COMM 440 - Rhetoric of Popular Culture

Rhetoric is “the social function that influences and manages meaning.” Perhaps this function of rhetoric is most influential when it occurs in our every day lives through our popular discourses. Although the rhetorical aspects of popular culture largely may be ignored within our society, these implications nevertheless play an important role and need to be further addressed. Utilizing a critical/cultural studies approach, in this course students will examine the ways in which popular forms of discourse (such as literature, art, film, television, etc.” influence and/or persuade various audiences. Specifically, they will explore the following questions in relation to the rhetorical dimensions of popular culture.

Prerequisites & Notes
Prereqs: ENGW 251 and ENGW 252
Cross-Listed with ENGL 440

Credits: 3