Rhetorical Analyses provide insight into a relevant issue or text by examining it through the thought of one or more theorists. Rhetorical Analyses should be approximately 1,500 words. They should draw upon and cite the work of at least one theorist we have read in class and one external text (ex: a primary document, secondary commentary, the work of an external thinker, interviews, etc.). Rhetorical Analyses should be in a standard format (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) of the author's choosing. The purpose of this assignment is to operationalize theory by putting it into practice. We will go through stages to produce our Rhetorical Analyses:
Keep in mind that our task is not to discover the truth of the matter (such a goal may not be possible). We are attempting to find productive insight, which does not preclude the existence of other insights, even those that counter our assertions. We are not answering essentialist questions of what things are; we are exploring how things might be viewed and discussing what knowledge comes from that perspective. Accordingly, analysis does not explicitly advocate a polemical position. We are not participants in a debate claiming that something is right, wrong, perfect, or worthless. Our overt task is to explain how something functions. What are a thing's effects and what causes them? What premises enable it to function? What internal contradictions are present in it? These questions will be answered by applying the thought or one or more theorists to an issue or text. Rhetorical Analyses will be submitted as emailed attachments by 11:59pm on May 10. I will be available to answer questions and provide draft comments until then as time permits. Tips:
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