Rhetoric (elective)

Course Description: Definitions of rhetoric vary among the classical writers, but adopting one of them, with a peculiarly Christian backdrop and understanding, provides us with our working definition of rhetoric: "the art of a good man speaking well." In this class, students learn the "art" of using ethos, pathos, and logos effectively in their writing and speaking. In addition, the textbook covers the five canons of rhetoric, fallacies, argument construction, copiousness, and presentation, along with readings from the classical masters of rhetoric. Using what they've learned, the students write a paper taking a position on a controversial topic, either current or historic, and defend it from a biblical worldview. After completing the paper, they defend it before peers and guest judges. This experience prepares students to tackle difficult subjects with integrity, intelligence, confidence, and grace.