RWS 200:

The Rhetoric of Written Argument

in Context

RWS 100 & 200:

Two Different Analytic Emphases

RWS 100: Textual analysis

RWS 200: Contextual analysis

Contextual Analysis (RWS 200)

Study a text as part of a conversation

Examine the setting or context from which any communication emerges

Understand communications through the lens of their environment(s)

Contextual Analysis Demands an appreciation of the

circumstances that call rhetorical events into being.

Considers a text to be a response to those circumstances (social, political, historical).

Views a text as part of an ongoing conversation.

Some Ways Into Contextual Analysis

1. Learn about the author

2. Examine the setting (time & place)

3. Consider the audience

4. Study the “larger conversation”

4 Assignments/Learning Outcomes

1. Construct an account of an argument and identify elements of context embedded in it. . .

2. Research elements of context; show how understanding of argument is developed, changed, or evolved by looking into its context.

3. Given the common concerns of two or more arguments, discuss how the claims of these arguments modify, complicate or qualify one another.

4. Consider your contemporary, current life as context to position yourself and make an argument . . .

Assignment 2

Learning Outcome:

Follow avenues of investigation that are opened by noticing elements of context; research those elements and show how one's understanding of the argument is developed, changed, or evolved by looking into its context.

Timeline: 4 Weeks Week One: Generate topics & conduct research

Week Two: Learn analytical concepts & terminology; short writing practice; outlines; 1st rough drafts

Week Three: Focused draft revision workshops; peer reviews of 2nd drafts

Week Four: Individual conferencing; final draft submissions

Prewriting Work: Isolate, Practice, Apply

Isolate aspects of prompt criteria

Practice in small groups and short writings

Apply smaller experiences to larger essay project

Week One

In class: Small group brainstorming for topics; sharing of

best ideas with class. Research guidance. Small group sharing of research; class

discussion of how authors use the contextual element and how research affects understanding of claims.

Homework: Conduct research; complete research logs.

Week TwoIn class:

Learn analytical terminology for articulating affect of researched context on understanding of argument: illuminate, clarify, develop, change, evolve, complicate.

Short writing practice using terminology. Draft intro, formulate thesis. Create outline for essay.

Homework: First rough draft.

Week Three

In class: Focused revision for transitions MLA review

Homework: Hand in 2nd rough draft for review Peer review of two rough drafts; self-review of own draft.

Week Four

Individual conferences in office.

Independent revision work.

Submission of final draft to be graded.