Cosmos and the Rhetoric of Popular Science

(Barry Brummett, University of Texas at Austin)In a deft analysis, Schroeder Sorensen explores the cultural impact that the PBS series, Cosmos, has enjoyed—and continues to enjoy—with American audiences. (Michael J. Hyde, university distinguished professor of communication ethics, Wake Forest University) . Cosmos series, is an excellent example of the popularized communication of scientific knowledge. Students of rhetoric will receive a valuable education as they read Sorensen's book. By approaching the question of identification via mythos, Schroeder Sorensen offers new ways to understand the epideictic function through which science popularization builds communities. Baumlin, Distinguished Pro

Karen Schroeder Sorensen is assistant professor and coordinator of the Writing Across the Curriculum program at Winona State University.

Sagan’s deft use of rhetorical strategy creates an experience that pushes beyond the limits of a mere “educational” program to reveal a mythic adventure. Lessl’s observations regarding Cosmos’ connection to the mythic and science fiction. Carl Sagan’s Cosmos inspires audiences to look at the universe with new eyes and to appreciate humanity’s importance in it. It delves deeply into Sagan’s rhetorical construction of the program in order to understand what elements contributed to its mythos.. Cosmos and the Rhetoric of Popular Science builds on Thomas M. Although Sagan contributed much to the field of science as well as to public understanding of it, Cosmos remains his signature brand