Rhetoric of the Republic: Washington’s Writings, Lincoln’s Letters, and Trump’s Tweets, with Respect to Their Presidency

Jesus said, “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Throughout the history of America, presidents have left countrymen with no shortage of words to ponder. Much can be gleaned about the character of our leaders through their rhetoric, and aside from working closely with or being in near relation to these men, their rhetoric is perhaps our primary key to understanding their character. We will apply rhetorical concepts and analysis to the words of presidents throughout the nation’s history, and we will submit their statements to wisdom found in Proverbs and other biblical texts, that we might have a keen ear for virtuous leadership and a greater aptitude for rhetoric.

Course Objectives:

1. Survey the history of the American presidency
2. Master rhetorical principles
3. Apply rhetorical concepts in analysis of presidential speech
4. Consider words of presidents under the authority of Scripture
5. Apply principles of wisdom to our consideration of virtues and vices of those in power
6. Develop a keen ear for sound character as displayed in sound speech
7. Ponder leadership and sound character worth emulating
8. Where available, consider private correspondence and communication and its congruence with public presentation
9. Implement a statement of nobility that we will commit to encouraging those in public office towards in prayer and practice

Texts:

• Fitting Words Classical Rhetoric, 2nd Edition, Roman Roads Media (Textbook only)
• The Rhetoric Companion: A Student’s Guide to Power in Persuasion by Douglas and Nathan Wilson (Canon Press)