Understanding Contemporary Rhetorical Criticism: A Deep Dive into Kornfield's Work and Beyond
Finding a readily available PDF of a specific text by Kornfield on contemporary rhetorical criticism might prove challenging. Academic works are often behind paywalls or only accessible through university library systems. However, this article will explore the core concepts of contemporary rhetorical criticism, referencing common themes and approaches found in the field, effectively addressing the implicit request of the original query.
We'll examine the key principles and methodologies used in contemporary rhetorical criticism, drawing parallels to the likely focus areas of a Kornfield text on this subject. This approach ensures you receive comprehensive information even without access to a specific PDF.
What is Contemporary Rhetorical Criticism?
Contemporary rhetorical criticism builds upon the rich history of rhetorical theory, adapting and expanding its focus to encompass the complexities of modern communication. It moves beyond simply analyzing the effectiveness of a speech or text and delves into the broader social, cultural, and political contexts shaping communication. Instead of focusing solely on persuasion, it considers the ways rhetoric constructs identities, shapes power dynamics, and influences social action.
This involves a move away from solely focusing on classical rhetoric’s emphasis on invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery. Modern approaches consider the impact of rhetoric beyond the immediate audience, exploring its long-term effects and its role in shaping public opinion and cultural norms.
Key Approaches in Contemporary Rhetorical Criticism
Several key approaches dominate contemporary rhetorical criticism:
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Genre Criticism: This approach examines recurring patterns and conventions within specific types of communication (e.g., political speeches, advertisements, news reports). It analyzes how these conventions shape meaning and influence audiences.
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Ideological Criticism: This approach analyzes how rhetoric reinforces or challenges dominant ideologies, examining the ways communication constructs and perpetuates systems of power and belief. It looks at the underlying assumptions and values embedded within messages.
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Narrative Criticism: This focuses on the stories and narratives used in communication. It examines how narratives shape our understanding of events, people, and ideas, and how they influence our beliefs and values.
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Feminist Criticism: This approach analyzes how rhetoric perpetuates gender inequalities and how women's voices are marginalized or silenced. It explores the ways communication reinforces patriarchal structures and seeks to understand how women use rhetoric to challenge these structures.
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Critical Race Criticism: This method examines the ways race and racism are constructed and reproduced through rhetoric. It focuses on how communication contributes to racial inequality and how marginalized groups use rhetoric to resist oppression.
Analyzing the "Why" Behind the Rhetoric: Moving Beyond Surface Level
Contemporary rhetorical criticism emphasizes understanding the why behind the communication. It isn't just about what was said but also:
- The context: What social, political, and cultural factors shaped the communication?
- The audience: Who was the intended audience, and how did the rhetoric attempt to influence them?
- The power dynamics: How did the communication reflect and reinforce or challenge existing power structures?
- The consequences: What were the short-term and long-term effects of the communication?
How to Approach a Rhetorical Criticism
A systematic approach is key to effective rhetorical criticism. Generally, one would follow these steps:
- Selection of an artifact: Choose a piece of communication that warrants analysis (a speech, advertisement, film, etc.).
- Description of the artifact: Detail the content and context of the artifact.
- Analysis: Use a specific critical approach (genre, ideological, narrative, etc.) to analyze the artifact.
- Interpretation: Draw conclusions about the artifact's meaning and impact.
Where to Learn More
While a specific Kornfield PDF might not be readily available, exploring academic journals focusing on rhetoric and communication studies will provide insightful readings on contemporary rhetorical criticism. Look into journals like Quarterly Journal of Speech, Rhetoric Society Quarterly, and Communication Monographs to find relevant research. University library databases are invaluable resources for accessing academic papers.
This in-depth exploration of contemporary rhetorical criticism aims to compensate for the lack of access to a specific PDF. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the subject, equipping you with the knowledge needed to engage with this important area of communication studies.
