The Parts of Project #2
Step 3: Putting Together an Argument
Before starting to make your film, first put together an argument which takes into account the standard elements of argument. Write up your argument summary as a separate Word document to be included with the final product.
Rhetorical Situation
Who, what, when, where, why. The issue's background.
Rhetorical Stance
Your position on, and attitude toward, the issue and your audience.
Rhetorical Appeals
Ethos
Who you are; your credentials; what makes you worth listening to.
Pathos
The appeals to feeling your argument will make. What images, sounds, statements, facts etc. will evoke emotion in your viewer? What emotions should you evoke?
Logos
The logic of your argument; all of the logical appeals: facts, data, statistics, statements by experts, documents, inductive or deductive reasoning, reasons, examples, principles.
Structure
- Remember the outline for a classical argument we looked at early in the term? What will your own outline look like?
- What points should come first, middle, and last?
- How will you integrate the best values of the classical approach?
- Where/when will you acknowledge the other side?
Acknowledgment and Refutation of Opposing Views
What, exactly, do those opposed to your position think? What facts, evidence, feelings, sources, reasoning, etc. do they appeal to? You should be VERY familiar with the other side's position and be able to summarize it as clearly as your own.
What is weak about the other side's position? What's wrong with their facts, evidence, feelings, sources, reasoning, etc.? Why does your side ultimately trump their side?
Concessions
What is weak about your OWN argument? Where are its imperfections? You should be aware of these and willing to humbly acknowledge them.
back to Project #2 Assignment
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