Rhetoric of Digital Media

Instructor: Nate Atkinson – n8atkinson@berkeley.edu

Tu/Th 12:30- 2:00pm, Dwinelle 209

This course examines trends in new media through the lens of rhetorical theory. Its goal is to question not only dominant understandings of new media, but also our approaches to rhetoric in the digital era. Toward these ends, we will situate recent advances in new media within the long history of communication technology, orient ourselves to current efforts in the humanities to understand new media, and inquire into how rhetorical theory can, and should, contribute to these efforts. Our topics will include: The relationship between rhetorical theory and new media, new media technologies and forms, (interfaces, networks, social media, etc.), and the influence of social media on cultural and political formations.

 Most class meetings will begin with a brief lecture on a topic at the intersection of new media and rhetorical theory. A discussion of the week’s readings will follow the lecture. Throughout the course, students will contribute to a class website focused on rhetorical approaches to understanding new media.

 

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor

ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED