This course explores the nature and place of discourse, especially persuasive discourse, in society and in history. Much attention is given to classical, modern, and contemporary rhetorical systems; to the mutual influence of rhetoric and other academic disciplines; and to the relationship of rhetoric, communication, and various media. Also considered are rhetorical criticism, audience-text-writer constraints, and how these constraints interact to make meaning.

Prerequisites: COSK2220 and any ELIT course