. Having a deep and thoughtful understanding of these terms is vital for your success in this class. They will come up again and again, and they will help shape the way you write, think and analyze from here on out.
Theory and Practice of Writing 