Reflecting the opinions of both classical theorists and recent authors, 16 papers on rhetorical theory are collected in this publication. Selections in Part 1, concerned with the definition and objectives of rhetoric, are by Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Kenneth Burke, Donald C. Bryant, and Martin Steinmann, Jr. In Part 2, selections from the pedagogy…

A rhetorical question is an interrogative statement made under circumstances indicating that the speaker or writer does not seek a reply. It is used as a persuasive device or occasionally as a transitional phrase, but there has been little attention paid to the manner in which listeners perceive or categorize rhetorical questions. In an…

Questions raised by contemporary communication teachers about educational program standards and goals have foundation in the classic rhetorical controversy between Plato and the Sophists. Sophistic instruction in ancient Greece centered around techniques of oral persuasion, and the methods were attacked by Plato because they emphasized skills over…

The primary focus of this book is "the put-on" and other manipulative strategies. Manipulative forms of communication as used in contemporary society are examined in relation to advertisements and commercials, salesmen, political figures, authors, artists, educators and students. The book is a study of power--how the powerful and…

This report is the result of a conference sponsored by the Speech Association of America in August 1968. Focusing attention on the speech communication aspects of current social problems, the report includes nine position papers in the following areas: communication breakdown and its effect on tension, unrest, and alienation; types and examples of…

The author presents a fully annotated bibliography of 80 items relating to the subject of ghostwriting of public addresses and other forms of persuasive communication. Most of the items deal with ghostwriting in the areas of political persuasion and public relations, although some general entries are included. Topics of the material range from…

The author contends that man as a receiver of information is largely manipulated by the information sources. He proposes a system of substantive rhetoric, whereby we could perceive how past assumptive reasoning processes have allowed us to be manipulated and how these processes have originated outside rather than within ourselves. The author…

Using cognitive dissonance theory as a model in the experimental design, the author investigates the effects on student attitudes of Black ethnic culture materials included in speech classes. One hundred eighty students in all-white speech classes from four Illinois high schools were placed in three categories--prejudiced, moderate, and…

Contends that communications textbooks uncritically accept and teach conformity, political passivity, and acceptance of the status quo. (JH)

While many teachers view the current trend in education toward more formal methods of assessment with considerable anxiety, there seems to be little coherent expression of the part that assessment should play, and the form it should take. Outlines an approach to assessment that seems appropriate and supports educational requirements in a primary…

PARADIGM is a large-scale stochastic computer simulation of the flow of competing ideas through evolving groups. It is used to examine how different message characteristics influence the speed with which one idea overtakes another in popularity. PARADIGM is discussed in the context of changing ideas in an academic department. (CMV)

States that it is possible and desirable to grant academic freedom to students and considers four possible criticisms that might be associated with giving students the responsibility for determining their own school activities. (Author/RK)

Proposes that quality programs of public education be generated with primary responsibility and leadership provided by state boards of education, state superintendents, and state departments of education. Education is regarded as a state function in most states and it is time state boards of education assume responsibility for program development,…

Examines what types of liberating understandings or competencies that political science, particularly the introductory courses, can give the general education student who will not major in the discipline. (Author/RK)

Author argues that governing boards and school administrations must be culturally sensitive, or surround themselves with those who are, in order to create the best learning environments possible under which children can maintain their own identity. (Author/RK)