Identifier

etd-04152013-091643

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Communication Studies

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

This thesis examines Cornel West’s description of the human condition and the works of art produced in three particular ways. First, there is being human which is a universal condition that speaks to all people and their struggles in the face of death and fallibility. Second, there is the condition of being modern, which speaks to people in a particular age in which power must be challenged with intelligence. Third, there is the idea of being American, which is to confront historical legacies of injustice through political action and agency. Rhetoric speaks to these existential crises and draws its resources from jazz, blues, tragicomic and prophetic pragmatism to create a community of affiliation and rich discourse that’s beneficial and productive for all.

Date

2013

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Crick, Nathan

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.1731

Included in

Communication Commons

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