Writing about what matters. Having the courage and conviction to speak up and speak out. These are hallmarks of what it means to learn and study at Smith College, and to live a life as an engaged ...

Editor’s note: Books discussed in this essay include Jonathan Haidt’s The Righteous Mind; Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow; Bruce Schneier’s Liars and Outliers; and Jim Manzi’s Uncontrolled.

Rhetorical analysis in public and political discourse involves the systematic examination of how language, symbols and narratives are crafted to influence opinion, mobilise support and construct ...