Instead of adopting or developing a theoretical or methodological approach to social movement study, researchers might benefit from gathering an understanding of a particular movement's history by narrowing the focus of the study for rhetorical analysis. Convention papers and journal articles should identify a specific stage, sub-group, person, or…

Examines the oral discourse of four university teaching contexts (lectures, laboratories, writing classes, and writing conferences) for the incidence of exchange patterns. Defines exchange patterns and explores previous research on three-part exchanges. Presents new research on two-part exchanges. Focuses on how non-native speakers of English…

Discusses the controversy surrounding the existence of a culture created by those who use computers; some argue that computers lack emotional contact and that computer-mediated communication does not have the commonality to form a culture. Analyzes transcripts collected through a synchronous computer system, and argues that cultures are both…

Large universities are increasingly offering marketing courses in classes of 300 or more students. Without access to the usual verbal and nonverbal cues, instructors in these megaclasses are disadvantaged in terms of their ability to respond to learners' needs. As a result, marketing instructors have supplemented course infrastructure with…

A qualitative study determined the impact electronic mail (e-mail) discussion lists can have on a college classroom. The theoretical concepts explored are "community" and "roles." Community is defined by the boundaries it possesses, the dialogue exchanged, and the people interacting in the community. Roles may be defined by the interactions among…

A study examined a segment of classroom discourse in light of: (1) the complexity of an I-R-E (Initiation-Reply-Evaluation) sequence; (2) the teacher's role as facilitator; and (3) the similarities and differences between mundane conversation and classroom discourse. In addition, the intricacies of interaction between teachers and students in the…

A study compared the discourse within a knowledge-building community in dual mediums: face-to-face meetings and electronic mail postings to a discussion list. Participants were faculty members and graduate students at a major university. The study focused on patterns of participation in both mediums, changes in these patterns, and possible effects…

Examines rhetorical processes which convert experience into social forms of community. Compares Robert Scott's notion of rhetoric as dynamic with the rhetorical concept of "spectacle." Explores "the dynamic spectacle" as a rhetorical document of community building. Examines Black America's reaction to the spectacle of Liberty…

An examination of the ritual of "sharing time" in a first-grade classroom in the United States shows how it reaffirms the ideal model of a "Good Communicator," develops a concept of personhood as "Self-as-Autonomous-Person," and establishes respect for "Authority." Through the development of these three "sacred objects," sharing time functions as…