Rhetoric Alive!: Principles of Persuasion Paperback – August 22, 2016

I have been teaching AP Language and Composition for years. I began using this book in 2017 and have used it every year since. It is such an easy way to teach rhetoric and logic for those committed to reading primary texts because the author begins each chapter with an excerpt from Aristotle that introduces theory. In addition, Dr. Barnes includes practice with engaging workshops, activities and games that help the students not only understand, but retain the information and skills long term. I cannot say enough about how great this book is. I have the teacher edition which I highly recommend as well.

I purchased the teacher's edition and a student book to supplement my 11th grade AP English course. The book includes a wide variety of texts from Ancient to Modern, and it is very engaging. It includes a number of works that are suggested on the AP website, such as MLK's Letter from a Birmingham Jail. The subject matter is both elevating and accessible. It includes excellent discussion questions and other fun activities. This is going to be a great help to me in preparing my students for the AP Language and Composition test and helping them grow as writers.

This book was well written. My son used this book for school

Best book on the subject I've come across. Highly recommended.

[I have used the Teacher's Edition of this text. Most of this review applies to the student version as well.]This curriculum is easy to implement either in the homeschool context (with one or two students) or in the large classroom setting. Not only does it include helpful readings, fun activities, and assessments, the twenty pages of appendices include a sample syllabus, various schedules for how to divide the study, grading rubrics, and a helpful bibliography. It's easy to use, but why should one use it?First, teachers should use this curriculum because the breadth of rhetorical resources from which it draws will provide students with far more than an introduction to speech. Students will grow from analyzing and absorbing speeches from Plato, Shakespeare, Jonathan Edwards, MLK, Reagan, Pope Urban II, Sojourner Truth, Churchill, and so many others. This curriculum introduces students to some of the greatest rhetors in the Western canon.Second, this guide is both serious and fun. Side-by-side is an activity in which the student has to analyze a speech by Sir Thomas More and an activity in which students are pulled into a mock trial between Jack and a Giant. Another activity asks students to translate the content of a text message into a semi-formal email that uses ethos, pathos, and logos. In short, activities are varied and genuinely engaging.Finally, I'm most impressed with how Barnes provides a robust philosophical vision for the purpose of rhetoric without forgetting the practical [and vice versa]. She calls for our speech to aim at Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, and she warns of the dangers of using rhetoric for selfish, empty purposes; she frames this calling and warning with a (quite readable) introduction to Aristotle's view of truth and rhetoric. But while reading the book, one is never far from discovering another clear and helpful chart or a piece of practical advice; Barnes has a chapter on strategies for memorization; sections are dedicated to proper body language and how to annotate speeches.The book includes everything I could want for a rhetoric class driven by classical wisdom.

This curriculum is easy to implement either in the homeschool context (with one or two students) or in the large classroom setting. Not only does it include helpful readings, fun activities, and assessments, the twenty pages of appendices include sample syllabi, various schedules for how to divide the class, grading rubrics, and a helpful bibliography. And the sample answers are thoughtful and thorough. It's easy to use, but why should one use it?First, teachers should use this curriculum because the scope of rhetorical resources from which it draws will provide students with far more than an introduction to speech. Students grow from analyzing and absorbing speeches from Plato, Shakespeare, Jonathan Edwards, MLK, Reagan, Pope Urban II, Sojourner Truth, Churchill, and so many others. This curriculum introduces students to some of the greatest speeches in the Western canon.Second, this guide is both serious and fun. Side-by-side is an activity in which the student has to analyze a speech by Sir Thomas More and an activity in which students are pulled into a mock trial between Jack and a Giant. Another activity asks students to translate the content of a text message into a semi-formal email that uses ethos, pathos, and logos. In short, activities are varied and genuinely engaging.Finally, I'm most impressed with how Barnes provides a robust philosophical vision for the purpose of rhetoric without forgetting the practical [and vice versa]. She calls for our speech to aim at Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, and she warns of the dangers of using speech for selfish, empty purposes; she frames this calling and warning with a (quite readable) introduction to Aristotle's view of truth and rhetoric. But while reading the book, one is never far from discovering another a clear and helpful chart or a piece of practical advice; Barnes has a chapter on strategies for memorization; sections are dedicated to proper body language and how to annotate speeches.

This book is one of a kind. All kudos to the author for her brilliant deconstruction on the principles of persuasivespeech and writing. Through her articulation and expounding of this rhetorical model-Ethos, Pathos and Logosshe once again reconfirms the timeless quality of this rhetorical triangle. It is a powerful model and a antidoteto the bizarre fake news being unleashed through social media and phony political leaders. It reassures us thatwe can communicate honestly, authentically with an audience and win hearts and minds without sacrificingone's integrity.