Weekly Private Writing (10-15 min)
Re-read your weekly private writing that was due today. Come up with one question or comment you would want to bring up with the class. Write your question or comment right in your book.
I’ll then split you into groups of three to talk about it and see if anyone wants to talk in large groups about it. While you do that, I will come around and make sure you get credit for this week’s journal.
Rhetorical Analysis (30-45 min)
Last class, we talked about how Episode 1 revealed the complexity of communication, tensions resulting from that complexity, and difficult understandings of how to have a good “stance” to effectively reach your audience(s).
Today, we are going to more formally call this kind of thinking “rhetorical” thinking. And one way to understand communication better is to do rhetorical analysis. So, we are first going to talk more about the Bolin Carroll reading and the nature of rhetorical analysis. I’m then going to introduce our rhetorical analysis assignment due later this month, which will specifically treat these podcast episodes from Nice White Parents as rhetoric.
Bolin Carroll says that “most of our actions are persuasive in nature” (47).
Similarly, Suleidy writes (oh, and I should say I am not anonymizing names for discussion posts since you all can reach out other there!): “This passage helped me realize that rhetorical analysis is not just something that is present in an English classroom but rather something that is constantly implemented into our day to day lives. It is actually anything done in a persuasive manner, this reminded me of all the times I’ve persuaded anyone in my life to do something, such as trying a specific coffee or pastry.”
Several others said something to this effect (e.g., Amira, Mark, Fatimata, Aidan, Minyi, Jhosanna, Andre)
Michelle notes that rhetoric “puts into perspective that everything we do is intentional even if we do not understand the extent to which it is.”
What’s one thing you intentionally do to persuade? What’s one thing you maybe unintentionally do to persuade? Write privately for about 5 minutes in response to this question. Review the reading and review the discussion posts.
Jhosanna talks about how she sort of unknowingly does rhetorical analysis in her daily life: “I follow a content creator, Aylen Park, known for her flawless skin. She and her mother usually promote products or show their skincare routine. My initial reaction to her content is a mixture of skepticism and fascination. I unknowingly recall the principles of rhetorical analysis as I examine the message and products on display. I can trust the products Aylen recommends if the video is not sponsored by the company, if there are before and after pictures, if this product is something she uses religiously, or if I trust the product’s company. However, I am hesitant if she recommends a sponsored product or has a limited-time sales offer. I do not trust a sponsored video because the influencer receives a commission for the product and is untrustworthy. On the other hand, limited-time sales feel like a pressure tactic to make me buy the product and disregard critical thinking.”
What is the rhetorical situation for Rob? (see 48-52 in Bollin Carroll)
How about for Imee?
How about for the podcast? (think narrator here)
What is the heart of the argument, so far, for the podcast? (see 55 in Bolin Carroll)
Rhetorical Analysis Assignment (20-30 min)
Let’s go over the rhetorical analysis assignment. This can be found on both Brightspace and also under “Class Work” on our website here. Find it. It’s a race! Who can get it first? Maybe you’ll get a prize? Idk.
Okay, let’s read it together.
I want to now do an activity that can help you think more about doing this kind of work. Let’s look at these PowerPoint slides about doing our rhetorical analysis assignment.
Ziyan had a good example of a quick rhetorical analysis of Nike’s famous “Just Do It” ad, using ethos/pathos/logos that shows joining claims to evidence: “This ad is directly related to Carroll’s interpretation of rhetoric. “Pathos” is used to create an emotional response – the ad shows the hardships and determination of the athlete and makes the viewer feel inspired. “Ethos” comes from the credibility of the athlete as someone people admire and trust. “Logos” is also present as the ad implies that wearing Nike gear can help improve performance.”
Sometimes rhetoric is very intentional, like in advertising as we see with Ziyan and others mentioned or in politics like what is going on with immigration right now, as Shirley pointed to. It’s a mix sometimes, too. Michelle’s point is a good one–as it is often blurry between intentioned or not.
Rhetorical analysis can help us make sense of this blurriness (and, also, when it is not blurry–like intentional rhetoric to make it seem like certain kinds of people are criminals or bad people to serve a political goal).
Next Time (2-5 min)
-We will listen to Episode 2 of Nice White Parents
-You will post another Reaction on Brightspace.
-Start thinking about what episode(s) you might write about (we should have 3 episodes listened to by the time you submit your first draft so you don’t have to write about episodes 1 and 2 but there’s a good chance you will).
-In class, we will read a sample paper or two of rhetorical analysis papers in addition to activities and discussion surrounding Episode 2.