What is Rhetorical Curriculum and what does it focus?
Rhetorical curriculum refers to the set of messages and values that are communicated through the way education is presented, even if those messages are not part of the formal curriculum. It includes what is implied or suggested through school structures, classroom interactions, and the way content is delivered. These messages might not be written down in textbooks or syllabi, but they still influence how students understand learning, authority, success, and identity.
For example, if a school constantly emphasizes competition through rankings and awards, it sends a rhetorical message that individual success is more important than collaboration. Similarly, if history lessons mostly highlight the achievements of one group while ignoring others, students might internalize a narrow or biased view of the world. These subtle, underlying messages shape how students think, often without them realizing it.
Rhetorical curriculum also includes the teacher's tone, body language, and teaching methods. A teacher who encourages open discussion sends the message that student voices matter, whereas a teacher who only lectures may suggest that knowledge comes only from authority figures. Even classroom setups—like rows of desks facing the teacher—can convey a power dynamic that affects how students engage.
In essence, the rhetorical curriculum is about what is taught without being explicitly stated. It's powerful because it influences attitudes, values, and beliefs. By becoming aware of it, educators and students can better understand how learning environments shape perspectives—and possibly work toward making those environments more inclusive and intentional.
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