Description
In Gorgias, Plato critiques rhetoric as a "sham art" that manipulates audiences rather than guiding them toward truth. Today, individuals on social media influence opinions on politics, health, lifestyle, and more. This assignment asks you to critically evaluate one persuasive post by annotating it directly and reflecting on how Plato might judge its rhetorical impact.
Directions
- Choose an example
- Select a persuasive social media post created in 2025 or later.
- The post must be created by an individual (influencer, content creator, or everyday user), not a paid advertisement or corporate campaign. It should not be a sponsored ad.
- You may use the example you used in Journal #3. However, it must meet the conditions listed above and is something you can easily access in order to complete this assignment.
- Provide a working link or screenshot with your submission.
- If it is a video, you should provide the direct link to the video.
- Annotate the artifact (use Google Slides, Canva, PowerPoint, or a Word doc with comments). Your annotations should:
- Identify the creator, message, and target audience.
- Point out persuasive techniques (visuals, tone, appeals, credibility, etc.).
- Apply Plato's critique: mark where the post functions as sham art or true art.
- Highlight audience responses (likes, comments, shares, or external discussion).
- Reflect on effectiveness: does the post inform, manipulate, or both?
- Consider broader implications: how does social media change persuasion compared to Plato's time?
- Write a short reflection
- In 1–2 paragraphs, connect your annotations into a clear thesis: overall, does your example represent sham art or true art? Why?
- Cite at least two times from the assigned readings in Week 3 to support your analysis.
Requirements
- At least 6 meaningful annotations tied to class concepts.
- 1–2 paragraph reflection with a clear thesis.
- Link or screenshot of the original post.
- At least two connections from Week 3 course readings with appropriate in-text citations.
- Works Cited in MLA or APA format.
Submission Format
- Upload either a slide deck, Word doc, or PDF with your annotated artifact and your reflection.
- Make sure annotations are legible and clearly linked to specific parts of the post.
Grading Focus
Your work will be evaluated on:
- Application of rhetorical theory (Plato's critique from course readings)
- Depth and clarity of analysis in annotations
- Connection to at least two citations from Weeks 3 readings
- Original insights and critical thinking
- Clarity, organization, and proper citation