Rhetoric & Public Affairs

Scope & Guideline

Shaping Understanding at the Intersection of Rhetoric and Politics

Introduction

Welcome to the Rhetoric & Public Affairs information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Rhetoric & Public Affairs, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1094-8392
PublisherMICHIGAN STATE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2010 to 2023
AbbreviationRHETOR PUBLIC AFF / Rhetor. Public Aff.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1405 SOUTH HARRISON RD, STE 25 MANLY MILES BUILDING, E LANSING, MI 48823-5202

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Rhetoric & Public Affairs' is dedicated to exploring the intricate relationships between rhetoric and public discourse, emphasizing how language shapes and is shaped by social, political, and cultural contexts. Its research often employs interdisciplinary methodologies, bridging rhetoric with history, sociology, and political science.
  1. Rhetoric in Social and Political Contexts:
    The journal focuses on how rhetoric operates within various social and political frameworks, analyzing speeches, texts, and public discourse to uncover underlying power dynamics and societal implications.
  2. Violence and Nonviolence in Rhetoric:
    A significant area of study includes the rhetoric surrounding violence and nonviolence, exploring how these concepts are articulated and contested in public debates and social movements.
  3. Civic Engagement and Public Memory:
    Research often delves into themes of civic engagement, public memory, and historical narratives, examining how collective memories are constructed and contested in the public sphere.
  4. Intersectionality in Rhetoric:
    The journal highlights intersectional approaches to rhetoric, particularly in relation to identity, race, gender, and class, thus contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of how different identities impact rhetorical practices.
  5. Digital Rhetoric and Communication:
    There is a growing emphasis on digital rhetoric, exploring how online platforms shape public discourse and affect civic engagement in contemporary society.
Recent years have seen a notable shift in the themes and topics addressed in 'Rhetoric & Public Affairs', with several emerging areas of focus that reflect current societal concerns and academic interests.
  1. Rhetoric of Violence and Nonviolence:
    A significant trend is the exploration of rhetoric surrounding violence and nonviolence, particularly in the context of social protests and movements, highlighting the impact of language on societal change.
  2. Critical Race and Identity Rhetoric:
    There is an increasing focus on how race and identity shape rhetorical practices, with a growing number of articles addressing issues of race, immigration, and identity politics in public discourse.
  3. Civic Engagement and Activism:
    Emerging themes include civic engagement and activism, particularly in relation to contemporary social movements, indicating a strong interest in the role of rhetoric in fostering public participation and advocacy.
  4. Digital and Online Rhetoric:
    Research on digital rhetoric is gaining traction, exploring how online platforms and social media impact communication strategies and public engagement, reflecting broader societal shifts towards digital interaction.
  5. Environmental Rhetoric:
    The rhetoric surrounding environmental issues is increasingly prevalent, as scholars examine how language shapes public discourse related to climate change, sustainability, and ecological justice.

Declining or Waning

While 'Rhetoric & Public Affairs' continues to evolve, certain themes are becoming less prominent in its recent publications. These waning scopes may reflect shifts in scholarly focus or changing societal issues.
  1. Traditional Rhetorical Criticism:
    There appears to be a decline in articles focused on traditional rhetorical criticism methods, with fewer studies centered on classical rhetorical theories and their applications in modern contexts.
  2. Historical Rhetorical Analysis:
    Research that primarily focuses on historical figures and events in rhetorical studies has seen reduced emphasis, as the journal increasingly prioritizes contemporary issues and current events.
  3. Rhetoric of Science and Technology:
    Themes related to the rhetoric of science and technology are less frequently explored, indicating a possible shift away from examining scientific discourse in favor of more immediate social and political issues.

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