Abstract:

Writing pedagogy and civic literacy can form an interactive, interdisciplinary
partnership beneficial to students. Students learn to compare the classical rhetorical
genres of epideictic, forensic, and deliberative rhetoric to modern ceremonial, judicial,
and legislative rhetorical genres. Elements essential to writing pedagogy – ethos,
logos, pathos, claims, warrants, and enthymemes – become meaningful as students
engage in civic-themed reading and writing assignments designed for first-year
composition. Writing pedagogy enriched with a civic literacy motif encourages
students to practice writing to authentic audiences for genuine civic purposes.

Author: Kate Kessler