Unit One: Writing a Rhetorical Analysis
ENC 1101
Dunlap
Fall 2009
Objective:
To understand that writers have choices in the words they use, and their choice of language varies for different audiences and occasions. By analyzing rhetorical strategies and determining if a given argument is convincing, we learn new skills to use the next time we need to persuade or convince a given audience.
Your Task:
Pick one of the provided “texts” and examine the rhetorical strategies used by the rhetors to respond to their specific exigence. Then evaluate how these strategies affect the audience, both intended and unintended.
Where To Begin:
Read or view all 4 possible “texts” for this assignment. All deal with the issue of humor in some way, so we will be briefly discussing humor in class. Additional research and careful consideration of each possible “text” is up to you. You may want to start by determining the rhetorical situation for each possible “text,” which will likely be complex and multi-faceted, in order to better determine what will work for you.
• After you decide on the “text” you wish to analyze consider the following:
• What has compelled this rhetor? (Exigence)
• What persuasive techniques does this rhetor use?
• What are the key arguments (elements) addressed?
• What is evidence is provided for the audience(s) to consider?
• Who is(are) the audience(s)?
• How is the rhetor appealing to the audience(s)? Are they convincing? Are they effective?
How the rhetor arranges their “text?” Consider the following:
• Is the “text” arranged effectively?
• What style is employed?
• Are word choices (especially key words) appropriate?
• Is the delivery effective?
Assignment:
To write an essay analyzing the rhetorical strategies employed in one of the 4 possible “texts” and to determine why these strategies are or are not effective for the given audience. Evaluate if the rhetoric of the rhetor is convincing based of the rhetorical situation and strategies. It may not be possible to address all of the suggested questions above, but you will likely want to have carefully considered each so you can effectively determine which are most relevant and most interesting.
How You Are Evaluated:
You will want to consider the following points as key to effective writing.
• Do you have a clear knowledge of the rhetor’s point and supporting evidence?
• Are the points you are discussing ones your audience will care about?
• Can you incorporate the evidence from the “text” effectively into your essay?
• Does your essay make clear, insightful observations about the employed rhetorical strategies?
• Do you avoid adding your own “2-cents” to your analysis?
• Does you essay demonstrate coherent and developed writing?
• Is your use of language sharp, crisp and concise? (no bullshit)
Specific Directions:
• The says needs to be 1000-1400 words
• Needs to be double-spaced
• Must be formatted to MLA standards (Refer to Everyday Reader)
• Submit the paper on time (to my office or mailbox by 5:00 p.m.)
• Submit all hard copies: drafts and final portfolio. No electronic submissions.
• Peer Review Draft is due in class on Wednesday September 16; Final Draft--September 21; Portfolio Version--December 4
ENC 1101
Dunlap
Fall 2009
Objective:
To understand that writers have choices in the words they use, and their choice of language varies for different audiences and occasions. By analyzing rhetorical strategies and determining if a given argument is convincing, we learn new skills to use the next time we need to persuade or convince a given audience.
Your Task:
Pick one of the provided “texts” and examine the rhetorical strategies used by the rhetors to respond to their specific exigence. Then evaluate how these strategies affect the audience, both intended and unintended.
The 4 Possible “Texts:”
• “Why Women Aren’t Funny” by Christopher Hitchens (magazine article)
• “The Danish cartoons, the Muslims, and the New Battle of Jutland” by Christie Davis (journal article: pg 2-7)
• Louis CK talks about performing standup for all black crowds (youtube clip of recorded live performance)
• Margaret Cho talks about her experience with an all persimmon diet plan (youtube clip of a dvd recording)
Where To Begin:
Read or view all 4 possible “texts” for this assignment. All deal with the issue of humor in some way, so we will be briefly discussing humor in class. Additional research and careful consideration of each possible “text” is up to you. You may want to start by determining the rhetorical situation for each possible “text,” which will likely be complex and multi-faceted, in order to better determine what will work for you.
• After you decide on the “text” you wish to analyze consider the following:
• What has compelled this rhetor? (Exigence)
• What persuasive techniques does this rhetor use?
• What are the key arguments (elements) addressed?
• What is evidence is provided for the audience(s) to consider?
• Who is(are) the audience(s)?
• How is the rhetor appealing to the audience(s)? Are they convincing? Are they effective?
How the rhetor arranges their “text?” Consider the following:
• Is the “text” arranged effectively?
• What style is employed?
• Are word choices (especially key words) appropriate?
• Is the delivery effective?
Assignment:
To write an essay analyzing the rhetorical strategies employed in one of the 4 possible “texts” and to determine why these strategies are or are not effective for the given audience. Evaluate if the rhetoric of the rhetor is convincing based of the rhetorical situation and strategies. It may not be possible to address all of the suggested questions above, but you will likely want to have carefully considered each so you can effectively determine which are most relevant and most interesting.
How You Are Evaluated:
You will want to consider the following points as key to effective writing.
• Do you have a clear knowledge of the rhetor’s point and supporting evidence?
• Are the points you are discussing ones your audience will care about?
• Can you incorporate the evidence from the “text” effectively into your essay?
• Does your essay make clear, insightful observations about the employed rhetorical strategies?
• Do you avoid adding your own “2-cents” to your analysis?
• Does you essay demonstrate coherent and developed writing?
• Is your use of language sharp, crisp and concise? (no bullshit)
Specific Directions:
• The says needs to be 1000-1400 words
• Needs to be double-spaced
• Must be formatted to MLA standards (Refer to Everyday Reader)
• Submit the paper on time (to my office or mailbox by 5:00 p.m.)
• Submit all hard copies: drafts and final portfolio. No electronic submissions.
• Peer Review Draft is due in class on Wednesday September 16; Final Draft--September 21; Portfolio Version--December 4