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Rhetorical Theory Primers (Advanced Survey)

Rhetorical Theory Primers (Advanced Survey)
Rhetorical Theory is a complex network of concepts and ideas that forms, at best, a tentative whole.

This page contains “primers” for advanced-undergraduate and graduate-level rhetorical theory courses. Primers are introductions or background on a given topic intended as a lead-in to other readings. Often, a basic proficiency with terms, concepts, theorists, and traditions is assumed — these primers are meant to lower the bar for entry and give offer insight to the uninitiated.

This project began as a "living document" in the first version of this class, taught in Fall 2019. My sincerest thanks go out to the following graduate scholars at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, who were integral to constructing the inaugural version of this resource:

Mark Brenden, Katlynne Davis, Stuart Deets, Austin Fleming, Brandi Fuglsby, William Heinze, Jacqueline James, Brittany Knutson, Eduardo Nevarez, Joshua Morrison, Natalie Warren, Ryan Wold, and Jessa Wood.

This site is updated each time I teach an advanced rhetorical theory course. Please forgive broken links and expect frequent changes!

Primers

Please note: Additional resources can be found in the most recent course syllabus (e.g., bibliographies, assignments, handouts).

Defining Rhetoric/al Theory

Why? The Purpose/s of Rhetorical Theory

How/What? Reading Strategies and Rhetorical Objects