Chicago’s long history with esotericism, occultism, and alternative spirituality allows students to explore the disciplines of anthropology, rhetoric, and sociology, through the diverse belief systems that thrive in the city. WRD Instructor Jason Winslade has incorporated themes of occultism in his Explore Chicago classes since 2000. Winsalde’s course “Unveiling Occult Chicago: Secret Societies, Magicians, and Alternative Spiritualities,” examines how the Chicago occult community has influenced mainstream rhetoric and values, particularly politics and activism.
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WRD 361: Chicago Women Rhetors
Chicago is known as the Windy City for our boisterous speakers, but what is the history of women’s speaking in Chicago? How have women rhetors made their mark on our city? WRD 361, Topics in Alternative Rhetorics: Chicago Women Rhetors, will examine how Chicago women have made their voices heard, and how these women have been remembered by the publics they spoke to. We’ll read primary and secondary texts, and examine museum exhibits, sculpture, memorials, architecture, organizations, language and cultural practice to learn about the past and about how this past has been remembered and interpreted.
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