Project!#2:Rhetorical!Analysis! - Blogs@Baruch · 2014. 9. 23. ·...
Transcript of Project!#2:Rhetorical!Analysis! - Blogs@Baruch · 2014. 9. 23. ·...
ENG 2100 • Blankenship • Fall 2014
FERGUSON, MO -‐ AUGUST 11: Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images (Source: New York Magazine, August 20, 2014)
Project #2: Rhetorical Analysis The ability to observe in any given case the available means of persuasion. This is how one of the most famous students of rhetoric defined the term (Aristotle, On Rhetoric, 325 BCE). The ability to discern what the argument is behind something you read, watch, or listen to, and the ability in turn to compose something that does what you want it to do—these are dual purposes of studying rhetoric, and key aspects of being a good writer, critical thinker, and skilled communicator. To practice your ability to analyze the arguments coming from a variety of perspectives on the same topic, I’ll ask you in this second major project to choose 2 online news articles (written within 3 months of one another) about the topic you’ve chosen to pursue and write an 1,800-‐2,100 word rhetorical analysis (5-‐6 double-‐spaced pages). Your task is to analyze who produces what information, how they expect that information to influence the audience, and why they make the rhetorical choices they do. You will also compose a writer’s letter to reflect on your own rhetorical choices. Why do this assignment? What you will practice and learn: This assignment connects to the larger goals for this course. In particular, we will be exploring and strategically using the principles of rhetoric and composition both for your own writing and for the texts you analyze: You will use invention tactics, in this case research on the context of the topic in the articles and the specific language and
"Let rhetoric [be defined as] an ability, in each [particular] case, to see the available means of persuasion. This is the function of no other art; for each of the others is instructive and persuasive about its own subject." (Aristotle, On Rhetoric , late 4th century B.C.; translated by George A. Kennedy, 1991)
"...Rhetoric is a mode of altering reality, not by the direct application of energy to objects, but by the creation of discourse which changes reality through the mediation of thought and action." (Lloyd Bitzer)
"[Rhetoric is] that discipline which studies all of the ways in which men [sic] may influence each other's thinking and behavior through the strategic use of symbols.” (Douglas Ehninger)
“Rhetoric is an acquired competency, a manner of thinking that invents possibilities for persuasion, conviction, action, and judgments." (Thomas B. Farrell, The Norms of Rhetorical Culture, 1993) "Rhetoric is a rational study and artful practice of human symbol use (especially if not exclusively with words) when and where those symbols target identifiable communities of interest to create, enhance, undermine, or otherwise influence human belief, attitude, emotion, judgment, behavior." (Michael E. Eidenmuller, Voice of America Interview, 2011, and modified for print)
ENG 2100 • Blankenship • Fall 2014
rhetorical strategies used in the articles, to develop your own arguments about the significance of the rhetoric in the texts. You’ll identify ways texts and writers attempt to persuade readers and audiences. You’ll identify the intended audience for the texts you’re analyzing and why this is important. You’ll analyze the specific rhetorical appeals and strategies the author/text uses and why the author/news source might address its intended audience in this particular way. You’ll identify stylistic devices such as word choice and aesthetic elements such as fonts, graphics, page design, and focal point to help make your argument about the significance of the rhetoric of the piece. Through a scaffolded drafting process, you will work to develop your claim about how and why an author addresses an intended audience in specific ways—including relevant cultural contexts—and the significance or consequences of the rhetorical choices made in the texts you’re analyzing. Process: You will choose two articles from two very different online sources that concern themselves with the same current event, or with a scientific, social, technological, economic, religious, or political issue. Ideally you’ll continue with this broad topic (though perhaps from a different angle and more focused) in your next and final major assignment, a research-‐based project in which you’ll ask a question (about which reasonable people could disagree—not an “informational question” that’s fairly easily answered) about the topic you’ve chosen and try to answer it. I’ll ask that you generate ideas for topics and possible sources, that you write a formal proposal for your project, and that you meet with me before you start writing. (See the final page of this assignment description for topic ideas.) Once you’ve settled on a topic and the two articles you’ll analyze and I’ve approved the direction you’re headed, I suggest printing the articles you’re analyzing so you can make annotated notes on them and so you can use the printed copies for class activities and discussions. You’ll analyze your chosen texts using the strategies in our readings and that we’ve discussed in class. GRADING CRITERIA: In this analysis project you should
● Identify the contextual rhetorical elements of the 2 pieces and the significance of each: the kairos of the argument being made, the exigence for the piece, the intended audience and the constraints the writer may face in persuading that audience
● Identify specific textual rhetorical elements and their significance in light of the purpose for the piece (which you should identify as well): the main argument being made, specific word choice in the title and body of the piece, Aristotelian appeals such as ethos, pathos, and logos, and aesthetic and stylistic elements such as font choice/size, videos, graphics, or photos and their significance in forming arguments.
● Analyze the rhetorical differences in the two texts and develop an idea about why those rhetorical differences and approaches might matter. This should form your thesis/main claim.
● Consider your audience for this piece as people who might form the audience for each text; in other words, your task is to put these sources (and maybe even these audiences)
ENG 2100 • Blankenship • Fall 2014
in conversation with one another. In order to even begin to do this you first must fairly summarize the argument and purpose of each text/source.
● Carefully edit and proofread your final draft so that there are no mistakes. ● Write a cover letter for your first draft explaining where you’re at in the process of
writing this analysis and specific questions you have for your reviewers (using the grading rubric as a guide if you’d like); for your final writer’s letter add to your first draft and include what you learned from this process, what you’re proud of in your writing, and what you changed after getting feedback.
Note that you should NOT argue specifically for one side or the other; in fact, if possible, you should aim at writing your final version to keep your reader from knowing which “side” of the issue you personally agree with or support. The goal for this assignment is to analyze the way these stories cover the topic, not to discuss the topic itself necessarily. You will delve into the topic itself in greater detail in your last project. Due dates: Formal proposal: Th, Oct 2 Annotated bibliography of possible sources: Tues, Oct 7 Zero draft: Th, Oct 14 First draft with writer’s letter: Th, Oct 16 Final, revised draft with writer’s letter: Th, Oct 23
ENG 2100 • Blankenship • Fall 2014
Possible topics to explore: Gender equality issues:
Gender pay gap Violence against women (by sports figures, around the world, etc) Reproductive issues Campus rape culture
Ethical issues in the field you want to enter Student loans and long-‐term income effects Occupy Wall Street and Income Inequality in the US Minimum wage Climate change Art as a political statement Globalization and its effects on your future Stop and frisk in NY Yes Means Yes—campus sexual assault Immigration issues in the US International issues: ISIS Israel/Palestinian conflict Education of females/women’s rights