Rhetorical Features of the Controversy
100 points
This assignment asks you to begin the research process of understanding the complexity of a controversy we discuss this semester. You will select a controversy listed in the syllabus (Immigration, Covid-19, Protest, Cancel Culture, Social Media and Democracy, or Negative Partisanship). You will write a 4-page paper identifying the specific rhetorical features you see presented in your research of the topic (public controversy, discourse & power, spheres of argument, rhetoric of distrust, ideographs). The assignment requires 4-pages of analysis and does not include cover sheet, abstract, references, images, or figures.
This paper will serve as the foundation for the State of the Controversy paper that you will turn in at the conclusion of the semester.
Begin this assignment by introducing the topic you selected. Tell your readers why you selected this topic. Frame the topic within the study of rhetorical criticism. Explain why rhetorical criticism is the best framework for analysis of your topic; i.e. explain how rhetorical criticism will help you to best understand your topic and effectively analyze its different rhetorical components. Then identify and explain the different rhetorical features present within the rhetoric surrounding your topic; i.e. public controversy, power, spheres of argument, distrust, ideographs). Explain how the rhetorical features of your topic work and what messaging they favor, convey, or promote. Conclude by explaining how your understanding of the rhetorical features of your controversy will situate your controversy for further investigation.
You have some flexibility in the organizational structure of the paper—the requirements are that it has an introduction, thesis statement, preview statement, a description of the major arguments of the controversy, a discussion of the relationship in and among the arguments, and a conclusion (see the paper structure outline for guidance). You may organize the argument and discussion sections however seem appropriate to your particular topic.
It is expected that this paper is written in APA format and contains cover sheet, abstract, and references pages. Please review the rubric for discussion of formatting expectations.