For the final project in the course, you will construct a multi-layered multi-modal advocacy argument about your focal topic. Your project will consist of one extensive argument or a series of less extensive but still closely related arguments, targeted for a specific audience and interface, making use of various literacies we have discussed this semester. To accomplish this, I ask that your project explicitly advocate for something: that is, you will not just inform your audience about a particular issue/event arising from your focal topic, but will move them to take action, like joining an organization, voting, volunteering, or changing behavior (think recycling, or quitting smoking, adopting a shelter pet). The final project can include (but is certainly not limited to):
- hashtag creation or participation
- social media account/profile creation
- website creation
- viral video
- meme series
Your project must show evidence of extensive research and familiarity with your topic, most effective digital literacies, modes, genres, and of affordances and constraints of your chosen project. Your project must include 3 of the following modes:
- alphabetic texts
- visual images
- video with motion
- audio (music, sound effects, or voice)
You’ll begin by creating a proposal for your project. You’ll then develop a plan, which we will conference on in small peer response groups. You will also have the chance to create a plan draft before you present your final project to the class. Your final project will be accompanied by a reflective rhetorical rationale (1000-1500 words) in which you explain your process and analyze the effectiveness of the literacies needed to read and write this particular project. Additionally, your reflective analysis will include a circulation plan for your project, addressing how you might attract attention for your project and cause. Although I will not require you to share your project in public, online venues like YouTube or Facebook, I encourage you to do so.
English 213 