Overview
This lecture introduces the concept of rhetoric in everyday communication, especially on social media, and connects it to academic reading and writing. It emphasizes understanding the rhetorical situation, critical thinking, and effective strategies for reading, writing, and composing portfolios.
Introduction to Rhetoric and the Rhetorical Situation
- Social media posts and responses are examples of engaging in rhetoric.
- Rhetoric traditionally means persuasive communication; now it broadly refers to techniques and theories of communication.
- The rhetorical situation consists of agents (originators, audience) and conditions (genre, purpose, stance, context, and culture).
- Audience can be real (known) or anticipated (imagined/future).
- Purpose, stance, context, and culture shape how messages are crafted and received.
Critical Reading, Writing, and Thinking
- Critical reading involves analyzing distinctions, interpretations, and conclusions in texts.
- Critical writing requires making interpretations and drawing conclusions that can withstand scrutiny.
- Critical thinking is using reason and judgment when encountering or generating language.
- Active, engaged readers ask questions, take notes, and connect concepts across texts.
Social Media as Rhetorical Practice
- Every online post leaves a digital footprint, affecting personal reputation and opportunities.
- Being aware of the rhetorical situation helps anticipate audience reactions and communicate responsibly.
- Influencers like Selena Gomez use intentional, authentic communication to effect change and connect with audiences.
Words, Images, and Critical Media Literacy
- Both words and images communicate meaning, requiring different analytical skills.
- Memes are modern rhetorical devices combining images and text to elicit responses.
- Critical analysis of visuals involves considering context, perspective, and cultural influences.
Strategies for Critical Response
- Responses to texts may include summary, paraphrase, analysis, and evaluation.
- Analysis examines how a text is constructed and how all parts form a whole.
- Evaluation judges how effectively a text accomplishes its purpose, supported by facts, inferences, and opinions.
- Understanding genre, structure, and conventions aids in crafting effective responses.
Academic Writing and Portfolios
- Writing is shaped by rhetorical situations; adaptation is key for different audiences and contexts.
- Portfolios document writing growth through drafts, reflections, and organization (chronological, reverse, or best-first).
- Reflection and freewriting are useful for connecting ideas and improving writing confidence.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Rhetoric — The art and theory of effective communication.
- Rhetorical Situation — The agents and conditions framing any communication.
- Genre — The category or form of communication (e.g., essay, tweet, meme).
- Stance — The communicator’s viewpoint or attitude in a text.
- Context — Setting, time, and circumstances of communication.
- Culture — Shared beliefs and experiences influencing communication.
- Digital Footprint — The sum of one’s online actions and content.
- Summary — Condensed restatement of a text’s main ideas.
- Paraphrase — Rewording a text for clarity while retaining original meaning.
- Analysis — Detailed explanation of a text’s components.
- Evaluation — Judgement of a text’s effectiveness or value.
- Portfolio — A curated collection of a writer’s work showing development.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Select a short text (written or visual) and write a critical response, including summary, analysis, and evaluation.
- Organize your writing assignments in a portfolio, tracking growth and revisions.
- Practice reflecting on your writing process with a freewrite after each major assignment.