Comparative Rhetorical Analysis

Description

One of the objectives of this course is to relate genre to rhetorical context and to understand the differences between genres as a result of those differences. Thus, for this paper, which you will write in the form of a critical essay, you will select either a professional (e.g. a memo) or technical genre (e.g. an instruction set) and, in a 5-7-page double-spaced paper, compare its rhetorical features with the rhetorical features of a critical essay, analyzing how the features of both address the rhetorical context (purpose and audience). The rough/first draft is due on the date listed in the syllabus: you will need to upload your draft to the Google Drive you share with your group members. This rough draft must be complete for you to get the 2 points on your final grade average. Drafts that are incomplete will earn 0 pts. These are the drafts on which your group members will make comments. (More on that in class.) Note: if you find it difficult to reach the 5-page minimum, you may need to select other pieces for a comparative analysis. Your final draft will be due on the date listed in the syllabus. Learning objectives • Perform advanced analysis of texts (across a variety of media) for elements of the rhetorical situation, including purpose, audience, occasion, genre, persuasive appeals, etc. • Engage in a writing process that includes invention, drafting, peer response, revision, editing, and proofreading. • Compose texts across a variety of genres and media to a range of audiences, paying attention to rhetorical moves appropriate for those genres and/or audiences. • Employ research methods and documentation styles appropriate for the topic, genre, and/or audience. • Continue to practice collaboration in teamwork and build small group communication skills. • Understand how awareness of rhetorical elements such as audience and genre contribute to professionalism and public writing. • Engage regularly in metacognitive reflection on communication. The successful submission for this assignment will • Be based on information gleaned from textual sources • Conform to the requirements of the appropriate genre. • Provide accurate, relevant information that addresses the assignment. (See above.) • Display careful audience analysis. • Use effective overall organizational patterns. • Use quoting, summarizing, and paraphrasing in an effective manner. ● Use clear grammatical constructions, avoiding wordiness while providing thorough information. ● Use punctuation correctly. ● Be carefully proofread and polished.