As a candidate and President of the United States, Donald Trump has implemented a strategy of public persuasion that has proven to be both highly controversial and remarkably successful. His speech has divided the country and simultaneously attracted a large following. This course will search for Trump’s rhetorical strategy in selected samples of his public discourse—both in traditional public speaking and in modern media like Twitter. We will analyze Trump’s speech using ancient and modern theories and examples to disclose its ethical, logical and emotional dimensions. We will inquire how Trump communicates, why he has experienced success and engendered controversy, and what alternative strategies might be employed in relation to his methods and approaches to public discourse.
Course Code
506417