Meme Analysis
For this assignment, you will choose one meme to analyze rhetorically, with the goal to understand the purpose, target audience and rhetorical strategies used by the meme.
1. Choose the meme to analyze- 5%
First, choose a meme that you have seen circulating on social media. This should be a meme that you have seen used more than once and in multiple variations. Find the original version of the meme, and 2-3 variations to analyze. You may use websites such as knowyourmeme.com to locate the original meme and find information on it, however, you must correctly cite any information you reference.
2. Summary- 20%
Write a detailed summary of the original meme. Describe the physical appearance and the context. Assume that your audience has never interacted with this piece of media before. What does a person need to know to understand what is happening in the meme? Do they need to have an understanding about a current event, pop culture topic, or other piece of media?
3. Rhetorical analysis- 40%
Identify the audience. How do you know? Consider the following when determining the audience. What social media site was the meme originally posted on? Who posted it? Who follows the person who posted it? (10%) Determine the purpose. What is the message of the meme? Is it meant to be funny? Political? Gain followers? Advertise? How do you know? What does the creator of the meme use to achieve the purpose? Do they use ethos, pathos and/or logos in any way? (15%) Consider the 2-3 variations you’ve selected. How has the meme been remixed? Is the audience different? If so, how do you know? How is the original format used to appeal to new audiences? Has the purpose changed? How does the creator of the variation appeal to their audience to achieve their purpose compared to the original meme? (15%)
4. Remix the meme- 20%
Create your own version of the meme for an audience of UK students (you can target the meme specifically to your classmates, or the larger UK student body). You may choose the purpose but consider how you will achieve that purpose while appealing specifically to UK students. (10%) Include an explanation for the choices you made and how you appealed to your audience. (10%)
| Criteria | Points |
| Student chose an appropriate set of memes to analyze. | 5 pts |
| The summary is comprehensive and detailed describing both the media and the context. | 20 pts |
| The audience is identified, and thorough explanation is given to support the claim. | 10 pts |
| Identified purpose, and the rhetorical strategies used are identified to support the claim. | 15 pts |
| The comparison of the variations to the original is clear and well-supported. | 15 pts |
| The purpose and audience of the remixed meme is clear and appropriate. | 10 pts |
| The student clearly explains the choices they made in their meme remix. | 10 pts |
| All outside sources are cited correctly. | 10 pts |
| Standard writing conventions: organized, appropriate transitions between paragraphs, complete and clear sentences, and clear and understandable language use. | 5 pts |
