ABSTRACT
Rhetorical studies is an ever-changing fi eld with deep historical roots dating back to Antiquity. This chapter is based on rich bodies of work from prior historical periods as well as the revived and revitalized rhetoric that has developed since mid-20th century. It begins with a consideration of referents for the term rhetoric and a brief historical overview of the discipline of rhetoric as it has developed and changed through the years. Then attention goes to rhetorical concerns that are most relevant to ongoing and emerging issues in the English language arts: rhetorical situations, author-audience relations, and rhetorical purposes and approaches. Within these general concerns are more specifi c matters that are central to teachers at all levels of education, such as genre, audience awareness and adaptation, persona, motives, appeals, and arguments.
