Chapter 3: Neo-Aristotelian Criticism

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

Neo-Aristotelian criticism is the use of the five canons of rhetoric for analysis of an artifact; it breaks down the artifact (it's typically only used on speeches) to see the mechanical aspects of it. This form of criticism provides an in-depth look at how a presentation works, is planned, is performed, etc.

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

The three basic steps for analyzing an artifact through neo-Aristotelian Criticism include:
1. "Reconstructing the context in which the artifact occurred";
2. "Application of the five canons to the artifact"; &
3. "Assessing the impact of the artifact on the audience."


3) What are the five canons of rhetoric?

The canons of rhetoric stem from ancient Greece and Rome when rhetoric was divided into five stages or parts; the five parts all contribute to the process of public speaking. The steps are: "1. invention, the location and creation of ideas and materials for the speech; 2. organization, the structure or arrangement of the speech; 3. style, the language of the speech; 4. memory, mastery of the subject matter, which may include the actual memorizing of the speech; and 5. delivery, management of the voice and gestures in the presentation of the speech."

Introduction

Hi Everyone!!

Obviously, my name is Jessica Bedenbaugh :); I go by Jess, Jessie, Jessica, or by my last name since quite often there are numerous Jessica's around. I'm 19, and will be 20 next month. I am a military brat so I've lived in a variety of places, but home for me now is Colonial Beach, Va which is super small. (My graduating class had about 40 kids in it, and, yes, I went to a public school.) I am now a junior at ODU; my major is communications and I have a focus in public relations. I'm hoping to earn my master's degree in humanities with a focus in communications once I graduate with my bachelor's and eventually work public affairs for the military. I love to read and will curl up with a book at any chance. I also love movies; one of my favorite things to do is have movie marathons with friends. I am a beach bum, and love spring and summer. I like to play volleyball and watch sports, even if I don't always know what's going on.

The purpose of this blog is to answer the writing prompts set by my instructor and meet the requirements of the class. I imagine that it will entail some definitions, essays, and critical questions about the assigned readings having to do with rhetorical criticism.