At the end of June Jordan’s essay, her student, Willie Jordan, states “Justice may only exist as rhetoric” (14). This line addresses the injustices that him and his people have faced but also the power of rhetoric in building critical thought that can spark revolutions. The purpose of this assignment is to have you identify the rhetoric of our authors but also for you to practice the power of your own rhetorical style.
For this 3-4-page essay, you will write an Argument analysis essay in which you will argue the rhetorical effectiveness for one source versus the next.
Following the Notice and Focus Exercise from class and handout on BrS (Brightspace), you will break down the arguments from two of the course texts we’ve read/watched together in Phase 1: Saleem, Jordan & Young.
WHAT: The aim of your argument analysis is to interpret the text’s arguments through its use of rhetoric. In other words, rather than focusing your attention on summarizing and evaluating the text, your task is to examine how the author builds their argument to persuade a moral/ lesson. You will, of course, need to contextualize the text; however, you’ll focus mostly on analyzing the use of an argument.
HOW: You’ll assert your interpretation (thesis), and you’ll support your points using evidence in the form of examples and short quotations from the text. Your thesis should ultimately argue the rhetorical effectiveness of one source over the next. You are encouraged to personalize the delivery of your essay. Thus, you decide the order, tone, style, and language you’ll craft in order to best reach your audience. You’re welcome to draw on your “native,” “home,” or “other” languages, literacies, and ways of being as you so choose.
Outline
Firstly, following the Notice and Focus format, list three of the observed arguments of both chosen sources. Then, choose one from each; one that you feel supports the stronger argument and one that holds insight but nevertheless falls short.
Your paper should follow this outline:
Intro: Background information/ Common morals of the sources
Thesis: Choose which argument style is more effective
Body paragraph # 1: analysis of source # 1/ breakdown the insights/ important observations
Body paragraph # 2: analysis of source # 2/ breakdown the insights/ important observations
Explanation of rhetorical effectiveness for source # 1 or ineffectiveness of source # 2
(If needed) Go into more detail on the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the sources
Conclusion: Explanation of key points and social significance.
AE Brainstorm Handout
List the two readings that you will be working with:
The goal of this assignment is to have an idea of what your thesis could look like and what your arguments might be. Fill out each part to the best of your ability. Remember you can always change your sources. For now, choose sources and attempt describing, analyzing and creating a thesis.
Choose one moral/ lesson to focus on for this handout.
List one moment/ quote from Source # 1 and describe the moment in two to three sentences. Explain the argument and the insights in connection to the moral/ lesson.
List one moment/quote from Source # 2 and describe the moment in two to three sentences. Explain the argument and the insights in connection to the moral/ lesson.
Choose which argument you believe is more rhetorically effective. Explain why.
Attempt a Thesis statement that states which source is more rhetorically effective and why. We will work together as a class to strengthen this.
