B.A., M.A., San Diego State University
Ph.D., University of British Columbia

Writing 2, Rhetoric & Inquiry: "Media Criticism"

In this course we'll analyze various kinds of media in order to determine what they can tell us about the state of the culture that produced them. Possibilities for examination include advertising, film and television programs (including broadcast journalism), music, videogames and immersive virtual reality spaces such as Second Life. We'll learn how to "read" such "texts" critically, and to convince others of the legitimacy of our reading as well as of our judgment about what the social effects of the messages are. We'll also examine written criticism of popular culture as models to be emulated, as expert positions to support our views, or as points of departure or disagreement. One essay will be revised and expanded into the final research project. In addition, we’ll use writing workshop groups to get feedback on drafts.