Rhetoric in Civic Life provides a richly textured introduction to rhetorical theory and concepts. Sophisticated yet accessible, it guides students in exploring rhetorical action in a democratic society.

Interweaving classical and contemporary concepts in a topical structure, the book shows how people in a diverse society shape ideas, make decisions about common concerns, and create social realities through symbolic action.

A rich array of historical and contemporary examples shows how words, images, arguments, and narratives create social and cultural identities and have consequences to civic life, public discourse and dissent, and social policies.