The Intent/Effect Tactic: A Practice of Rhetorical Listening

Authors

  • Meagan Rodgers University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

Keywords:

rhetorical listening, race

Abstract

Recent scholarship shows that teachers across English studies continue to struggle with discussions of race in their classrooms. In this article, I offer the intent/effect tactic as a tool teachers can use to analyze and respond to racially problematic assertions. By asking students to consider not only intent but also effect, we can help them craft a practice of rhetorical listening that can lead to more productive dialogue.

Author Biography

Meagan Rodgers, University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

Meagan Rodgers is an assistant professor of English and director of the Writing Center at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. She teaches classes in composition, rhetoric, creative nonfiction, technical communication, introductory literature, and race studies. In her research, she applies sociological lenses to the practices of English classrooms in order to build pedagogical approaches that lead to more productive conversations about race and privilege.

Downloads

Published

2012-12-13

Issue

Vol. 41 No. 1 (2012): Winter/Spring 2012

Section

Articles

License

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

1. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.

2. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.

3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.