R. Corrie, M. Imber. Trials of Conscience. The course considers the role litigation plays in both generating and containing a critique of dominant ideology. It explores the interpretative problems that the rhetorical nature of the sources poses for historical analysis of these trials. Students analyze the rhetorical strategies that the actors in these trials deployed to fashion an identity in opposition to their communities, and analyze why these strategies usually failed at the trial but succeeded in subsequent historical memory.
All readings are in English.
This course is the same as Rhetoric 150. The Romans ran the ancient world by the sword, but also by the word. This course explores how they did the latter. Readings include classical works about rhetoric, examples of classical oratory, and the variety of exercises by which the practice of rhetoric was taught. Writing assignments include analyses of speeches by classical orators, as well as a range of ancient rhetorical exercises such as fables, speeches of praise and invective, persuasive speeches to historical figures, and mock courtroom speeches.