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Rhetoric & Civic Communications

From the get-go of my program, I knew that I wanted to tailor the coursework I did toward understanding the social mechanisms and compositional strategies that make for effective communication. 

My own pedagogy centers on how being able to communicate well regardless of purpose, context, or audience is empowering to a writer. It allows for better ability to clarify information, rectify misunderstandings, find common ground, and potentially expand your own or others' personal ideologies. 

Rhetoric, the art of persuasive communications, is the toolset that every individual needs in order to effectively advocate for change and improvement. Communication, including the process of composition, is the backbone of functional and thriving communities.

Preparing to Freelance in Political and Civic Communications Consultancy

During the summer of 2021, I took the course Preparing to Freelance. The course was designed to help a writer scope out their niched industry, prepare for running their own business as a content creator, and work on developing a professional online persona. I approached the course as going to set up a consulting business as a political campaign communications professional.

The following examples demonstrate the MA outcome of me being able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the history and major theories of [my] profession

  • Analyze a variety of rhetorical situation and create documents that work in each particular situation

  • Conduct primary and secondary research that adds to knowledge in [my] field

  • Explore and experiment with technologies and the distinctive rhetorical exigencies they create

  • Act as a professional in and outside the classroom

  • Participate in an active and ethical way in the profession beyond the classroom

Business Development Plan 

The plan for "Let's Talk Politics" Political Communications Consultancy.

Read it here.

Let's Talk Politics: Website

Check out the website for the communications consultancy. 

Visit the site here.

Graduate Research Proposal: Political Consulting Niche

Understanding & Analyzing Rhetoric

 I am fascinated by the mental and social mechanics behind rhetorical symbolism and strategy and what is necessary for effective and ethical communications. I enjoyed exploring these ideas in my rhetorical and communications theory courses.

 

The following examples demonstrate the MA outcome of me being able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the history and major theories of [my] profession

  • Conduct primary and secondary research that adds to knowledge in [my] field

  • Compose discursive and audience specific arguments using appropriate evidence and rhetorical appeals

  • Analyze a variety of rhetorical situations and create documents that work in each particular situation

  • Explore and experiment with technologies and the distinctive rhetorical exigencies they create

Exploratory Essay: An Honorable or Corrupt Rhetor? What to Consider When Analyzing Rhetoric for Motive and Morality

Breaking Down my Writing Process using Flower and Hayes’ Cognitive Process Theory

Research Paper: 
Mapping Influential Relationships: Rhetorical Symbolism, Self-Identity, and Market Branding within the Realm of Power Politics

Research Proposal: for Snohomish County Elections Communications Outreach

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