The Art of Persuasion Learning Community
To the Ancient Greeks rhetoric, or the art of persuasion, was essential. Valued as highly as physical prowess, rhetoric was considered an art worthy of pursuit.
In the contemporary moment, we are often being persuaded, many times against our will. From political candidates to Instagram memes, the rhetorical tools of the Ancient Greeks are always in play, for better or worse.
These techniques are beneficial, not just in learning to persuade others, but in guarding against unwanted persuasion. This course will trace the origins of rhetoric through its contemporary manifestations.
It is perhaps self-evident that the ability to cajole, convince, or coax others is one of the most important talents one might cultivate. To be sure, the contemporary period has evidenced the power of persuasion in ways both inspiring and insidious.
In this Living and Learning Community, students will consider how the use of informal reasoning, practical knowledge of human psychology, and the aesthetics of style and presentation enable and fortify rhetoric. To that end, we will examine and critically assess the art of persuasion from antiquity to modernity.
Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of rhetoric in order to cultivate both the skill itself, and defend against falling prey to the misleading notions and false beliefs that often plague public speaking.
Faculty Director:
- George Asimos, Adjunct Professor, English
Faculty Fellows:
- Joe Cimakasky, PhD, Assistant Professor, Philosophy
Student Fellows
- Samantha Viera, Student Fellow in PHI105
- Raisha Lightfoot-Bottoms, Student Fellow in ENG100 and ENG200
Fall Semester Courses:
- COL 101 - College Success Seminar
- ENG100 - Intro to Writing
- PHI105 - Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasion
Spring Semester Courses:
- ENG200 - Writing II