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Rhetorical Situation Analysis (RSA)
Background: In this project, you will draw on Lloyd Bitzer’s theory of the rhetorical situation to analyze a text or media artifact. First, we will read sample rhetorical analysis essays by students and scholars and practice applying this analytical framework and its key terms–exigence, audience, and constraints–to a range of sources. These may include advertisements, blogs or videos with persuasive intent, public statements made by organizations or celebrities etc. We will also examine local artifacts, such as a recent email from President Hsu or a feature story on our CofC website. This project also introduces multimodality as a new literacy practice, allowing you to consider the benefits of integrating visual, audio, gestural, and spatial modes of communication. In practicing rhetorical analysis and multimodal composing, you will learn how to respond effectively to other writing situations you will encounter in school and beyond.
Assignment: Locate a piece of public writing or media composed by members of a selected organization (national or local) and analyze this artifact’s rhetorical situation. Compose a multimodal essay, addressed to the class, that
Analyzes the text’s rhetorical situation, identifying key parts such as exigence, audience, and constraints
Argues whether the text presents a fitting response to its rhetorical situation
Substantiates claims with evidence from the text itself and other relevant sources
Include with your final project a “Dear Reader” letter, addressed to the class and answering the following questions:
What is the purpose of your essay?
What are the strengths of your essay? What are its problems?
What were the challenges you encountered writing the essay and how did you address them?
If you had two more days to revise the essay, what additional changes would you make and why?
Support your response to these questions with specific details from your essay and experience.
Tips for Research & Writing:
While it’s true that almost anything can be analyzed rhetorically, more explicitly persuasive texts will likely make for easier analysis
The text you select should be representative of the discourse produced by this organization, so you will need to do some preliminary research to better understand the background, goals, and genres of communication used in this example.
In addition to locating a text to rhetorically analyze, you will need to conduct secondary research to understand the rhetorical situation that gave rise to the text, to provide context, and to ensure you respectfully and responsibly represent the organization that produced the text. This means you will consult a variety of relevant sources and effectively incorporate them into your analysis. You will also need to incorporate at least one image that relates to your analysis.
Length & Format: 5 pages min, double-spaced, six sources cited in MLA
Due Dates: April 5
Assignment Specifications: Below are the criteria I will use to assess each student’s essay.
An effective essay
Rhetorically analyzes a text produced by a specific organization
Identifies the text’s exigence, audience, and constraints
Presents a well-reasoned case for how the text does or doesn’t offer a fitting response to its rhetorical situation
Substantiates its claims about the text’s rhetorical situation and fitting response with evidence from the text itself and other relevant sources
Demonstrates an accurate understanding of Bitzer’s theory of the rhetorical situation
Documents sources using MLA in-text citations and a Works Cited
Shows attention to peer feedback, addressing organizational or stylistic problems that may prevent readers from comprehending the essay
Integrates visuals and other media effectively, following strategies discussed in class
Includes a Dear Reader letter that answers the four questions listed above, using evidence from the author’s writing and/or experience
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