Lesson 4: Rhetorical Techniques

Objective:

Explore how rhetorical techniques used in ancient Roman speeches are employed in modern hip-hop and rap music, focusing on artists like Kendrick Lamar to understand the power of words in music.

Resources:

1. Reading Material:

- Learn about classical rhetoric from sources like [The Forest of Rhetoric](http://rhetoric.byu.edu) and how it was used in Roman oratory.

- Analyze the lyrics of Kendrick Lamar on [Genius Lyrics](https://genius.com) for rhetorical devices.

2. Video Analysis:

- Watch "The Rhetoric of Hip-Hop" on [TED-Ed](https://ed.ted.com) to see a breakdown of how rhetoric is used in rap music.

Exercises:

1. Lyric Analysis:

- Select a Kendrick Lamar song and identify rhetorical devices such as ethos, pathos, and logos. Write a brief analysis discussing the effectiveness of these techniques in the song.

2. Creative Rhyming:

- Write your own rap verses that use at least three different rhetorical techniques. Share your verses on platforms like [SoundCloud](https://www.soundcloud.com) or in a classroom presentation.

3. Peer Review:

- Engage in a peer review session on a forum like [Rap Genius](https://genius.com) to get feedback on your rhetorical use in lyrics and to improve your understanding of how rhetoric influences listeners.

Further Study:

- Consider joining a workshop or course on creative writing or poetry that emphasizes the use of rhetoric, available on Skillshare (https://www.skillshare.com). These platforms often offer courses that delve into the nuances of literary devices and their application in modern creative writing. Engaging with these courses can provide deeper insights into how rhetoric shapes narratives and persuades audiences, not only in traditional literature but also in contemporary music and poetry.