Rhetorical Analysis of a Multimedia Argument: Group Midterm - - PDF document

Rhetorical Analysis of a Multimedia Argument: Group Midterm Presentation and Paper

Every day we are slammed with a barrage of media trying to persuade us about something. Part of being able to think critically, as it applies to our daily lives, includes analyzing the media we

• encounter. When you perform a rhetorical analysis on a text, you aim to understand how people

attempt to persuade through media.

Part 1: The Presentation

For this assignment, you will work in groups to rhetorically analyze a multimedia argument. That is, you will analyze a video to (1) better understand its purpose, message, and audience and (2) to identify the tactics (rhetorical devices and appeals) the video uses to persuade its audience. Each group will be assigned a video each group will analyze their video. You’ll present your findings to the class in a 10-12 minute presentation in which each group member must participate. You may use PowerPoint if you wish, or another similar platform. Don't forget to include your video so that the class can see what you're talking about! Also, try to be creative and fun! (Nobody likes a boring presentation!) Your presentation should address all of the following:

• 1. Analyze the Rhetorical Situation

Who is the author or organization that made the video? What is the larger conversation? In other words, what in our society, culture, or community might have prompted the author(s) to create this video? What may have been their exigency/what motivated the author(s) to create this video? What is the author(s)’ purpose? Who is the intended audience? How do you know? What is the primary claim or argument?

• 2. Analyze the Tactics Used in the Text/Video (When analyzing the tactics, it’s always important to

consider the intended audience & to think about why these tactics work so well on them!)

Analyze all the ways ethos is used

• i. How does the author(s) represent herself/himself?
• ii. Do you trust the author(s)? Why or why not?
• iii. What rhetorical devices do the authors use to build their ethos?

Analyze all the ways pathos is used

• i. Does the author(s) attempt to invoke an emotional response? How so?
• ii. Where do you see the author appealing to shared beliefs or values?
• iii. What rhetorical devices does the author use to evoke these emotional responses?

Analyze all the ways logos is used

• i. Where do you find facts and evidence in support of the main claim?
• ii. What rhetorical devices does the author use to appeal to our sense of logic?
• 3. Offer a Conclusion

Does the author(s) use rhetoric to effectively accomplish his or her purpose to his or her audience? What has the group learned about rhetorical by completing this project?

Group Presentation Checklist Does your presentation effectively showcase your analysis in an engaging way? Does your presentation include at least one visual aid? Does everyone in the group speak for around an equal amount of time?

• Meaning, don’t make the two most outgoing people speak for five minutes each.

Does everyone speak clearly with minimum use of flash cards?

• Flash cards are fine, but don’t read from them verbatim. Make eye contact with your

audience! Does your presentation last for at least 10 minutes?

• Like the essay, failure to hit the minimum requirement will result in points being taken
• ff. If you go over the maximum time limit (12 minutes), points will also be taken off.

This is why the next point is important. Does your presentation seem practiced and well-rehearsed?

• It’s hard to gauge how long your presentation is unless you actually practice it, with

transitions, all together as a group. This will also help you to be more confident the day of. Does EACH group member have a copy of the PowerPoint/visual aid on multiple platforms and file versions?

• I will not be sympathetic if your group only has one copy of your presentation and it

doesn’t work. Save your files on multiple devices (your e-mail, Google drive, iCloud, thumb drive, etc) in different file versions (.ppt, .pptx, etc). In addition, prepare to arrive to class 10 minutes early on presentation day, so we can do technology checks to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Part 2: The Group Paper

In addition to presenting your analysis to the class, each group will also present their analysis in the form an essay to me. Every member of the group should equally contribute to the writing of this

• essay. Part of the purpose of this assignment is for you to not only learn how to work together

collaboratively, as this is an expectation you will all face in various situations whether it is in the work force, or in other classes. Do not be lazy and assume that your group will pick up the slack. Additionally, groups, it is your responsibility to make sure that all members participate in the writing. As previously stated, you are presenting your analysis in written form. So be sure to answer the previous questions analyzing the rhetorical situation, analyzing the tactics of the video, and formulating a conclusion about those tactics (this conclusion is typically your thesis statement). Be sure that your paper is organized and that there is a consistent tone throughout the essay. If various people are writing various parts, or if everyone is collaborating throughout the entire process, regardless of the situation, it should seem like one voice throughout the essay. Requirements: Your paper must be typed in Times New Roman 12pt font with one inch margins all around. It should be between 4-6 pages long (this means a minimum 4 FULL pages) and include examples from your video. You must have a strong thesis. All standards of MLA formatting apply. For more details on MLA formatting make an appointment with me, go to the tutoring center, or visit http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/

Suggestions for Organization of the Essay:

• I. Introduction:
• A. Since you are introducing the text, this is a great opportunity to discuss the rhetorical
• situation. Use the questions on the first page to analyze the rhetorical situation for your

introduction paragraph.

• B. Thesis Statement: Thesis statements for a rhetorical analysis will be the "conclusion"

you've drawn from your analysis. This is the evaluation portion of the critical thinking process—that is, do you think the author made effective choices to accomplish their purpose?

• II. Body Paragraphs
• A. This is where you will discuss the tactics used—be sure to discuss what devices the author

used, giving example of when they were used, and clearly explaining how those devices appeal to either ethos/pathos/logos. How you organize this portion of the essay is up to you. You may group devices that are similar or seem related together, or you may organize chronologically, or you may organize by importance. So long as your sense of organization is clear. Videos: Most videos without a direct link can be found through YouTube.

• 1. Dove Onslaught
• 2. Anti-sexual assault PSA: https://youtu.be/QLIHSfqTlQw
• 3. Coca Cola: https://youtu.be/JutTOYSeeBk
• 4. Goldieblox “This is your brain on engineering”: https://youtu.be/ArNAB9GFDog
• 5. “Pinksourcing” with Kristen Bell: https://youtu.be/k_m5AlsQqcs
• 6. Hillary Clinton “Role Models”: https://youtu.be/mrX3Ql31URA
• 7. Weight Watchers “All You Can Eat” Big Game Commercial:

https://youtu.be/L8CuWo5JFlE

• 8. Thai Health – Smoking Kid

Part 3: The Individual Reflection

The final component is a one FULL page individual reflection on your personal experience with this assignment (the group essay and presentation). The purpose of this is to reflect on what you learned and what skills you may need to continue working on in the future. This is also your opportunity to let me know privately any information I may need to know to adjust grades (as far as who wasn’t pulling their weight in the group). All standards of MLA formatting apply.

DUE DATES

Assignment Due Date Outline Rough Draft/Peer Review Final Draft Reflection