Rhetoric of New Media

This course examines trends in new media through the lens of rhetorical theory. Its goal is to question not only dominant understandings of digital media, but also our approach to the concept of media more generally. Toward these ends, we will situate recent advances in digital media within the long history of communication technology, orient ourselves to 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 digital media, new media technologies and forms, (interfaces, networks, social media, etc.), and the influence of networked media on cultural and political formations.

Most class meetings will begin with a brief lecture on a topic at the intersection of digital media and rhetorical theory. A discussion of the readings will follow the lecture. In the course of the semester, students will design and execute a research project that reflects a rhetorical perspective on a specific new-media object.