Rhetorical Criticism: Perspectives in Action (Communication, Media, and Politics)

Review\nThe third edition of Rhetorical Criticism: Perspectives in Action includes new chapters on visual and digital rhetoric while retaining its broad coverage of more traditional perspectives. Sophisticated yet accessible, it remains the best textbook for advanced undergraduate courses in the field and should be required reading for new graduate students. -- J. Michael Hogan, Edwin Erle Sparks Professor Emeritus of Rhetoric, Penn State\nOne of the strengths of Kuypers’s text is that he recognizes the role of both creativity and limitations in rhetorical criticism. While this can be confusing for students, this book offers more applications and translations of theory than most other textbooks. The example essays, top picks, and glossary from the previous edition were helpful. New additions in the form of discussion questions and activities for students are welcome and will help student further their understanding of rhetorical theory.
-- Samantha Senda-Cook, Associate Professor and Associate Chair, Communication Studies, Creighton University\nThis book will not only enhance students’ understanding of rhetoric and improve their skills in analytical writing, but it also — and perhaps most importantly — will foster their creativity. New sections on visual and digital rhetoric encourage students to explore further dimensions of the personal, political, and humanizing art of rhetorical criticism. -- Robert E. Terrill, Indiana University, Bloomington\nCovering a broad range of rhetorical perspectives, Rhetorical Criticism: Perspectives in Action, third edition presents a well-grounded introduction to the basics of rhetorical criticism and theory in an accessible manner for advanced undergraduate courses and introductory graduate courses.
Throughout the text, sample essays written by noted experts in the field provide students with models for writing their own criticisms. In addition to covering traditional modes of rhetorical criticism, the book introduces less commonly discussed rhetorical perspectives as well as orientations toward performing criticisms including close-textual analysis, critical approaches, and analysis of visual and digital rhetoric.
The third edition includes the following features: New chapters on visual rhetoric and digital rhetoric Potentials and Pitfalls sections analyzing individual perspectives Activities and discussion questions in each chapter Glossary of important terms