English 120 Minor Project:

The Rhetorical Analysis

 

Points possible: 15

Final product due: Thurs. March 8th

For this assignment, you will join a group of your peers and watch your choice of an investigative documentary. Together you then will write a 3-4 page rhetorical analysis of the argument made in your film, being as objective as possible.

Purpose: to practice analyzing, understanding, and assessing any argument someone may present to you.

Audience: this is for our class, or any undergraduate English class seeking to understand the art and skill of persuasion.

Instructions:

Step 1

As a group, discuss the following questions regarding your film:

  1. What is the RHETORICAL SITUATION? Who, what, when, why. This includes: what is the issue, and what kind of issue is it?
  2. What RHETORICAL STANCE is being taken? What position is the film taking on the issue? This film is mainly claiming that ______________? What attitude does the filmmaker seem to have toward her subject and her audience?
  3. How is the argument STRUCTURED?
  4. What RHETORICAL APPEALS are being made in the document? Consider the various kinds of appeals and explain exactly how they are (or aren't) deployed in the documentary:
    • Pathos: fear, insecurity, desire, hope, etc. (What, precisely, is evoking emotion in the documentary, and what emotions are being appealed to?)
    • Logos: facts, data, principles, inductive or deductive reasoning, examples, expert sources.
    • Ethos: the filmmaker's credentials; why/how they are authorized to discuss the issue; the kind of person or character projected.
    • Common Sense. (Also "ad populum" or appeal to the "folks" or the common guy. When overused or abused, it is considered a fallacy.)
    • Visual and Aural Rhetoric:
      • Shapes (round or smooth = feminine, intuitive, natural, whole, communal, animal; square or straight = masculine, logical, artificial, mechanical, human).
      • Colors (consider the differences between warm and cool colors and what various colors signifiy or evoke).
      • Musical score.
      • Voice-over: tone and language.
      • Focal points of scenes? Remember that size, position on frame, and color help you to determine the focal point.
      • Positioning of objects or people in relation to each other?
      • Typefaces, fonts.
      • Direction: camera position, points of view, hand-held or other, etc.
      • Mise en scene: lighting, sets, clothing, object included in scenes, etc.
  5. Who is the TARGETED AUDIENCE. Note: do NOT say "everyone." It's impossible to appeal or speak to absolutely everyone. Consider instead: what seems to be the economic class of the targeted audience? What is their gender? Age? Race? Profession? Values? Political leanings? Where and when did the document appear?
  6. How or how not are OPPOSING VIEWS ACKNOWLEDGED AND REFUTED?
  7. How would you finally ASSESS THE ARGUMENT'S QUALITY AND EFFECTIVENESS?

Step 2

After discussing the questions above, write up a short essay analysis (3-4 pages). Be sure to do the following:

  • Divide up writing tasks evenly; each group member should write a particular segment. All group members are responsible for final editing and proofreading.
  • Follow MLA guidelines for manuscript formatting.
  • Organize your essay with a clear beginning, middle, and ending.
  • Provide developed and focused paragraphs with clear topic sentences.
  • Proofread your work.
  • Include a title and all group members' names on the essay.
  • Make copies for everyone in the group; you'll each include this in your Portfolio at the end of the term.
  • STAPLE EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Evaluation Criteria:

Your essay must address rhetorical situation, stance, and appeals. You must make clear claims about the film, backed up by plenty of specific examples. The essay should be an objective analysis, though you may include a brief assessment of the argument's quality and effectiveness at the end. The essay should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Paragraphs should be focused and include helpful transitions. The essay should be edited for clarity and concision, and proofread for most standard mechanical errors.

Grade Scale:

A = fulfills all or nearly all of the above criteria, and does so with distinction. = 14-15 pts.

B = fulfills nearly all of the above criteria, or fulfills all of them but without distinction. = 12-13 pts.

C = fulfills some of the above criteria, or fulfills all of them somewhat minimally or weakly. = 9-11 pts.

D = fulfills very little of the above criteria, or fulfills most of them very minimally or very weakly. = 7-8 pts.

F = fulfills few or none of the above criteria, or fulfills some reasonably well but is egregiously lacking in key areas. = 0 pts.

 

 

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