The Rhetorical Case: Its Roman Precedent and the Current Debate

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jul 1989

The Rhetorical Case: Its Roman Precedent and the Current Debate

Michael Mendelson Iowa State University

Abstract

Because of the recent emphasis on rhetorical context in business and technical writing (BTW) instruction, the problem-solving case has become a staple in BTW classrooms. However, a number of critics have voiced concerns about the use of the rhetorical case. These concerns recall an ancient debate among Roman rhetoricians over an early case-study method called declamation. For contemporary theorists, the debate over case study revolves around its value as a stimulant to problem-solving skills, its ability to imitate the realistic circumstances of professional BTW, and its emphasis on persona and audience along with its deemphasis of the teacher. A full spectrum of arguments on these and other issues in the case-study debate indicates that the discipline is entering a new phase in its deliberations over the role of problem-solving and pragmatics in the BTW classroom.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 1989-07-01
DOI: 10.2190/p8hr-646c-jjlp-23fn
Open Access: Closed
Topics: qualitative research technical communication voice and style

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (5)

Mendelson (1998)

The rhetoric of embodiment

Rhetoric Society Quarterly
ROZUMALSKI et al. (1995)

Effects of Case and Traditional Writing Assignments on Writing Products and Processes

Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Mendelson (1994)

Declamation, context, and controversiality<sup>1</sup>

Rhetoric Review
RIVERS (1994)

Studies in the History of Business and Technical Writing

Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Reynolds (1992)

Classical rhetoric and the teaching of technical writing

Technical Communication Quarterly

Cites in this index (1)

Hays (1976)

Case Problems Improve Tech Writing Courses and Seminars

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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