Rhetorical Criticism: Exploration and Practice, Fifth Edition, authored by Sonja K. Foss, is a transformative text that has been instrumental in teaching the vibrant art of rhetorical criticism to thousands of students across over 300 colleges and universities since its first edition. Insights gained from classroom use have continuously enriched each new edition. This fifth edition features an unparalleled ability to simplify complex rhetorical concepts and processes, highlighting ten methods of conducting rhetorical criticism—systematic investigations and explanations of symbolic acts and artifacts.

Each chapter focuses on one method, detailing its foundational theories and the steps required for performing a thorough analysis using that method. Foss provides clear instructions on how to write coherent and well-argued reports of analytical findings, which are further illustrated through sample essays. The book includes a dedicated chapter on feminist criticism, exploring the disruption of conventional ideologies and practices. Additionally, there is an engaging discussion on storytelling in the digital world within the narrative criticism section.

The latest edition introduces student essays that analyze artifacts using multiple methods, providing a comprehensive understanding of rhetorical criticism. This equips readers with the tools necessary to become active participants in shaping their environments. A related interest from Waveland Press is Contemporary Perspectives on Rhetoric, 30th Anniversary Edition, authored by Foss et al., which complements this text.

Published on July 19, 2017, with a print length of 486 pages, the book has dimensions of 7 x 1 x 9.25 inches and is available with ISBN-10: 1478634898 and ISBN-13: 978-1478634898.