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
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (6)

  1. Argumentation
  2. Rhetoric Society Quarterly
  3. Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  4. Rhetoric Review
  5. Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Show all 6 →
  1. Technical Communication Quarterly

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