Writing Project 2: Conspiracy Theory or Social Myth Media Rhetorical Analysis
A rhetorical analysis is a process of describing and evaluating the words of text and how they influence an audience. A rhetorical analysis explains and analyzes how the text, the author, and the audience interact. I want you to consider how the argument is made and whether the approach used to make it is effective. You are not writing about whether you agree or disagree with the argument being presented, but instead, you are arguing whether or not you feel like the author/writer/speaker/theory is effective in persuading their intended audience.
For this project, you will review a piece of media that is centered around a conspiracy theory or social myth of your choice. This can be a Youtube video, documentary, podcast, article, book, or website (I’m also open to other forms of media, just come talk to me!). Choose a piece of media that presents the conspiracy theory, not one that is disproving a conspiracy theory. Try to find a piece of media that is simply explaining a specific theory or explaining why they believe it. Avoid fact-checking websites and “takedown” videos. Think of this in terms of analyzing a theory or how a theory is presented by a specific source. Try your best to stick to one specific source, as our next project will be focused on research specifically. We will be talking about various rhetorical traditions, elements, and approaches in class, and you will apply those to your analysis.
Composition
Your project is to be a 750-1000-word written essay. You should state the argument presented and evaluate it thoroughly. Here is a non exhaustive list of questions to get you started, listed in no particular order:
• Does this source present the theory in a serious way? Why or why not? What is the impact of this?
• How does the theory and/or source back up its claim? What are the main points and the backing evidence?
• What kinds of appeals are featured in the theory and/or source?
• Who is the target audience for the theory and/or source? How does it appeal to that audience in particular?
• Is the source effective? Why or why not?
• What rhetorical tradition(s) best aligns with the appeals presented by the source? Explain.
• Is the theory and/or source believable? Why or why not?
Criteria
Your rhetorical analysis should include the following:
• MLA format, 750-1000 words (it’s okay if you’re a little over, but don’t be under)
• The name and information about the source/theory you are analyzing
◦ Make sure to link the specific piece of media you are referencing
◦ This should include a brief summary of the theory/source and the rhetorical situation
• Names of the rhetorical traditions/styles you will be using as an analytical lens
• The argument/overall message of the theory and/or source
• Identifies at least two rhetorical elements and at least two specific elements of the source/theory
◦ You may find multiple instances of a single rhetorical element (logos, pathos, ethos, etc.) in the source/theory
◦ These will correlate with each other!
▪ Example: “The theory specifically states that… which ties in with the idea of pathos by…”
▪ You will make clear that the rhetorical element is being conveyed through your specific example, which means you will need some explanation and detail
◦ This will tie back to what you determine the purpose/message to be
• Clarity in organization
• Clarity in diction/form/structure/etc. so the reader is able to grasp the information being conveyed and explained
Steps
Step #1: Identify the argument or purpose
• Your first step in any rhetorical analysis should be to identify the argument or purpose the author of your chosen text is attempting to outline. In our case, the text is the media source the author has created. It may help to consider the following question: What is the author presenting and trying to convey to their audience?
◦ Always address and establish purpose/argument in the first paragraph of your essay, you will connect this back to each rhetorical element you reference
▪ How does this element help the source obtain its purpose?
Step #2: Identifying rhetorical components
• You may choose to use any rhetorical method or tradition we covered in class for this portion of your project. The “Rhetorical Analysis” page on BallPoint 103 also has definitions and examples to help you select which method you think would work best for your analysis. Also feel free to consult the class notes we made as a group. You may use a blend of rhetorical elements if you deem it necessary!
◦ This step will take the form of your essay’s body paragraphs. Your rhetorical elements will always be connected back to what you determined the argument/purpose to be.
Step #3: Organize your response
• There are many ways to organize a rhetorical analysis. How you decide to organize your rhetorical analysis is up to you, but make sure that your analysis addresses why you chose that method in particular. Also consider how the rhetorical components relate to or affect the audience based on a particular context. Consider important context such as social and cultural ideas and beliefs or historical events.