The document discusses rhetoric as a pragmatic social art and the study of public controversies through rhetorical criticism and analysis. It summarizes different theories of communication and approaches to rhetorical criticism, including Burkean criticism and feminist approaches. It then discusses a controversy over the Building for Women (BFW), a partnership between women's organizations in Duluth that was providing health and other services for women, including abortions, which faced opposition from pro-life groups. The timeline outlines key events leading up to the controversy over the opening of the new BFW facility.

1. Rhetoric and Public Controversy: Studying a Pragmatic Art