Rhetorical Theory: An Introduction

by Timothy A. Borchers, Heather Hundley

Each of us has the need to make sense of our world, make decisions, and learn who we are. Throughout history, rhetorical theorists have provided a comprehensive account of how individuals fulfill each of these needs. Current in its theory and practical in its approach, the book encourages readers to apply rhetorical theory to their personal, professional, and civic worlds. Borchers organizes theoretical insights topically rather than chronologically, so readers are better able to track the similarities and differences in central ideas. He provides context for understanding why rhetorical theories have been created, how they relate to the real world, and how they influence and are influenced by other ideas associated with human behavior. His writing style is engaging and not overly technical, serving the needs of readers without a specialized background. Gendered, feminist, and non-Western approaches are integrated throughout the book. Not-for-sale instructor resource material available to college and university faculty only, contact publisher directly. Table of Contents: Part I: The Nature of Rhetoric 1. Defining Rhetoric and Rhetorical Theory Part II: Important Rhetorical Functions 2. Rhetoric as Persuasion 3. Style, Delivery, and Rhetorical Theory 4. Rhetoric, Science and Argumentation Part III: Linguistic Reflexivity 5. Rhetoric and Meaning 6. Dramatism Part IV: Rhetoric, Culture, and Power 7. Critical Approaches to Rhetoric 8. Gendered Rhetorical Theories 9. Non-Western Rhetorical Theories Part V: Fragments of Rhetoric 10. Rhetoric, Media, and Technology 11. Postmodern Approaches to Rhetoric 12. Cultural Rhetorical Studies

Genres: Nonfiction

345 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2011

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good content with some sloppy writing.

[Maggie Gately]

SCHOOL

[Lilli · Rating 2 out of 5]

It does it’s job, but it’s really funny how even though the authors talk about the importance of style and delivery, there are countless grammar and syntax errors that make it incredibly difficult to read, including a whole chapter with no subject/verb agreement. If there was an editor for this, they should be fired. If there wasn’t, why the hell not?
Also has the typical “I’m going to repeat the same thing 8 times in a row so that you’re just confused and annoyed” type writing for textbooks. Also has several paragraphs that state the same thing back to back.
Oh, and heavy political bias.

[Ryan Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introductory look at rhetoric. It's not too much information all at once, so I'd use it in an upper level undergraduate course, but it was actually a req'd reading for my PhD course on rhetorical theory.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good textbook. It is straight to the point and explains the theorists' works in an easy but comprehensive way.