This class will examine three hundred years of rhetoric. From enlightenment rhetoric to electronic rhetoric, the history of rhetoric has come full circle. Before the eighteenth century with the rediscovery of the lost works of Cicero and Quintilian, rhetoric during the Renaissance experienced a rebirth. 

Rhetoric became a popular endeavor for intellectuals. Then rhetoric experienced its own death under Peter Ramus’ treatment of rhetoric and was even buried further during in the current-traditional period (nineteenth and most of the twentieth century). During this time, rhetoric was relegated almost totally to style, which was mostly about the art of correctness and appropriateness.

Only in the last forty years has rhetoric returned to its original nature. However, such a status is being undermined or enhanced as a new rhetoric comes into existence: the electronic rhetoric. The shaking of the foundation begins again. Join us as we explore our heritage

Last Updated: 08/28/01 , History of Rhetoric II, University of Central Oklahoma. Wayne Stein wstein@ucok.edu.