Given a contemporary political context defined by a nearly ubiquitous, that is global, use of a rhetoric of evil and of evildoers, the course offers a critical look at the rhetorical connections between demonology and politics. The course begins with the practice of demonology in a variety of historical periods and through the work of various authors, including God, Dante, Milton, Luther, Nietzsche, Melville, Publius, Tocqueville, Ronald Reagan and G.W. Bush. We ask: Why do politicians regularly use religious imagery in their political rhetoric? What is it about religious rhetoric that seems to have an enduring appeal for established politicians as well as for would-be reformers and reactionaries? Is there something in the very structure of political and rhetorical argumentation that makes religious demonology a `natural' partner? And should we feel at all uncomfortable when we hear sacred imagery invoked in the `profane' world of politics? The course, then, concludes with a more general set of theoretical questions on the nature and value of rhetorical speech: Does rhetoric, by definition, contradict truthful speech? If so, what is at stake when we use rhetorical figures in speaking politically? Or, in contrast, does rhetoric play a more substantial, even constructive, role in the life of the citizen, especially the citizen of a democracy? Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: regular class participation; weekly precis assignments (one pg.); in-class presentation; two essays (8-10pgs.) No Prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 39 (expected 20). Political Theory Subfield

Hour: KIZILBASH