The Poet & The Press Release: Rhetoric of Social Change

We will consider the role of rhetoric, writing, and public narrative in social and political movements through a lens that draws from critical race theory and intersectionality, literary theory, and anti-racist pedagogy. We will read contemporary thought on topics including the politics of literary craft, rhetorics of public writing, epistemic positioning, representation of race and gender, and rhetorical construction of social issues. We will analyze a range of public writing: organizational mission statements, reports, and fundraising appeals; media representations of social and political movements; political statements and policy positions, to ask: What impact does rhetorical framing have on how we address social issues? What are the limitations and possibilities for organizations that construct social justice discourse? How can we intentionally and ethically use rhetoric and writing skills to advance social change?