Any Medium. Any Message.
The Rhetoric Studio combines Hampden-Sydney’s Writing and Speaking Centers and adds a third component: Digital Rhetoric, communication that is composed, created, and distributed through multimedia platforms. It features an interactive, collaborative, and high-energy environment where students and consultants can work together using state-of-the art technologies.
A Space to Collaborate, Create, and Communicate
The Rhetoric Studio’s primary goal is to collaborate with students in the creative process of designing and drafting both informative and persuasive communication projects across all disciplines at the College.
Here, students can work on various types of communication projects in various modalities—written, oral, digital, and multi-modal.
Students are welcome to visit the Rhetoric Studio at any stage of their projects. For example, students can visit to brainstorm topics and ideas; conduct research; hone thesis statements; outline a project, speech, or essay; draft and revise; create print and digital documents or visual aids; rehearse and record presentations or creative projects; interview and record oral histories; practice interviewing skills; and more!
Our COVID-19 Preparation & Response
To provide safe, pedagogically sound, disciplinarily informed, accessible, and equitable Rhetoric Studio programming for students and employees during a global pandemic we have adjusted our consultation strategy to include new technology, modes of delivery, and content. With this in mind, our 2020-2021 proposed consulting model will offer the following services:
- Meeting: We ask that individuals sign up for consultations in advance using our libcal appointment scheduler published on the Rhetoric Studio’s website or via one of our many QR codes posted throughout campus. Once you have made an appointment, you will receive an email before your meeting with a Zoom link. Please be advised that we will not accept walk-in clients for consultation.
- Tech: To prepare for socially distant speaking, we will introduce a dedicated focus on recording audio lectures and podcasting. We have purchased additional equipment for audio recording and will offer consultations and publish guides about appropriate software, apps, and technical skills. Priority will be given to designing tutorials for faculty members who express interest in incorporating audio assignments into their curriculum.
- Learning: We will also release video tutorials and other instructional content designed to allow students and faculty to learn how to record A/V material at their own pace.
