Project 1 - Rhetoric in Culture
Assignment
Ultimately, you will write an 800-1,000 word essay that analyzes an advertisement. This analysis will discuss the ad’s message (argument), audience, purpose (goals), and the rhetorical appeals that attempt to persuade a particular audience. In addition, you will consider what cultural assumptions the advertiser seems to make about this audience.
Outcomes
The purpose of this assignment is to learn to:
Conventions
Audience: instructor and peers
Purpose: analyze an advertisement with reference to rhetorical appeals and logical fallacies
Format: MLA
Thesis or Focus
What is the argument of the ad based on the ways the appeals/fallacies are being used to further this argument? Include the argument and a statement that addresses the ways in which the appeals/fallacies are being used to advance the ad’s argument.
Role of Research
You will use the chosen advertisement and the textbook as their primary sources. You may also have supplemental readings, in which case you will need to cite them. All sources should be cited in a Works Cited page.
Ultimately, you will write an 800-1,000 word essay that analyzes an advertisement. This analysis will discuss the ad’s message (argument), audience, purpose (goals), and the rhetorical appeals that attempt to persuade a particular audience. In addition, you will consider what cultural assumptions the advertiser seems to make about this audience.
Outcomes
The purpose of this assignment is to learn to:
- Develop an analysis that discusses the following: the role of audience in the design of an advertisement; the language, strategies, and rhetorical devices used by the advertiser; and the cultural assumptions embedded in the advertisement
- Identify and discuss the argument of the ad based on the way the appeals/fallacies are being used to further this argument (thesis)
- Write for an appropriate audience
- Use MLA academic conventions
- Revise texts in response to peer and instructor feedback
Conventions
Audience: instructor and peers
Purpose: analyze an advertisement with reference to rhetorical appeals and logical fallacies
Format: MLA
Thesis or Focus
What is the argument of the ad based on the ways the appeals/fallacies are being used to further this argument? Include the argument and a statement that addresses the ways in which the appeals/fallacies are being used to advance the ad’s argument.
Role of Research
You will use the chosen advertisement and the textbook as their primary sources. You may also have supplemental readings, in which case you will need to cite them. All sources should be cited in a Works Cited page.
ResourcesThese databases are starting-off points for looking for ads to analyze. You should not just google "racist/sexist ads" and take the first image that pops up. You also shouldn't choose an ad just because someone else has already analyzed or criticized it. Find something original-- even look through databases in the library of old newspapers or magazines to find ads that are unique and haven't already been highlighted. If you make the same claim as someone else has made and popularized, and you don't cite, it is considered plagiarism, and you will be caught.
Note, some examples are commercials, but you should stick to print ads for this project. Sexist Modern Ads Sexist Vintage Ads Racist Ads and Commercials |
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