Blending Rhetorics: An Examination of Expressivist and Epistemic Rhetoric

In the field of rhetoric and composition, two influential pedagogies, expressivism and cultural studies or epistemic rhetoric, often are put at odds with each other by scholars, as evidenced by the Peter Elbow and David Bartholomae debate (among others). This discord between expressivist and epistemic rhetoric makes it difficult for instructors who wish to be balanced and instead encourages them to pick a side. Instead of being pitted against each other, I believe that these two approaches should be blended, taking the benefits of each. By taking the overarching goals of these two approaches and synthesizing them thoughtfully, it is possible to set up a balanced composition classroom using a pedagogy that affirms the individuality and voice of students while also instilling in them valuable critical awareness of the socio-cultural implications of their work.