Writing courses are increasingly popular in higher education. This paper presents a pedagogic approach that combines theory and practice, in an accessible way, to help students appreciate the interrelation of styles and contexts, and develop skills for writing in a range of genres. The approach is characterised as "adaptive application".…

Examines choices historians make concerning rhetorical theory. Considers their decisions about inclusion of rhetorical theories in their historical treatments, organization of those theories into categories or sequences, and contextualization of theories in relation to other theories or applications. Notes how four essays in this issue are related…

Discusses the rhetorical method of Ludwig Wittgenstein. Argues that it must be extended in some fundamental ways if educators want to apply his model of rhetoric. Suggests that a truly pragmatic rhetoric must bear some similarity to the method of Wittgenstein's later philosophy. (MG)

Discusses Barrett Wendell's theory of discourse, including a critique of his definitions and an assessment of his discourse scheme. Challenges the image of Wendell as a technocrat who never rose above a consideration of style to examine more significant rhetorical issues. (MG)

Reviews research on the "new rhetoric" and written composition, applying these principles to legal discourse writing in the law school curriculum. Notes that the new rhetoric posits that writing is a process of constructing thought and describes selected teaching practices within the reader-writer loop, including reading and writing…