Paper 1: Reading Words, Reading Images

English 1000, section 68 // Zimolzak

Paper 1: Reading Words, Reading Images (20% of final grade; 3-5 pages; 200 total points) first submission: 50 final submission: 140 research notes (include microtheme 1):10

In this unit, we have been discussing the various forms that arguments can take. One of these forms is advertisement. We could imagine that the ultimate argument of every advertisement is “buy this product,” but the authors must use specific methods and techniques to argue effectively. So…what makes an advertisement successful?

So far, you have selected two travel advertisements: one visual AND one written for the same destination. Your job in this assignment is to uncover the methods and techniques the authors use to convince people to come to the destination, and what image of the destination the authors feel is most effective for their argument. What do the two advertisements have in common? What are the authors saying about the destination, and what is their bias? What is the goal of the argument other than to draw visitors to the destination? Which medium is more effective, and why?

Some common elements to all arguments that you may consider:  Thesis: What are the benefits of a word or image to make an argument?  Ideas: What idea of the destination are these advertisements proposing?  Organization: How do the words and images work to create “flow”?  Style: What words or images are chosen to make the argument convincing?

Ultimately, you should answer the following questions: Are these advertisements selling an accurate image of the destination? Why or why not? What is significant about how the verbal and visual advertisements differ?

Scoring Rubric: A: Presents a thesis statement with an interesting and original argument resulting from a clear understanding of the assignment; demonstrates strong critical analysis of texts; logically organized, with effective transitions and topic sentences; clear, concise writing style and no grammatical or sentence-level mistakes. B: Meets all of the criteria of an A paper, but with slightly less sophisticated analysis of texts, and some stylistic issues and grammatical or sentence-level mistakes. C: Meets all of the criteria of a B paper, but with an underdeveloped argument, organizational problems, and limited analysis of primary texts to support thesis. D: Meets all of the criteria of a C paper, but with no discernable argument. F: Does not meet any of the above requirements. English 1000, section 68 // Zimolzak

Paper 2: The Body as Text (30% of final grade; 4-6 pages; 300 points) first submission: 75 final submission: 210 research notes (include microtheme 2): 15

In this unit, we have discussed the different ways a body can argue through physical positioning during a dance, protest march, or hunger strike, to name a few examples. Is body rhetoric a fair and effective form of argument? Can you make a counterargument against a body? Why or why not?

For this essay, you will be analyzing a character from one of the various storylines of Crash. Focusing on at least three specific scenes, cite acting decisions and film techniques that use physical representation to demonstrate one character’s biases against a certain race, gender, or class. For example: It is NOT enough to state, “Matt Dillon’s character makes racist remarks in these three scenes.” That would be apparent to anyone watching the film. Explain how the character’s physical behavior demonstrates personal bias, and why the character’s biases are significant to the film.

Some acting decisions or film techniques you may want to discuss:  Physical movements: does the actor look comfortable or confident?  Facial expressions: how does the actor respond to others?  Dialogue delivery: how does the actor’s tone convey an argument?  Costume design: does the actor’s clothing imply a certain status?  Shot composition: what does the “biased camera” show us?  Shot length, depth of frame: how far away is the camera?  Shot duration: how long does the shot last?  Use of props: how does the actor handle objects to show his/her disposition?

Ultimately, you should answer the following questions: How do the actor’s choices and film techniques aid in our understanding of biases and why they matter? What lesson can we learn about society from the biases of your chosen character?

Paper 3: Arguments Around Us (40% of final grade; 5-7 pages; 400 points total) first submission: 100 final submission: 280 research notes (include microthemes 3-5): 20

In this unit, we have synthesized our knowledge about argumentation and biases to show that arguments exist all around us. No matter what discipline you enter, no matter what degree you choose to pursue here at Mizzou, you will encounter works (and people) you disagree with. This paper gives you a chance to research a current controversy that is a real-life application of the knowledge you have gained in this course.

Using at least five outside sources, demonstrate your understanding of the social, cultural, and historical circumstances of a current controversy in your intended field of study. If you do not know what major you will pursue, choose a current event that interests you. Give a brief description of the controversy (no more than 1 paragraph), and explain why you think people take different sides on the issue.

This assignment asks you to assess and to analyze the central arguments of your chosen controversy. How does your knowledge of argument help you understand the biases at play? Can this conflict be resolved? Why or why not?

Some common elements of argument you should consider for each side of your debate:  Thesis: are both sides arguing on the issue for the same reasons?  Ideas: what social structures or concepts underlie each side of the debate?  Organization: why do controversial arguments tend to circle back on themselves?  Style: what techniques does each side use to convince undecided spectators?

Ultimately, you should answer the following questions: In controversies that are so often emotionally charged, how can argument be used effectively? Why do people feel the need to “shut down,” call names, or ignore the issue entirely? Can someone ever “win” these arguments? What is the benefit of argument, if not to convince others of your viewpoint?