The purpose of this assignment is to give you a chance to apply a particular method of criticism
so that you can utilize your new knowledge as rhetorical critics.
https://johnlaudun.org/20100120-literature-as-equipment-for-living/
Prompt
For this assignment, TWO DISTANT STRANGERS the film….in a rhetorical text, and then
analyze that text using one or more of the theories and methods we have discussed this
semester.
Your paper should engage in criticism of your artifact from the perspective of your chosen
method.
Each criticism has four basic elements. Your paper should have these same elements. Only the
elements in italics are required – the other questions are there to guide your thinking in
explaining these elements:
a) Justification of the artifact and its context: Why is this text important?
As before, the final paper should analyze a specific rhetorical artifact that has occurred from
January 1, 2010, to the present. What is the rhetorical artifact? Describe it and its rhetorical
significance. Why did you choose this artifact? Who produced it? What situation is it
addressing? Is there a clear intent to persuade? Does its audience read it rhetorically? If
intentional, who is the intended audience? What is the historical significance of this type of
appeal – is this type of appeal historically used or is it a recent innovation? Has it been used in
the past, but re-envisioned in a contemporary context?
b) Specific theoretical approach/method: Which approaches are you using to analyze your text?
This may be as specific as “I am doing a textual criticism using metaphor” but that isn’t
necessary. The paper can indicate you are examining the text holistically, but there should be
some description of the rhetorical theories/methods informing your analysis.
c) Rhetorical analysis that breaks down into sub-sections: Themes or areas of analysis.
Some things to consider: Are you focusing on its epistemic, normative, or pragmatic function?
What is the intended effect? Does it motivate action, deliberation/discussion, or a change in
emotion? Is it a combination? What are the potential results of the rhetorical appeal? Is it
invitational or persuasive?
d) Concludes analysis with final thoughts/lessons: What can your audience take away?
What could your analysis tell us about artifacts of this genre (i.e.: film as rhetoric), your chosen
method (i.e.: how does your analysis provide a way for future scholars to look at similar texts?),
and/or rhetorical theory in general? Is your criticism activist or academic? How might that impact
your conclusion?
This is to be a thesis-driven paper. Do not just analyze the artifact – instead, you should also
make an argument about what the text does/is attempting to do and demonstrate that point in
the body of your paper.
How to Succeed on this Assignment:
1. Follow these assignment guidelines:
– Typed, double-spaced, standard margins and 12 point font,
– 7-9 pages. Six-page papers will earn a grade no higher than 75. This includes papers that are
six pages and a few lines on the seventh page.
– At least five (5) academic sources, including three (3) sources from outside our assigned
course readings.
– A works cited, which includes reference citations for your rhetorical text
2. Follow the prompt:
This paper is asking you to conduct a rhetorical criticism, so make sure you are using the
method for the week to tell your audience/reader something about the text. Don’t just describe
what is happening in the artifact; tell us something about how it works as rhetoric.
3. Discuss your perspective clearly:
Remember: The purpose of this assignment is to get you to think through the material carefully.
I already know what the readings say; I want to hear what you have to say on the topic. You
should, of course, reference concepts from the readings/class. But this assignment is also
designed to give you a chance to explore and explain your own thoughts on the text(s).
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