Assignments

Project 1—Rhetorical Analysis (and Positionality): 10% of grade

Academic writing is often described as entering a conversation, here we are practicing that work. You will select two texts making an argument about the same topic, and unpack how they address their topic (e.g. how the form their work takes influences reception, what sources of knowledge they look to, what they value in their topic and their writing, etc.). We are using “text” and “argument” broadly to attend to the multi-modal world we live in. I.e., you could analyze two songs, two stories, one song one article, a journalistic article and an academic article, the world is your oyster! Just clearly indicate the texts you have chosen, and what topic they are both addressing. They do NOT need to take the same or similar positions, nor must they differ obviously, your job is to pick out the nuances of their efforts to address their topic and audience. 

Try to be fair in your analysis— your job is not to assess whether these texts are morally good or bad, or even enjoyable or not, but how it is working to address its topic and audience, or IF it is working to address these things. Try to sus out the intended message/audience, do these texts reach them? Are they seeking the same or similar audiences? How do they differ in their approaches?  

Think/write through your own perspective on the topic as well, putting the texts in conversation with one another and yourself in conversation with your chosen texts. Reflect on your position, which message you find more persuasive and why? What experiences, affiliations, identity markers, values, do you bring to these texts that lead you to be more responsive to one than the other? 

Checklist

__ I have selected and clearly indicated the two texts/artifacts I am analyzing.

__ I carefully describe HOW each artifact is delivering its argument argument, describing what aspects of the text are working (or not working) on the target audience, the actual audience, and myself as an audience, at the very least. (You might revisit the questions under the 9/9 tab on the course website if you get stuck)

__ I have positioned myself throughout my analysis to contextualize why I am reading these arguments the way I am.

__I have cited my sources in APA/MLA/Chicago, or another citation style agreed upon beforehand

__I have clearly disclosed and narratively described any gen AI assistance throughout the writing process, including the specific service used, the prompts input, my reasons for using it, and the extent to which AI took part in my research process.

LENGTH FOR DRAFT ~3 pages

LENGTH FOR SECOND DRAFT ~4 revised pages 

DRAFT DUE 9/14

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