multimedia authoring: exploring the new rhetorics

engl 355 fall 2006

Hypertext Multimedia Argument
(a two-part assignment)

Part I
Compose a Hypertext Multimedia Argument (HMA) in which you argue what constitutes a hypertext multimedia argument. What you will be composing is basically an argument of definition. In this argument you must establish criteria for a HMA based on what you have read about arguments, images, typography, and graphically-based compositions. Once you have established criteria in this definitional argument, then move on to illustrate what a HMA actually is. You must use references to the readings we have done this semester.

Before you start putting this HMA Part I together, think through the various articles/chapters/online texts that we have read and discussed so far this semester. Which of those can be used to bolster an argument about what consitutes a Hypertext Multimedia Argument? You must use ideas from at least four of the texts we've read in your HMA. These must be cited.

This is a tricky composition task since you're being asked to compose an argument about what consitutes an argument. You are basically going to be composing a web-based text that extends, reforms, stretches, or otherwise transforms the definition of traditional, linear, paper-based argument. Your web-based composition will be arguing for a definition in two ways--it will be making claims about what makes a HMA while actually illustrating those claims in the way it is composed. Your HMA should be an example of a HMA.

Hmmmmm. Very tricky. But you can do it. And while you're doing it, you will come to a much deeper understanding of HMA than you would otherwise.

In the process of composing Part 1, don't forget what we've already read and discussed about arrangement, font, typopgraphy, punctuation, and getting your audience's attention.

The look at the following HMA's. Looking at these will give you some idea of the kinds of arguments we're at least thinking about. You don't need to create anything (for either part of this assignment) that is as technically sophisticated as some of these links; they are just to help you stretch your thinking about this kind of writing).

 

Sites to consider as HMAs

Fantastic Comedy
Make a Choice
A Copyright Story
Grey AreaCopyright SatireITunes Sucks
Cognitive Compensation
They Rule
Memories from Hijiyama
Why Build Green
Hydrogen
Self and Identity

Part I draft due on Oct. 24 when you will present your HMA Part 1 to the class; peer review feedback will take place when the HMA Part 1 is presented in class. Final draft is due Oct. 26.

 

Part 2
You can compose an original HMA about a topic that intrigues you, or you can transform a traditional argument paper you wrote for another class into an HMA. This composition must adhere to the rubric we will develop collaboratively in class on Oct. 24.

Since this is more complicated assignment, a storyboard of the composition is required.. A storyboard is an outline or sketch of the web site including ideas on text, graphics, sound, layout, and any other pertinent details. More information on storyboarding can be found at this Berkeley site, but remember you're composing an argument which is a bit different from a story. One good thing about the Berkeley site is its focus on non-linear storyboarding. You could also look at the additional information on storyboarding that is designed for the Mock Professional Site Assignment, but appropriate for this assignment too. Bring a storyboard of your HMA to class on Oct. 31.

You must be able to orally defend your HMA as an HMA. You must be able to state why you believe your HMA is an effective sample of that genre. You will be asked to make an oral defense of this HMA in class.

Oral presentations begin on Nov. 9; Part 2 is due on Nov. 16 by 5:00 pm.

 

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