Uncover the secrets of ancient Roman rhetoric-that which has given life to our modern debate, speeches, and even mud-slinging.
Persuasion and Propaganda in Ancient Rome: Cicero's Oratory
You think social rivals throw shade now? Wait 'til you see the mudslinging of Cicero.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Hiker1973 from
Amazing!
I did not know anything about Cicero and was shocked at the information in this course. Fascinating course and also presented by one of the Great Courses best lecturers. I intend to learn more about Cicero as a result.
Date published: 2023-12-23
Rated 5 out of
5
by
mcbdale from
Modern Relevance in Ancient Topics
Topics like these are so important because we can see a direct link from the ancient world to the modern world, and courses like this help illuminate the modern landscape. I would love more lectures in this topic!
Date published: 2023-12-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Thanuja from
Interesting pilot!
I liked this pilot! I am not overly familiar with Roman history so this is a great introuducion for me about the time period, its character and politics. I hope Wondrium will do more pilots and intro courses like these.
Date published: 2023-07-14
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Gwick from
Interesting Topic
Won’t mention that this singe lecture is too short to deal with even an introduction to Cicero, however it is an interesting subject that could use an update, including expansion regarding his contribution to defending the Roman Republic and other topics of balance. It is also interesting how the oratory techniques can still be recognized and that’s good to highlight.
Date published: 2023-04-04
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Silverfinch from
Only to Be Expected
I found this a delightfully entertaining and highly instructive lecture, as is only to be expected of Dr. Aldrete; I just wish it had been longer and more inclusive. Thanks for another really Great Course.
Date published: 2023-03-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jonny Pilgrim from
Great treatment of Cicero's outrageous oratory
Enjoyed this rapid-paced glib introduction to the verbal shenanigans of Cicero, a paragon of oratory with feet of clay. Aldrete is an entertaining and informative teacher, and I watched his two part history of Rome more than once. Now we know where Roger Stone might have gotten all of his nasty tricks, baseless aspersions, and ad hominin attacks. Yet Cicero remains a model for trial lawyers today.
Date published: 2022-11-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
JEM190 from
Should be required viewing
I have seen what politicians, lawyers and others are doing and saying today, but I had no idea that their strategies and schemes are 2,000 years old. This course is a wonderful overview of how to twist and mislead a discussion and debate. It is very informative and extremely valuable for everyone to know so they can be aware of what is happening when these techniques are being used. This course should be required viewing for every citizen.
Date published: 2022-09-08
Rated 5 out of
5
by
KN917 from
Excellent lecture
Now I understand how emotion plays such a huge role in politics, and how science & fact are pretty much invisible. A little scary to think how such devious tactics can be so successful in convincing people to believe one side or the other. Prof Aldrete does a great job describing it succinctly & with illustrations. Makes me want to learn more.
Date published: 2022-07-20
Overview
About
Gregory S. Aldrete is Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. He earned his PhD in Ancient History from the University of Michigan. He has been honored with numerous awards for his research and teaching and has received five fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities. He is also a prolific scholar whose books include Gestures and Acclamations in Ancient Rome, Daily Life in the Roman City, and The Long Shadow of Antiquity: What Have the Greeks and Romans Done for Us?
01: Persuasion and Propaganda in Ancient Rome: Cicero's Oratory
Meet Cicero, one of the greatest public speakers of all time, and learn how he applied the tools of creating and delivering speeches that not only resonated with the public but persuaded them to his way of thinking. Join Professor Gregory S. Aldrete from the University of Wisconsin to delve into ancient Roman rhetoric techniques and discover how they provided the groundwork for both positive and negative methods we use in modern political campaigning.
37 min
