Argues that the field of rhetoric is relevant to the study of two functions of communication (transmission and influence). Asserts that the rise of communications technology has again made the study of rhetoric possible and even socially necessary. (MS)

Uses recent work in literary criticism to examine the structure of religious discourse. Suggests religious discourse is the use of a certain rhetorical style that conforms to certain rules of underlying structure, but which communicates only to the extent that this structure is appropriate for the application in question. (MS)

Encourages communication researchers to understand better the rhetorical situation that challenges AIDS educators working with out-of-school, African American adolescents in urban centers. Identifies those culturally based experiences and attitudes that health educators must integrate into lines of argument and appeals for AIDS prevention…