Classical Rhetoric and Modern Political Discourse
MIT OpenCourseWare offers this introduction to rhetoric, tracing its history from classical theory through contemporary political speech. Students analyze persuasive texts and speeches, from ancient oratory to modern campaign rhetoric, and then produce their own, testing techniques of argument, figures of speech, and visual rhetoric in class presentations. Coursework combines close reading assignments meant to sharpen critical and analytical skills with writing exercises and oral presentations where students apply what they study. Class discussions work through how rhetorical strategies shape public discourse and political persuasion specifically. Materials include the syllabus, readings list, and assignment prompts from MIT's Comparative Media Studies/Writing program, free to access under a Creative Commons license with no certificate offered. The course suits anyone wanting a structured grounding in rhetorical theory alongside practical training in constructing and dissecting persuasive arguments.