The Art of Rhetoric in Greece and Rome

Rhetoric is the art of discourse, which aims to inform, persuade, or motivate particular audiences in specific situations. Rhetoric was originally developed as a political and forensic tool and as an intellectual discipline in ancient Greece, especially in Athens, where this art was the premise for the birth of democracy. It was later taken and developed by the Romans, who adapted it to their needs. This course explores the theory and practice of ancient Greek and Roman rhetoric and discusses such topics as the role of public speaking in politics (in different regimes), education and literature. In the course of this term we will read a selection of speeches of various types and in various genres.

This is an introductory course that requires no prior knowledge of Classical rhetoric.

Course requirements: full attendance and regular reading assignments (30%), and final exam (70%).