Romanticism, in both theory and practice, has always acknowledged the power of language to inspire action, change minds, alter perceptions, and otherwise do things in the world. The concept of rhetoric began with Aristotle as a description of techniques used to persuade others of the common good; by the Romantic era, it represented an even broader range of dialogic and dialectical approaches to ideas, understanding, and language. Understanding Romantic rhetoric may lead us to a place where we can address the limitations on persuading the unpersuadable toward a common understanding of civic life. For the return of the International Conference on Romanticism to Santa Barbara, we invite papers, panels, and presentation on all aspects of rhetoric and persuasion in Romanticism, broadly defined. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Oppositions, dichotomies, dualities occasioned by language

• Romantic political discourse

• Strategic and persuasive productions in language and the arts

• Rhetorical aspects of Romantic-era controversies, such as slavery, colonialism, the French Revolution, and women’s rights

• Rhetorical elements in Romantic-era discussions of race, gender, class, and religion

• Romantic religion and rhetoric; “persuasion” as religious identity

• Romantic rhetorical strategies in the construction and representation of sexuality, gender identity, and sexual personae

• Rhetoric and the arts in Romanticism