composition in three genres
The goal of this project is to get students working in multiple genres, so that they develop a theory and practice of composing in multiple modes to mimic the nature of professional work in which colleagues work together to develop ideas and create solutions. By using multiple genres, modes, and media, they learn more about various genres, develop a greater sense of composing for particular audiences, and consider a wider array of rhetorical choices they might employ in writing with purpose. The project examines the importance of genre and audience and also explores the different ways of composing, all of which are important for the student’s development of knowledge of genre and communication.
Basic Description: Students will use the research within their first project, choose a particular message or campaign that surrounds their controversial topic, and represent that message across three genres. Not only should students select and create in three genres, but they must also circulate the texts they create appropriately. Students will also create a rationale explaining their intent, the making and distribution process, and the overall effectiveness of their campaign.
For instance, if one of the genres is a poster, then the poster should be posted in an appropriate place given the purpose and audience; sidewalk chalk should be placed in an appropriate number of appropriate locations; flyers should be handed out in a location relevant to the campaign; a t-shirt should be worn to appropriate locations. Other examples might include Facebook group pages, informational websites, a Twitter account, etc. These kinds of digital texts will circulate differently than print texts, which will need to be appropriately placed, but they can be circulated and shared in conjunction with the other genres created for the project. For example, a flyer created by the student might make its own argument, but it should also “link to” or reference the other two texts created for the project.
Guiding Questions:
The project will unfold in several different steps, beginning with students answering the following questions that they will refer back to throughout the process:
1. Who is the audience of the campaign?
2. What are the expectations of the audience?
3. With what kinds of media will the audience be familiar?
4. What are the constraints and affordances of each medium?
5. What are the conventions of these forms of communication?
6. What constitutes an effective rhetorical strategy for the particular audience? What potential genres could be used to communicate with the specific audience? What are the conventions or features of each genre selected?
7. Where can this campaign be circulated to be rhetorically effective?
8. What did I learn about the communication process in completing this project? What could I have improved upon?
9. What was accomplished?
During our last two classes, each student will deliver a five-minute presentation on Project 3. We'll all cheer wildly and tell you that you're brilliant.
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