Synthetic Media Rhetorical Analysis

This is a collection of AVAnnotate projects created by students in RHE 309J: Rhetoric of AI in spring 2026. The course explores the literacies required for critical engagement with generative artificial intelligence across contexts relevant to writing. In this assignment module, the term “synthetic" refers to audio, video, text, or imagery that has been produced or manipulated by generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). The assignment culminated in an exhibit (below) where students rhetorically analyzed synthetic audiovisual material to not only better navigate and interrogate this media in the real world but to identify how GenAI produces and manipulates content to give it new meaning and rhetorical force.

AI Disinformation Rhetorics

AI, Rhetoric, and Influencer Deepfakes

Synthetic Media: AI and ICE

The Rhetoric of AI Slop

Rhetorics of AI-Generated Commercials

Works Cited

For more information about this lesson, please see the "Synthetic Media Rhetorical Analysis" assignment sheet. Reach out to Trent Wintermeier with any questions or concerns about this project.