English 120 Project #1:

Examining Political Documentaries:

The Rhetorical Analysis

 

Points possible: 25

Draft due: Tues., Feb. 5th

Final product due: Tues., Feb. 12th

For this assignment, you will watch your choice of a political documentary. You will then write a 4 page (aprx.) 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

Consider the following questions regarding your film:

  1. Rhetorical Situation (who, what, when, why? What’s the issue, who is the filmmaker, what are the circumstances surrounding the issue, when was the film made? etc.)
  2. Type of Argument (interpretation, policy, evaluation, substantiation?)
  3. Thesis (main claim being made about the issue? “The filmmaker is mainly claiming that_____________________. Complete the sentence.)
  4. Claims in Support of the Thesis (what are the sub-claims?)
  5. Rhetorical Stance (The filmmaker's position & attitude in relation to herself, her audience, and the issue under debate; her approach; how she handles opposing views. See Call to Write, pp. 26-27.)
  6. Structure of Argument (how is the argument put together; in what order do its parts appear? Is there any kind of pattern?)
  7. 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? Is the film made for viewers who already agree with its thesis, viewers who are radically opposed, or viewers who are undecided?)
  8. Appeals
    • What general kinds of support does the film present to support its claims?
      • Empirical data, facts, scientific evidence, statistics? If so, what are some examples?
      • Self-evident principles? Examples?
      • Personal or first-hand experience? Examples?
      • Expert sources? Examples?
      • Common sense? Examples?
      • Other? (There is almost certainly one more kind of appeal in the film—something we haven’t yet discussed).
    • How does the filmmaker ultimately use/manage ethos, pathos, logos?
  9. 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.
  10. Opposing Views (how are other views of the controversy handled? Are they acknowledged? Are they refuted? If so, how?)
  11. Argument Strengths and Weaknesses (do you notice any logical fallacies in the film's argument? What is the BEST and MOST CONVINCING material in the argument? What is the WORST and LEAST CONVINCING?)
  12. Your Assessment (how would you finally assess the argument made in the film? Do you “buy it”? Why or why not?)

Step 2

Write up an essay analysis (about 4 pages) which thoroughly examines the argument made in your film. Be sure to do the following:

  • Address a good handful of the items listed above.
  • Organize yur essay with a clear beginning, middle, and ending.
  • Provide developed and focused paragraphs with clear topic sentences and transitions.
  • Proofread your work.
  • Follow MLA guidelines for manuscript formatting.
  • Include a title.
  • Save final copies for your end-of-semester Portfolio.
  • 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. = 22-25 pts.

B = fulfills nearly all of the above criteria, or fulfills all of them but without distinction. = 19-21 pts.

C = fulfills some of the above criteria, or fulfills all of them somewhat minimally or weakly. = 16-18 pts.

D = fulfills very little of the above criteria, or fulfills most of them very minimally or very weakly. = 13-15 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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