News
Our Degree Programs
Présentation
Although it has often been relegated to a limited use in the areas of
eloquence and stylistics, Rhetoric may also be studied in the area of
interpersonal relations. When we look at the basic principles of Rhetoric in
the classical era (Greek and Roman) or the so-called "new Rhetoric"
of the 20th century, this discipline enables us to approach the communication
aspects of public discourse. This, of course, must be socially acceptable,
although rhetorical strategy will always be intnded to advance certain aims.
Media, policical and advertising
discouse is often accused of manipulating the public and being being flagrant
propaganda. The origin of this type of criticism is the persuasive nature of
the words used. How can we deconstruct the social logic behing this type of
discourse? Analysing Rhetoric, whose aim is communication in the contxt of
establishing an interpersonal dialogue may provide a key to understanding this.
Everyone who works
in the media, politics or advertising is limited by the need to be
effective and by the social norms which
govern this effectiveness. As we examine the speaker, the audience and the
socially agreed means of production for public speeches and documents, Rhetoric
allows us to find a relevant way of analysing the links between meaning, the
identiy of the speaker/writer and the social context in which their discourse
is produced.
After this
theoretical intoduction, we shall look at some case studies. analysing
journalistic articles, advertisments and political speeches will allow us
understand how rhetorical devices have been used to create the desired effect.