COMM 172 De Anza College Communications Essay

COMM172 Metaphor in Everyday LifeMidterm: Linguistic Relativity & Universality
Due 11:59PM Friday November 4th
Grades back by 11:59PM Monday November 7th
In a 500-700 word short essay, develop an argument for linguistic relativity or for the embodied
basis of metaphorical thought and interaction, using one of the two below theses.
1. The particular language we speak shapes the way we think and the social actions we can
engage in.
2. Conceptual metaphors may vary across languages but they all rely on a small set of shared
basic-level concepts or schemas which are universal because they are based on embodied
experiences we all share.
If you argue for thesis #1, the idea that the specific language we speak shapes our ways of
thinking and interacting, you should use the Enfield reading. If you argue for thesis #2, which
argues for the universality of embodied basic-level concepts or schemas, then you should consult
the Lakoff and Johnson readings*.
This assignment is an opportunity to attend to the texts closely and present a nuanced, detailed
view of the relevant theories. This means going beyond the main ideas that I list on PowerPoint
slides at the end of each week.
The following requirements apply regardless of which thesis you choose to defend.
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Use the above indicated text (either Lakoff & Johnson* or Enfield) as well as one other
course text to defend your argument.
Define new concepts or key terms using course texts. You should first show that you
know what the argument means before you try to defend it.
Use at least two examples of conceptual metaphors or other linguistic structures**. One of
these examples can be taken from course texts, lectures or video, but at least one must be
an original example that you came up with.
Address major arguments against your position that you imagine an opponent could
make. Ask yourself: What problems might my reader see in my argument? What are
strong arguments that seem to contradict my thesis? Explain and address these possible
rebuttals.
* If you select thesis 2, you must use at least one reading by Lakoff and Johnson and one other
course reading.
** For example, “fish,” as a category that varies from language to language, counts as a linguistic
structure if you explain it in this way, even though it is not a metaphor.
Midterm short essay rubric
B
C
D
Important course concepts
are explained accurately
with some reliance on
direct quotation.
Some explanations
inaccurate or missing.
Explanations rely on
direct quotations.
Explanations are
mostly missing or
inaccurate.
Argumentation
for thesis and
against
foreseeable
rebuttals
Defense of thesis
effectively implements
details from course
readings and creative new
examples. Foreseeable
rebuttals are effectively
described and addressed.
Argument effectively
defends thesis and
accurately refers to course
readings. Some foreseeable
rebuttals are addressed.
Defense of thesis is
unclear or insufficiently
detailed. Rebuttals are
mostly not addressed.
Argument is mostly
lacking substance.
Foreseeable rebuttals
are not mentioned.
Structure,
citations and style
Structure reflects and
serves content. Citations
are clear and consistent.
Style is compelling and
appropriate for an
academic essay.
Structure adequately
supports content. Citations
are clear and consistent.
Writing style is appropriate
for an academic essay.
Structure is misleading or
confusing. Citations are
missing or inconsistent.
Writing style is mostly
appropriate for an
academic essay.
Structure is mostly
lacking. Citations
are missing. Writing
style is inappropriate
for an academic
essay.
Explanation of
key terms and
concepts
A
Explanations of all
relevant course concepts
are clear, accurate, concise
and phrased in the
student’s own words.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How strict is the word limit?
o Not very strict—more of a guideline. If your paper is
shorter than 500 words, it is likely you are missing an
important component. If too many are longer than 700
words then I will take longer to grade.
Should I quote the texts directly?
o Direct quotations are acceptable but paraphrases are
preferred as they demonstrate your ability to state the
argument in your own words.
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What citation style should I use?
o Any style (MLA, APA etc.) is fine. Cite your sources and
maintain consistency throughout the paper.
Can I cite a text we didn’t read in the course?
o You may at your own risk. It is safer to stick with course
texts which have been selected for their pertinence to the
topic.