Environmental Rhetoric

Graduate

Fall Should you take a hike or seize the mic? Environmental rhetoric combines commitment with contention We start by exploring its multiple discourses, from Muir's vision of conservation, to Leopold's introduction of ecology, to Carson's call for public action, to contemporary scientific research and competing public discussions. To uncover their hidden logic, we study rhetorical strategies first, for analyzing arguments (over issues such as wolves, clean water, or sustainable design), and then for communicating risk (in the face of climate change, fracking, as well as wind power). In response, this course will prepare you to act as a research-based rhetorical consultant for a group of your choice, analyzing the issues and arguments it faces, in order to propose a rhetorically effective response, supported by your own imaginative prototype of a brochure, web page, press release. Course Website: http://www.cmu.edu/dietrich/english/index.html