A Theory of Discourse: The Aims of Discourse

“One of the truly important works of our time―and one that will be alluded to and quoted from for a long time to come. . . .The first thorough-going treatment of communications theory written by an English teacher specifically for English teachers―a superlative work.” ―Edward P.J. Corbett

This important and influential study is the first to cover the whole field of rhetoric and discourse theory, bringing together and analyzing such varied approaches as Aristotelian rhetoric, modern logic, linguistics, and literary theory. James Kinneavy explores the many and varied purposes of language, and relates these purposes to four discourse types: reference, persuasive, literary, and expressive. Each type is discussed in terms of its inherent logic, its characteristic patterns of organization, and its stylistic features, with abundant examples in support of Dr. Kinneavy’s analysis. Readers are invited to sharpen their own perceptions through numerous, carefully planned end-of-chapter exercises, and through further reading in sources listed in chapter bibliographies. A Theory of Discourse is essential reading for scholars of rhetorical and discourse theory, and for teachers of writing and other communications skills. It can also serve as the core text in a course on rhetoric or the teaching of college writing.