Rhetoric in Civic Life

Rhetoric in Civic Life provides a richly textured, conceptually organized introduction to rhetorical theory and concepts. Sophisticated yet accessible, it guides students in exploring rhetorical action in a democratic society.
Interweaving classical and contemporary concepts of rhetoric, the book shows how people in a diverse society shape ideas through discourse, make decisions about common concerns, and create social realities through symbolic action.
Thoroughly updated to reflect current theory, issues, and events, the new edition provides a rich array of historical and contemporary examples that show how words, images, arguments, and narratives create social and cultural identities and have consequences to civic life, public discourse and dissent, and social policies.