Just Rhetoric

This course examines social movements as rhetorical phenomena. Social movements do not emerge just through undesirable material conditions or political opportunity. They are built, sustained, and contested through language, symbols, performances, and collective narratives. From abolitionist pamphlets and labor songs to protest speeches, manifestos, hashtags, and visual campaigns, social movements persuade audiences, mobilize participants, and challenge dominant power structures through rhetoric. In ENGL 1030H : “Just Rhetoric,” we will explore classical and contemporary rhetorical theories of social movements. We’ll analyze how rhetoric shapes collective identity, frames (in)justice, establishes legitimacy, and engages discourses of power. Our work will focus on rhetorical analysis, ethical evaluations, and critical engagements with movement discourse across time, place, and sociopolitical contexts.