Overview
Description: You will create a PowerPoint describing a #hashtag that advocates for some form of change and select a rhetorical theory to complete an analysis. Then you will be tasked with synthesizing your findings into a coherent argument. Rhetorical application will require you to dig deeper than a surface-level description of the #hashtag.
Purpose: This assignment is designed to introduce you to research through critical & analytical thinking. This assignment also measures your ability to apply a rhetorical theory to your #hashtag and discover its rhetorical significance, discursive strategies used, themes, and function of the #hashtag.
You may use one of the following theories:
- Public sphere (include the lifeworld and the system)
- Counterpublic
- Culture Jamming (include artifact, distortion, and awareness)
- Digital Rhetoric (include affordances or discursive strategies)
- Topoi
Tasks:
- You will be conducting your own research of a #hashtag and the discourse surrounding it.
- Go on any social media platform and select a #hashtag that is advocating for some form of change.
- Research the #hashtag, its goals, context, timeline, stakeholders, and important social/political/historical elements to contextualize the #hashtag
- Find and screenshot 10 post that are rhetorically significant, have deep meaning, and/or that you find interesting. Collectively, these 10 posts should be evidence of an argument. You will use the screenshots for the rhetorical analysis and "Data" slides. Look for meaning deeper than surface level ideas or what is the most obvious. Also look for themes across all posts.
- Follow the Google Slides Template I’ve provided for you. You MUST use this format, but feel free to add new colors, graphics, and images.
- Apply (1) rhetorical theory to analyze and support your argument and evaluation of the #hashtag. What rhetorical strategies/themes/ topoi, etc. do you find rhetorically significant?
- All citations must be cited in-text using APA style.