Dear students:
Unfortunately I had to keep my poor child home again today, so I thank you in advance for your understanding and for being your best selves for Melissa.
I am hopeful that you all were able to get through the to-do list yesterday and are transitioning to using your work time for the RHETORICAL DISCOURSE MINI-PROJECT. As you are brainstorming topics, try to find a message that you are excited to express! Think about different media and genres of expression that might suit your message. You are not limited to the suggested ones on the project doc! Think about what you have learned so far about rhetoric, and try to apply it to the task!
Here is a folder of sample projects that last year’s class did for this same assignment.
Some answers to the EXCELLENT questions in your exit tickets from yesterday:
What types of topics do you want us to go for? Is it okay to do something more minor or limited to our school community?
Topic choice is pretty wide open! It does not necessarily need to be politically minded or related to global issues. It can DEFINITELY be about our school community or something “minor.” It can even be interpersonal! A love letter convincing someone to date you? SURE! A letter to the editor of the Animas Quill arguing for longer lunches or passing periods? OF COURSE! The idiotic vandals that keep leaving trash by the ruined hammock? YOU TELL ‘EM, ZA! ;)
How are we going to consider the audience and how do we know when we are? What steps are we going to take to make sure we do that?
This depends on the message and who the target audience is. Who are you trying to convince and of what? If you are writing a love letter, consider what might appeal to your potential love interest. If you are making a campaign poster for StuCO, consider what the AHS voters might value and care about. When we craft rhetorical messages, we must always consider what the audience might value/think/believe/etc. Taylor your message to YOUR audience.
Are you open to students doing projects that aren’t on the list such as a painting or poem?
YES! Art and poetry are often rhetorical in nature. Think about what you may need to incorporate into your creative work that will give it more rhetorical appeal. How does one CONVINCE through art?
Is there a required word count? How much writing is necessary?
This completely depends on the genre you choose. As I said in the assignment description, some text should be included, but that might be minimal if you are doing a piece of visual rhetoric. Because you have to write the self-evaluation/reflection, you will be able to explain yourself pretty thoroughly there.
What are we supposed to base our mini-projects on? Like on a person or an idea
It depends on what you want to express. On a message that is rhetorical in nature! So an idea, yes! A person, maybe? If you want to express a message ABOUT a person, ie. “Vote for Pedro,” then yes.
How many points is the project worth?
It is worth 25 points toward your application grade (which is weighted heavier than your process grade). The rubric is located at the bottom of the assignment description.
What kind of social media are we using for that genre?
Whichever one carries your message the most effectively. Perhaps you make a Tiktok or a series of rhetorical Snapchat stories. One kid last year turned in a Facebook argument he had with a stranger about politics. RHETORIC!
Are we going into more detail when you are back?
That was certainly my hope for today, but alas! I hope to help you all clarify your own projects tomorrow. If my daughter continues sick, I will use my best pathos on my husband to get him to take a day off so I can be there with you guys tomorrow.
Do I need some sort of artist statement?
Not necessarily, but it may allow you to clarify and enhance your message, thus making it more effective.
What resources do we need to include and how long should it be?
I assume you are referring to citing sources here? That is again dependent on genre. Not all genres require citing sources, but some benefit from that. Remember: it’s an ethos based appeal to cite experts and credible sources!
Can we use a show or movie for a reference?
SURE! You can even make a short movie if you like:)
Can we do it with partners?
I hadn’t thought about that. If you have a great idea for a partner project, email me and sell me the idea!
Can i put anything?
Well, not anything. But it is pretty open in terms of messages. Email me if you are questioning your idea.
What are the parameters for what we can make to represent our rhetoric?
There is a list of possible media in the project description, but you aren’t limited to those choices. Determine the genre that is best for your own message. Have some fun with it!
How much time do we have to complete this project?
You have today and tomorrow in class to work on it, and it will be due September 28th after your 3-day weekend.
When do we start?
RIGHT NOW! Ready, set, go!
Come tomorrow with a “draft” of what you are working on, whatever that looks like for you, even if it is just a thoroughly brainstormed idea!
Please complete the exit ticket in Google Classroom at the end of the hour.