Weekly Writing Assignment-August 29

Reading for August 29 (ARCS, Chapter 2. RT, Intro to Part I, Gorgias [pg. 42-46], and Dissoi Logoi [pg. 47-55])

I thought both sets of assigned readings were useful. Both, however, were vastly different. I liked how chapter 2 in Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students outlined specifically what kairos is, as well as how to analyze any rhetorical situation and apply said situation to developing a coherent, strong argument. I also thought the examples given were helpful; once a new term or situation was introduced within the chapter, a real world situation was presented, which helped me to get a better grasp on the various concepts within the text.

The assigned reading in The Rhetorical Tradition gave a good, in-depth history and analysis of classical rhetorics, as well as the various scholars who were involved and contributors in the development of rhetorics as a whole during this time period in history. I liked the introduction, because it put the time period more into perspective for the reader, rather than just relaying information on the various scholars to come out of this time period. It allowed for better understanding of the text. Overall, I felt like I was able to learn a lot from this segment. Not only was there historical background, but The Rhetorical Tradition provided a lot of written examples of speeches, as well.

Reading Response-August 22 reading assignment

I felt that the assigned readings for this week were especially helpful and insightful. While I do have a basic understanding of the fundamentals of language and the art of persuasion, these segments within both given texts were especially interesting and and informative, because both gave a breakdown of the development of this particular structure of language, as well as the fundamentals of each rhetorical strategy that is necessary to create an effective piece of writing.

I really felt that the historical background that was provided in each allowed for a better understanding of how the practice of rhetorics came to be what it is today, with a deep look into its roots throughout time and history. I also felt like the section in Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students about kairos was helpful, because the detail to developing a strong argument is oftentimes very much understated within some classroom settings.

With these segments of texts, I think they will be useful in helping me to develop more as a writer and rhetorician, with the given information within both textbooks.