76-863 Contemporary Rhetorical Theory

9–12 units, Carnegie Mellon University

This is an advanced graduate seminar focused on key concepts and contemporary theorists in the field of rhetorical study. Among the issues we will discuss are: a) the demise of rhetoric and its subsequent contemporary revival, with the role played by modernity and postmodernity in this process; b) the relation between contemporary rhetorical theory and its tradition; c) rhetoric as a theory of verbal action. The foci of the course will be major figures in the field, as well as more controversial representatives of contemporary rhetorical theory. Students will write three papers: a review of the main journals in the field, a research proposal, and a research paper addressing a question of significant relevance for rhetoricians on the contemporary arena.

Prerequisites: none listed

Offered: Fall 2026

Courseweave needs JavaScript to show sections, workloads and planning tools.