What This Document Is
This material offers an in-depth exploration of the concept of “agency” within the context of rhetoric and new media. It’s a focused chapter from a graduate-level course on writing and rhetoric, examining how the feeling of control and impact—agency—differs across various communication environments, from traditional narratives like theater to interactive digital spaces. The core of the discussion centers on understanding how audiences experience (or don’t experience) the ability to influence outcomes and how this impacts engagement.
Why This Document Matters
Students in writing, rhetoric, communication, and media studies will find this particularly valuable. It’s ideal for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of user experience, interactive storytelling, and the rhetorical implications of digital design. If you’re analyzing how audiences interact with media, designing interactive content, or researching the persuasive power of different communication forms, this exploration of agency will provide a critical theoretical framework. It’s especially relevant when considering the shift from passive consumption to active participation in modern media.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This chapter presents a theoretical discussion of agency and doesn’t offer practical “how-to” guides for *creating* agency in specific applications. It doesn’t delve into the technical aspects of programming or interface design. Furthermore, it focuses on conceptual understanding rather than providing case studies or empirical research findings – it lays the groundwork for such analyses. It’s a foundational piece meant to be supplemented with further investigation.
What This Document Provides
* A detailed examination of the concept of agency and its importance in communication.
* A comparative analysis of agency in traditional narrative forms (like theater) versus electronic environments.
* Discussion of how participatory elements can influence a sense of agency.
* Exploration of the role of formulas and rules in structuring participation.
* Consideration of the differences between structured and free-form participation.
