Select a rhetorical text. Using the concepts and theories from the course, analyze (not simply describe) the text. You are expected to conduct additional research, as well as apply concepts from the course readings. Ultimately, this paper must present an argument about what the text does. Make sense of why the rhetor made the choices they did (or did not) have an effect, or how the text participates in a larger set of symbolic actions. The total paper, of about 10-12 pages, is broken up in the following three smaller papers:
Paper #1 Introduction (25 points): Text selection and rationale. Write a justification for studying your artifact. Keep in mind, this paper will become the introduction for the final essay. Ultimately, this paper makes an argument as to why your artifact is worthy of study. You should do so in 1-2 pages, Times New Roman, 12-point font, with 1-inch margins (this does not include cover page and references). The paper should include:
An intriguing opening. You might give us a taste of your text or select a similar text, incident, etc.
Specification of topic and research questions. What questions do you wish to answer by the end of your paper?
State your thesis. What is your primary claim or claims?
Preview of subsequent sections/paper (preview of the rest of your paper).
