rhetorical studies
As part of my Professional Writing course work, I took several rhetoric classes. This challenging course of study was beneficial in that it clarified some of the reasoning behind choices I make almost unconsciously during the writing process. I found that I possess a somewhat Aristotelian bent. Barring a conscious decision to utilize another rhetorical technique, I tend to default to the three classic appeals of ethos, pathos and logos.
However, my studies of classical and modern rhetorical techniques have also opened new avenues of consideration. I find that my rhetorical options have broadened as I prepare new texts, speeches, brochure designs and other communication materials. Given time for adequate planning and revision (a luxury that is not always available when producing text in a professional setting), I am able to vary my approach and enhance my prospects for achieving a particular rhetorical goal.
During ENGL 696: Classical Rhetoric, I partnered with a classmate to analyze the same work (in this case, a speech from Frederick Douglass) using two different types of rhetorical analyses. The resulting work utilizes HTML coding to place two copies of the same speech side by side and to provide hyperlinks to differing analytical methods.
In ENGL 695: Introduction to Rhetorical Studies, my final paper focused on bridging the gaps between rhetorical theory and writing pedagogy. The paper calls for increased use of collaborative writing strategies with all writers -- even with those just learning this skill.