International Multidisciplinary Conference

Writing, Rhetoric, Critical Thinking in An Era of Weaponized Information

Wednesday & Thursday, March 12-13, 2025, at 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

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Introduction

The pervasive nature of modern communication platforms has transformed how individuals and societies engage with information. While the democratization of information has empowered voices across the globe, it has also led to an unprecedented rise in the weaponization of narratives and the erosion of public trust in “traditional” sources of information. The sheer volume of intrusive misinformation and disinformation creates a need for deeper scholarly engagement with the ethics, strategies, and consequences of this phenomenon. The weaponization of public discourse and information strategies is studied and discussed in disciplines such as public policy, media and communication, humanities and English studies, transnational studies, international relations, cybersecurity studies, terrorism studies, and military strategy.

Conversely, the role of writing, rhetoric, and critical thinking has never been more critical for the future of public discourse systems. As a result, the 2025 Benedict College International Multidisciplinary Conference (BCIMC) aims to explore the intersections between rhetoric, critical thinking, media technology, including Generative AI and Social Media Tools, the public sphere by critically examining the role of communicators in harnessing information, engaging in public discourse, and influencing societal outcomes. By bringing together an international and multidisciplinary community, this conference explores the following key questions:

  1. How can rhetorical analysis illuminate the mechanisms of misinformation and disinformation?
  2. What are the ethical responsibilities of scholars and researchers in this complex environment of communicators?
  3. How can educators, activists, and policy-makers reverse the pervasive and intrusive effects of weaponized information to ensure that writing, rhetoric, and critical thinking are protected practices of free speech?

The 2025 BCIMC is committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration across academic disciplines and professional sectors to develop innovative scholarly approaches to the challenges posed by the current global information environment. In doing so, this conference aims to serve as a catalyst for intellectual growth, ethical reflection, and action-oriented research.

Conference Topic Themes

Humanities

Languages, Literature, Linguistics, Pidgin and Creole Studies, Oral History, Public History, African American Art, African American Musical Traditions, Hip Hop, Rap, and Cultural Studies, Rap as a Form of Resistance and Oppression, Digital Humanities, New Literacies, Critical, Literary, and Contemporary Theories

Rhetoric & Composition

Rhetoric, Composition, Critical Discourse Analysis, English Language Teaching, and English Studies

Fine Arts

Studio Arts, Design Arts, Art History, Design History, Art Education, Music Industry, Music Education, Music Composition, Music Theory, Music Performance, and Music History

Mass Communication

Philosophy of Communication, Communication Theories, Communication Technology and Society, Media Studies, Media Institutions, Artificial Intelligence in the Newsroom, Organizational Communication and Public Relations, Science and Health Communication, Technical Communication

Education

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, Educational Psychology, Educational Technology, Higher Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, Curriculum and Instruction

Social Sciences

African American History, History, Philosophy, Critical Thinking, Political Science, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Archaeology, Criminal Justice Administration, Cybersecurity, Information Security, and Artificial Intelligence

Sciences

Studies in Physical, Earth, Life, Health, and Computer Sciences, Environmental and Electrical Engineering, and Physics and Math

Health and Sports Management

Public Health, Sports Management, E-Sports

Business

Business Administration and Marketing, Globalization and E-Commerce, and Entrepreneurship

Interdisciplinary

Immigration, Refugee, Diaspora, Social Movement Studies, Peace Studies, Sovereignty Movement Studies, Extended Learning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Transnational Studies

Art-Material Culture, Comparative Literature, International Relations, Security Policy, Post-Colonial Studies, Legal History, Diasporist Studies, Atlanticist Studies, and Slavery Studies

Conference Inquiries

Some questions to consider when thinking about your topic and composing the abstract and paper are listed below:

Abstract Upload

Abstracts of 300 words are due on Monday, January 13, 2025, by 11:59 pm. Attach a brief bio, academic title and discipline, and academic or personal email address to Abstracts.  Notification of Acceptance is Monday, February 3, 2025, at 11:59 pm.

Conference Registration and Fee Payment begin Friday, February 14, 2025.

Conference Registration and Fees

$300

Two-Day In-Person/Virtual Conference Presenter/Attendee

What's included?

$150

One-Day In-Person/Virtual Conference Presenter/Attendee

What's included?

$125

Two-Day In-Person/Virtual Graduate Student Presenter/Attendee

What's included?

In-person registration for tags and bags will occur between 8:30 and 9:30 am., at the Benedict College David H. Swinton Campus Center. Complimentary Refreshments will be provided early morning and later afternoon on both days.  Dietary needs considered with vegetarian choices for lunch on both days. The sanitation station will provide masks and hand sanitizer for presenters’ and attendees’ use during the conference.

Conference Registration and Fees

David H. Swinton Campus Center

1616 Oak Street
Columbia, SC 29204

Accommodation, Dining, and Attractions

Contact Information

For inquiries about the BCIMC, please contact Dr. Victoria Batten at Victoria.Batten@benedict.edu and/or Dr. Amita Singh at Amita.Singh@benedict.edu. 

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