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Final Paper

Purpose of this paper: The major (read final) paper for this course requires that students produce a focused criticism of a rhetorical work or artifact. This paper should reflect careful research, thoughtful attention to the text and context, and proficient composition. I expect you to write this as though you were writing your final draft.

Your paper should be 10-13 pages (not including a cover page and a reference page) with at least 17 sources, using APA citations (in text, references, everything), and should be Times New Roman 12pt, double-spaced. Your sources should be a balance of academic, peer reviewed sources (for your method), and news sources to contextualize your artifact (for your historical perspective). It’s easy to run off on tangents when critiquing an artifact. Fight the temptation, and be concise. Make your claim, defend it, and move on. You should cover the following sections in your paper:

· Introduction (1 page)

· Bring attention to the artifact, and the general persuasive message of the text.

· Develop an interesting research question you want to answer and make sure it RELATES TO COMMUNICATION. This should guide your paper. Eg: How does Martin Luther King Jr.’s use of ethos, pathos, and logos work with his use of metaphor in his “I have a dream” speech?

· Significance: Why is this text significant to communication? Why is this text important (Has it reached a large audience? (cite!) Does an expert think it’s important? (cite!))?

· Thesis Statement: Your thesis should be the purpose of your paper.

· Preview: Preview your major talking points for your prospectus.

· Historical Perspective (2-3 pages)

· Rhetor(s)

· Who are the rhetors/orators? Who designed the message, stated the message, etc. What is important to know about them?

· Audience

· There are likely multiple audiences. Who is the immediate audience (is there anyone actually at the speech, for example)? Target audience (who does the rhetor want to reach)? Are there any more audiences? Are there any hidden audiences?

· Text

· Describe the text and any necessary background for the text. Contextualize! Often times scholars make the mistake of focusing on what we can see and neglect what we don’t. Sometimes some of the most important elements of an argument come as a result of what we don’t see.

· What are some rhetorical strategies the rhetor uses?

· Method (1-2 pages)

· What method are you using? Your method should relate to your text or why are you using it. This section is a brief literature review. When you get to your rough draft/final draft, you will elongate this section, but for the prospectus it should be direct so I know that you know what is most important.

· Cover the major tenets (principles) you are using. *note: it is okay if you don’t use every principle of the theory. Make sure you actually read the corresponding chapter etc. While your classmates are fantastic, not everything they type is correct.

· Focus on articles that discuss and/or use your method. If you pick a text that has been analyzed previously, focus on articles discussing your specific rhetorical act.

· Application (2-3 pages)

· Apply each individual principle/tenet of your method to your text/artifact.

· Remember! Don’t. Just. Summarize.

· Conclusion (3-4 pages) (NOTE: THIS IS LIKELY DIFFERENT THAN ANY CONCLUSION YOU’VE EVER WRITEN)

· Discussion

· ANSWER YOUR RESEARCH QUESTION.

· What are the implications of your application? What are the impacts this could have on future communication?

· What does this mean for communication? (you MUST tie it back to communication)

· Conclusion (No more than 1 page)

· Review your main points.

· Review your thesis.

· End strong!

Please make edits on your Prospectus; I will take off points if I see repeated errors. Do your best to balance being direct and detailed. Let me know what questions you have!