[Rhetorical Analysis of a Film]
Assignment Information
Writing Task:For your first paper, you will write a rhetorical analysis on the film Sin Nombre. Please respond to the following question: how does the rhetor (filmmaker) employ logos, ethos, and pathos in order to persuade the audience to accept his overall claim?
Concepts:In this first unit, we analyzed the film Sin Nombre through a rhetorical lens. We discussed the film’s appeals to logos, ethos, and pathos. For this paper, we will keep in mind that images can also present arguments and that the persuasive strength of that argument rests upon, in part, the rhetor’s ability to use Aristotle’s three appeals. Remember the metaphor of theater spotlights with the “lamps and filters” of the appeals to explain how they work together to move an audience. Our analysis will consider how the classical effort can be used to analyze the visual argument, examining how the appeals intersect and interact with one another.
Purpose & Genre: A rhetorical analysis is the study of persuasion in order to understand how and why a text is persuasive. Analysis does not answer or address questions about judgment and evaluation, whether you agree with an argument, or whether you are personally moved by a rhetor’s strategies.
This assignment will give you an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the film’s rhetorical situation and will allow you to examine how and why the rhetor employs Aristotle’s appeals. The writing process will focus on drafting effective introductions, structuring body paragraphs, and integrating quotes.
Audience, Requirements, & Characteristics of the Critical Essay:Your audience is the peers and instructor as readers within the discipline of college rhetoric and composition. As an academic audience, they will expect that your analytical essay will reflect the characteristics of the “critical” essay. These characteristics and paper specific requirements are listed below. You can also assume that your readers have watched the film and are familiar with it.
An interpretative thesis statement positioned within the introduction
Several body paragraphs in support of your thesis and a conclusion paragraph
Your primary evidence will come from the text under analysis
To support your analysis, provide one relevant quote from an online print or video interview about the film and two relevant quotes from the Golden reading
Specialized vocabulary (the rhetorical terms) to demonstrate your knowledge and occasional quotes from our textbook to define terms
MLA style, more specifically the 9th edition
Documentation in the form of in-text citations and a Works Cited page
Few errors in grammar and punctuation
Five (5) full pages but no more than six (6), not including your Works Cited page
Rubric
Paper 1: Rhetorical Analysis
Paper 1: Rhetorical Analysis
CriteriaRatings
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction & ThesisWriter delivers an engaging introduction.
Writer’s task and analytical purpose are clear.
The progression of ideas is logical.
Thesis is complex and analytical.
Forecasts main points.
Highly Competent
Writer meets all criteria.
Competent
Writer meets most criteria.
Partial Competence
Writer meets some criteria.
Insufficient
Writer meets few criteria.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganizationParagraphs demonstrate excellent focus, coherence, and logical progression.
Each body paragraph will analyze one appeal at a time.
Topic sentences are complex and effective.
Effective transitions between and within paragraphs.
Highly Competent
Writer meets all criteria.
Competent
Writer meets most criteria.
Partial Competence
Writer meets some criteria.
Insufficient
Writer meets few criteria.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDevelopment & Rhetorical ConceptsWriter demonstrates a solid understanding of rhetorical concepts.
Definitions of rhetorical terms are present and effective.
Paragraphs provide an in-depth analysis of all three appeals.
Analytical points are supported by compelling evidence from the primary text (film), an online interview, and the course reading (Golden).
Writer achieves the minimum page requirement (5 full pages).
Highly Competent
Writer meets all criteria.
Competent
Writer meets most criteria.
Partial Competence
Writer meets some criteria.
Insufficient
Writer meets few criteria.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntegrating & Documenting EvidenceAll signal phrases are present and in-text citations are correctly formatted.
All sources are formatted correctly on the WC page.
Highly Competent
Writer meets all criteria.
Competent
Writer meets most criteria.
Partial Competence
Writer meets some criteria.
Insufficient
Writer meets few criteria.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLanguage Control & StyleWriting is direct and easy to read.
S/he works to enhance writing through academic voice and word choice.
Few errors in grammar and mechanics.
Highly Competent
Writer meets all criteria.
Competent
Writer meets most criteria.
Partial Competence
Writer meets some criteria.
Insufficient
Writer meets few criteria.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMLA FormatWriter formats all aspects of MLA (9th edition) with consistent accuracy and care, including the overall document design and the formatting and punctuation of titles.
Highly Competent
Writer meets all criteria.
Competent
Writer meets most criteria.
Partial Competence
Writer meets some criteria.
Insufficient
Writer meets few criteria.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConclusionCulminates in a fully evolved thesis.
Briefly synthesizes the writer’s main points.
Gives a thoughtful send-off to answer the “so what” question.
Does not employ any ineffective strategies, including introducing a new idea, employing phrases like “in conclusion,” or pasting thesis from intro.
No longer than half page at maximum.
Highly Competent
Writer meets all criteria.
Competent
Writer meets most criteria.
Partial Competence
Writer meets some criteria.
Insufficient
Writer meets few criteria.