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Rhetorical Analysis Midterm Guidelines

The midterm for ENGL 471 requires students to write a 5-6 page paper applying rhetorical theories to analyze a contemporary social phenomenon. Students must demonstrate their understanding of rhetoric by engaging with specific groups' arguments and utilizing at least two scholarly sources from class and two outside sources. The paper should include a clear thesis, captivating introduction, smooth transitions, and a conclusion that emphasizes the significance of the findings.

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3 views2 pages

Rhetorical Analysis Midterm Guidelines

The midterm for ENGL 471 requires students to write a 5-6 page paper applying rhetorical theories to analyze a contemporary social phenomenon. Students must demonstrate their understanding of rhetoric by engaging with specific groups' arguments and utilizing at least two scholarly sources from class and two outside sources. The paper should include a clear thesis, captivating introduction, smooth transitions, and a conclusion that emphasizes the significance of the findings.

Uploaded by

Karrieann Soto
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

ENGL 471 – Rhetorical Traditions

Midterm - 15 %

The Nitty-Gritty:

Long form response regarding rhetorical theories applied to student


interests.
As a midterm, you will write a short (5-6 page) paper on the ways in which
rhetorical theories are useful in analyzing a contemporary concern, or social
phenomenon.
The paper should apply the concepts discussed in class.

Detailed Prompt:

Now that you’ve been introduced to foundational rhetorical theories, you


will be asked to re-apply these to more contemporary social phenomena.
Think of this paper as your opportunity to demonstrate ways in which this
generation engages rhetoric. To do so, you will have to engage in rhetorical
analyses about how particular groups or people argue for/against a
particular end.

 How and why do they engage in rhetorical exchange? When? Where?


 What can be said about their ethos? How effective are their appeals?
 Which principles of rhetoric do you identify and how are they effective
(or not)?

You don’t have to answer all of these questions. They are meant to illustrate
potential emphases you can take in your papers.

Ultimately you will make an argument about rhetoric using a contemporary


example. To do so you will apply at least two of the scholarly sources we’ve
read in class, and use at least two outside sources about your topic. Besides
popular search platforms, you should use PSU libraries databases to find
out if other scholars have researched the same topic you are focusing on.
You can also use an outside scholarly source to expand your understanding
of a particular theory: for example, you can use this source to explain what
Kairos means, and how you would be applying it in your paper. I would be
happy to meet if you need help finding sources. I would also be happy to
meet to discuss your paper at any stage of your writing, but remember that
the Writing Center is a valuable resource you should consider.

Before you turn in your paper, make sure it follows proper citation formats
(MLA is highly suggested). Your paper should have a clear thesis
delineating your argument, a captivating introduction, smooth transitions,
and a conclusion that wraps up your discussion (reiterating the importance
of your findings. Your argument should be compelling, explaining the
exigence for an attention to x, y, z. Lastly, make sure that you revise for
clarity and specificity. The paper should be at least 5 complete pages, and
not exceed 6-7 pages.

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