Chapter 1

1. The Nature of Rhetorical Criticism Chapter 1 Rachel Shelton Communication 165

2. Rhetorical Criticism • “We live our lives enveloped in symbols. How we perceive , what we know, what we experience, and how we act are the results of the symbols we create and the symbols we encounter in the world,” (Foss, p3).

3. Rhetorical Criticism Symbol— “something that stands or represents something else by virtue of relationship, association, or convention,” (Foss p4). • Therefore, as we live our lives, we are constantly analyzing these symbols, and how we communicate what we know about a symbol is known as Rhetorical Criticism.

4. Rhetoric • Rhetoric—the human use of symbols. 3 dimensions 1. Humans create rhetoric 2. Symbols as the medium of rhetoric 3. Communications as the purpose of rhetoric

5. Humans as the Creator of Rhetoric • We are the only species that can adapt/change, and understand symbols

6. Symbols as the Medium for Rhetoric Symbol— “something that stands or represents something else by virtue of relationship, association, or convention,” (Foss p4). Example: a cup. (the word cup does not define the plastic thing that holds water. Therefore we label it as a cup). (Foss p4).

7. Symbols as the Medium for Rhetoric Sign— something that is directly connected to something else. Example: a stomach growl = hunger. This is a biological occurrence when the stomach is trying to digest food that is not present. Therefore it is not a symbol.

8. Communication as Purpose of Rhetoric Communication – exchanging of meaning between two people. • Rhetoric can also be used in replacement for communication because is allows people to communicate as well. • This communication is known as persuasion, understanding, self-discoverable, and could also tell you how reality is, for example.

9. Rhetorical Criticism • “ It is a qualitative research method that is designed for the systematic investigation and explanation of symbolic acts and artifacts for the purpose of understanding rhetorical processes,” (Foss p6).

10. Rhetorical Criticism Act—“delivered in the presence of a rhetor’s intended audience,” (ex. Speech), (Foss p6). Artifact— the object of study. 3 dimensions 1. systematic analysis as the acts of criticism 2. acts and artifacts as the object of criticism 3. understanding rhetorical processes as the purpose of criticism

11. Systematic Analysis as the Acts of Criticism • Do you like it or not… • This deals with the natural response you have to a symbol. “Enables us to be more sophisticated and discriminating in explaining and understanding symbols and our response to them,” (Foss p6).

12. Acts and Artifacts as the Object of Criticism • The Act is the speech or musical performances, for example. • When these acts are posted in writing somewhere, they become Artifacts • Acts and Artifacts are both objects of rhetorical criticism.

13. Understanding Rhetorical Processes as the Purpose of Criticism • You have to begin by understanding symbols and how they operate. • “ Rhetorical Critics are interested in discovering what an artifact teaches abut the nature of rhetoric– in other words, critics engage in rhetorical criticism to make a contribution to rhetorical theory.,” (Foss, p7).

14. References • Foss, S. Rhetorical Criticism ; Exploration and Practice. Long Grove IL. Waveland Press. 2009 • Also visit the textbook’s website for Rhetorical Criticism

15. The End… Rachel Shelton