Lit. History Quarter 2 Vocabulary Terms

Rhetoric

using your words effectively

Ethos

the ethical appeal or credibility of the speaker

Pathos

the emotional appeal, invoking feelings to explain

Logos

the logical appeal, relying on reasoning and evidence

Movement

a large, organized group of people working together over time to achieve a specific social, political, or cultural goal

Activism

the practice of taking direct, vigorous action (such as campaigning or protesting) to bring about political or social change

Activist

a person who intentionally uses action, time, and energy to advocate for and bring about social or political change

Advocacy

the act of publicly supporting, pleading for, or recommending a particular cause, policy, or group of people

Civil Disobedience

the deliberate, peaceful refusal to obey certain laws, demands, or commands of a government as a form of moral protest

Resistance

the refusal to accept or comply with something, or the active effort to withstand and counter an oppressive power, policy, or system

Mobilization

the process of assembling, organizing, and preparing people and resources to take collective action for a cause

Protest

a public expression of objection, disapproval, or dissent towards a specific policy, law, or authority figure

Reform

the improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, or unsatisfactory within existing laws, institutions, or systems without completely destroying them

Revolution

a fundamental, rapid, and often radical change in the political, social, or economic structure of a society, typically overthrowing an established government

Systemic Change

deep transformation that modifies the fundamental structure, policies, practices, and power dynamics of an entire system or institution rather than just treating individual symptoms

Social Justice

the fair and equitable distribution of wealth, opportunities, protections, and privileges within a society for all individuals and groups.

Oppression

the prolonged, cruel, and unjust treatment or exercise of authority over a specific group of people, often embedded within societal institutions

Privilege

a special advantage, immunity, or benefit granted to or enjoyed by an individual or group based on their social status, identity, or position, often unearned and unnoticed by those who have it

Human Rights

the moral and legal rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of nationality, sex, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status, simply by virtue of being human

Voice

the ability, right, and platform for individuals or marginalized groups to express their opinions, experiences, and needs so they are actively heard in decision-making processes

Agency

an individual's or group's capacity, freedom, and power to act independently, make their own choices, and exert influence over their own lives and society

Civil Rights

the legally enforceable protections and freedoms guaranteed to citizens by a government, ensuring equality and freedom from discrimination (such as the right to vote or due process)

Representation

the state of being included, visible, and spoken for in political bodies, media, institutions, and cultural narratives by individuals who share similar identities or interests

Propaganda

information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread (often using biased, misleading, or emotionally charged language) to influence public opinion and promote a specific political cause or point of view