ideology 1-25-10

1) What is an ideology?

According to page 209 of the text, when critics focus on beliefs and values they are focusing on ideology. They look beyond the surface of the artifact to discover the beliefs, values, and assumptions it suggests and the pattern of beliefs that determine a group’s interpretation of economic, cultural, and political interests. It also states that another way to think of ideology is as a mental framework- language, concepts, categories, imagery of thought and systems of representation that a group had to define the world.

2) What are the primary components of an ideology?

According to the text, the primary components of ideology are evaluative beliefs- beliefs about which there are possible alternative judgments. Some examples listed in the book on page 209 include immigration, patriotism, anti-communism, Christianity, multiculturalism, conservatism, anit- terrorism, and survivalism.

Neo Aristotelian Criticism

1) How does the textbook define "neo-Aristotelian criticism"?

On page 21, Neo- Aristotelian criticism was said to be the first formal method of rhetorical criticism developed in the communication field. Neo Aristotelian Criticism takes many different approaches in understanding artifacts in a four-step process (Selecting an artifact, analyzing the artifact, formulating a research question and writing a final essay). After the four-step process is complete, the artifact is analyzed using the five cannons of classical rhetoric (Invention, organization, style, memory, and delivery).

2) What are the three basic steps in analyzing the artifact?

The first step in analyzing an artifact is reconstructing the context in which the artifact occurred. According to page 25 of the text, the critic investigates three major components of the context- the rhetor, the occasion and the audience. Studying the rhetor helps the critic to understand their experience, history, and character. They learn more about the rhetor’s formal training, their philosophy and principles. The elements of the occasion will further show the critic what influenced the rhetor. Knowing about your audience helps you to understand why the rhetor chose certain strategies.

3) What are the five canons of rhetoric?

According to page 25 of the text, the five canons of rhetoric are describes as rhetoric divided into five parts during the Greek and Roman times, which go into the process of public speaking. Invention, the location and creation of ideas and materials for the speech, organization, the structure/ arrangement of the speech, style, the language of the speech, memory, mastery of the subject matter, which may include the actual memorizing of the speech and delivery, management of the voice and gestures in the presentation of the speech.