COMM 143
Rhetoric of Popular Culture
Description: Lecture, three hours. Rhetorical approach to study of U.S. popular culture. Examination, both at theoretical level and through specific case studies, of ways in which popular cultural texts perform rhetorically to influence political and social struggles shaping everyday life. How do particular artifacts or communicative texts constitute source for (re)negotiation of cultural meanings as well as greater understanding of ways language functions as vehicle for human action. Letter grading.
Units: 4.0
Units: 4.0
Most Helpful Review
Spring 2020 - I feel somewhat catfished by this class. I was drawn in by the fact that it supposedly would be an analysis of rhetoric as used in modern-day popular culture. What became extremely evident within a few weeks, though, was that it was just a soapbox for the professor to extol her own pedantry to a captive audience. Let me make myself clear: There was no popular culture involved in this class. This is a class on obscure rhetorical theories posited by individuals the professor will make seem important, but really aren't. You will spend your time wondering when she will get to the point. Spoiler: There is no point. The tests are impossible, as she chooses to use a multiple-choice format for extremely subjective and nuanced material that is much better suited for short answer and essay questions. The essay prompts will require that you reread them multiple times just to be able to decipher the crazy language with which they are written. This class had me questioning my own ability to comprehend English and grasp concepts. Let it be known that this is the class that dragged down my GPA, as well. Please don't take this class that is sheer nonsense masquerading as academia.
Spring 2020 - I feel somewhat catfished by this class. I was drawn in by the fact that it supposedly would be an analysis of rhetoric as used in modern-day popular culture. What became extremely evident within a few weeks, though, was that it was just a soapbox for the professor to extol her own pedantry to a captive audience. Let me make myself clear: There was no popular culture involved in this class. This is a class on obscure rhetorical theories posited by individuals the professor will make seem important, but really aren't. You will spend your time wondering when she will get to the point. Spoiler: There is no point. The tests are impossible, as she chooses to use a multiple-choice format for extremely subjective and nuanced material that is much better suited for short answer and essay questions. The essay prompts will require that you reread them multiple times just to be able to decipher the crazy language with which they are written. This class had me questioning my own ability to comprehend English and grasp concepts. Let it be known that this is the class that dragged down my GPA, as well. Please don't take this class that is sheer nonsense masquerading as academia.