Pathos: A Short Course in Rhetoric 1

We live in a cross-pressured world filled with contested worldviews. We also live in a world that is short on meaning. Our arguments for any worldview will have no impact unless we first engage our listeners imagination. Truth is not truth unless is it is first meaningful. This is the critical role of pathos, which more than mere emotion. This short course on a critical aspect of rhetoric will show its relevance to all of life and role in contemporary society for all those who seek to write and speak within it for the sake of truth, goodness, and beauty.

Dr. Seel is an author, speaker, cultural analyst, and educator. Building on the insights of apologist C.S. Lewis, neuroscientist Iain McGilchrist, and political consultant George Lakoff, Seel will show how classical rhetoric addresses our most pressing communication challenges. Dr. Seel teaches Classical Rhetoric at Saint Andrew's College and was a founder of the Society for Classical Learning.

• Session One: Why bother with rhetoric?
• Session Two: Why bother with pathos?
• Session Three: Why bother with pictures?
• Session Four: Why bother with story?

Teacher

David John Seel, Jr. is an educator, writer, and cultural analyst. He is the Academic Dean of St. Andrew’s College and a longtime professor and member of the International Advisory Board at St. Andrew’s. He was the founding headmaster of The Cambridge School of Dallas, former chairman of the Society for Classical Learning, and co-founder of the Counsel on Educational Standards & Accountability. He was a research associate professor at the University of Virginia and administrative director of the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture. He has served as an adjunct professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Covenant Theological Seminary. Most recently he was the director of cultural engagement at the John Templeton Foundation. He is the author of six books including The New Copernicans, Parenting without Perfection, Network Power, and Study Smart. He has B.A. in history, philosophy, and business from Austin College, an M.Div. from Covenant Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Maryland (College Park). He coached a rowing team to the bronze medal in the U.S. Junior National Championship. He serves on the board of the Windrider Institute and is a certified mentor for the Severn Leadership Group. He is married to Kathryn and has four grandchildren. He is passionate about sailing, dogs, independent film, and the New England Patriots.

Dates

6-hour short course

Tuesday/Thursday: Aug. 20, 22, 27, 29

8:00 AM (PT), 1.5 hrs.