Provides a response to an interview with Donald Davidson in the previous issue of the "Journal of Advanced Composition." Considers the degree to which speech-act theory might relate to composition theory. Discusses the effect of conventions of writing on writing instruction practice. (HB)

Maintains that electronic discourse, or secondary orality, compels the reappropriation of classic rhetoric as a new source for reflection and action in rhetoric and in the humanities. Argues that its adaptability, focus on production, and usefulness make it an extraordinarily powerful way of studying all kinds of texts and their contexts. (SR)

Explores Walter H. Beale's "A Pragmatic Theory of Rhetoric," and places it in relation to other theories. Discusses Beale's semiotic theory of written discourse, its contribution, and relates Beale's aims to the rhetorical theories of James Kinnevey and James Britton. (SR)

Provides Patricia Bizzell's response to an article in the previous issue of this journal entitled "A Postmodern Critique of the Modern Projects of Fredric Jameson and Patricia Bizzell." Considers the degree to which writing may be conceived of as a shared pluralistic discourse. (HB)

Proposes a theoretical model of organizing texts that uses four "master" tropes (metaphor, metonymy, synecdoche, and irony) as a conceptual framework to represent the processes of selecting, ordering, and placing words, ideas, and images into a text. Discusses possible practical application of tropical operations to nonfictional…

Outlines the function of the "signifying monkey" in African American oral traditions. Focuses on vernacular discourse and African American personal narratives to discover linguistic and cultural features of African American students. Argues that these identity features be placed at the center of writing instruction for African Americans.…