Reference no: EM133811677
Assignment: Project- Rhetorical Analysis of a Discourse Community
The goal of this project is to apply a combined rhetorical and discourse analysis lens to explore and understand the complexities and nuances of a specific community and a topic or issue within it. By examining the way language, context, and power dynamics are at play within this community, you will aim to contribute to the ongoing conversation about its values, languages, codes, expectations, norms, and more. The first step is to choose a community that genuinely interests you - one that has generated significant discussion and varying perspectives - and identify a topic or issue within that community.
Then you'll want to find an issue within or relating to the community. What is a problem that might be addressed, an inequity or inequality that can be improved on, a lack of understanding that could be better comprehended, a procedure or tradition that can be revised? Why is it an issue and why has there not been movement or progress with the issue in this community?
As you explore this community and issue, consider the following questions:
1. What are the key values, norms, and expectations that underpin this community?
2. How do language and rhetorical strategies contribute to the construction of meaning and the shaping of the community's discourse?
3. What are the community's unique codes, languages, or jargon, and how do they reflect the community's identity and values?
4. How do power dynamics manifest within the community? How do these dynamics influence the conversation and the community's norms?
5. How does the topic or issue in question relate to the community's values, norms, and expectations? Are there any internal or external factors that challenge or reinforce the community's stance on this issue?
6. How do members of the community engage with, challenge, or build upon each other's ideas related to the issue?
Your analysis should aim to understand and critically examine the different ways in which language, context, and power dynamics shape the discourse and the values within the community. Based on your analysis, you should put forth your own well-reasoned and well-supported proposal, designed to address or advance the issue in light of your understanding of how the community works and what it values.
Example communities and issues students might want to write about:
1. Gaming Community: Addressing the issue of toxicity and harassment within online gaming environments, or "Crunch Culture" with video game devs, etc.,
2. Educational Community: What's holding traditional approaches back, and why? What are new pedagogical considerations the community should consider?
3. Local Community/Government: Exploring the lack of affordable housing: What power dynamics are at play that hold back progress here? What language/rhetoric controls the issue?
4. Tech Community: Exploring the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and proposing guidelines for responsible AI development: What aspects of the community lead to dangerous trends here?
5. Health and Wellness Community: Developing a mental health awareness campaign to reduce stigma and increase support for community members struggling with mental health issues. Get the instant assignment help.
6. Online Health and Fitness Forums: How might we address misinformation and a lack of evidenced-based discussion within the community?