Examines choices historians make concerning rhetorical theory. Considers their decisions about inclusion of rhetorical theories in their historical treatments, organization of those theories into categories or sequences, and contextualization of theories in relation to other theories or applications. Notes how four essays in this issue are related…

Focuses on two seemingly oppositional kinds of writing, academic discourse and personal writing, and the reasons for labeling two apparently distinct modes of writing as such. Argues that these terms are not adequate for composition teachers. Considers the value of another form of writing, public discourse, for portfolio activities. (HB)

This study examines strategies employed by students as they make science presentations; assesses student's conceptual understandings of particular science topics; and investigates gender differences. Focuses on the methodology employed and how it helps inform these goals. Advice for teaching students to present science, implications for use of…

Describes the development of a writing assignment using the four discourse types to write about a single, physical object. Reviews specifically how this assignment was carried out to completion by students. Defends the assignment as a framework for the study of writing. (HB)

Argues that on-line linguistic choices are made in a matrix of continuous discourse connection. Investigates hypotheses concerning communicative dynamism. Identifies gestures as reflective of the status of utterances. Interprets correlations of gestures and linguistic material as reflective of an underlying unity. (HB)

Investigates and demonstrates the strong effects of the role of global discourse organization on the comprehension of temporal order in narrative texts. Proposes three principles of discourse organization. Tests the comprehension of underlying event order of five passages by subjects. (HB)

Explores parallels found by comparing descriptions of the technical communicator with differing views of the communication process--the transmission, translation, and articulation views of communication. Argues from the standpoint of the articulation view for a new conception of the technical communicator as author and of technical communication…

Investigates how job recruiters seeking to fill positions in mechanical engineering or marketing are influenced by the quality of writing in student resumes. Finds that teachers must assess how accurately they and their students understand the community's discourse practices to help students enter a professional discourse community. (PRA)

Compares the current use of prose models to those developed by the Greek Sophists. Outlines problems with using professional writing excerpts as examples of rhetorical modes when they were not written as such. Argues that composition texts based on prose models err by implying that all writing fits into modal categories. (HB)

Suggests that Michael McGee and Michael Leff share similarities of approach that help them to avoid the form/content split. Argues that their recent essays, in which they both move to opposite extremes on the "audience" issue, threaten to reintroduce the form/content split. (KEH)

Defines "illegeracy," the key legacy of today's failed educational system, as the lack among students of the important cognitive and critical skills necessary for civic understanding. Provides examples of illegeracy among recent students. Suggests the pedagogical consequences of considering students as illegerate. (HB)

Uses Jurgen Habermas' theory of communicative action to explore the issue of empowerment. Describes a communicative situation now common in public life (scientific and technical forces arrayed against citizenry). Applies Habermas' theory to that situation. Claims that empowerment remains only a communicative ideal. (HB)

Describes the construction of classification and discusses the development of spatial imagery as a metaphorical mechanism with the ability to discover the processes by which powerful and privileged discourses shape information and with the potential to inform change. Presents a theoretical framework based on spatial conceptions in the context of a…

Discusses two kinds of rhetorical audiences: universal, and particular. Considers the approach a speaker takes regarding the audience type, which is usually a mixture. Discusses how a speaker brings the audience to the desired adherence despite the difference of audience type. (SC)

States that Patrick Moore's commentary (published in this issue) claims that technical communication pedagogy does not adequately prepare students for the workplace because current theory overemphasizes the rhetorical uses and ideological implications of technical communication, while condemning the "nonrhetorical," instrumental uses as…