Rhetoric and Composition

Rhetoric and composition is an academic discipline that informs all other fields in teaching students how to communicate their ideas and construct their arguments. It has grown dramatically to become a cornerstone of many undergraduate courses and curricula, and it is a particularly dynamic field for scholarly research. This book offers an accessible introduction to teaching and studying rhetoric and composition. By combining the history of rhetoric, explorations of its underlying theories, and a survey of current research (with practical examples and advice), Steven Lynn offers a solid foundation for further study in the field. Readers will find useful information on how students have been taught to invent and organize materials, to express themselves correctly and effectively, and how the ancient study of memory and delivery illuminates discourse and pedagogy today. This concise book thus provides a starting point for learning about the discipline that engages writing, thinking, and argument.

'An ideal text for undergraduate as well as graduate use. The suggested readings make the book an effective and dynamic teaching tool. Other books have tried to combine several dimensions of rhetoric and composition in one volume, but they do not have the strengths of this book or the talents of this author. It is exceptionally good.' Philip Sipiora, Professor of English, University of South Florida, 'Steven Lynn's purpose is to acquaint readers with both the history and the practical arts of rhetorical composition. As a pedagogic aid, this book recalls the tradition of rhetorical handbooks that fuse the theoretical study of precepts with a practical, formulary approach proffering examples and encouraging hands-on application.' Chris Stamatakis, Notes and Queries

Steven Lynn is Senior Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina.