For this assignment, you must choose either Option 1 or Option 2. Scroll down the page to find the marking criteria for both Option 1 and Option 2.
Option 1: A case study
Conduct a study of persuasive communication in the public sphere. The study should be based on an analysis of four (4) speeches, and the rhetorical strategies and techniques used in those speeches to engage and influence an audience.
The speeches should form a coherent group in some way; for example, you might choose speeches that:
· are from the same creator (a person or position)
· respond to the same or similar situation
· are in the same genre or sub-genre
· are on the same topic or address the same issue
or that form a coherent group in some other way.
You may choose one or more of the speeches in Great Speeches or Reading List, but any speech chosen for this assignment must differ from those chosen for your first assignment. You may also choose one or more speeches not included in unit materials (see ‘Further requirements’ below).
Write an academic essay on your study. Your essay should justify your choice of speeches and analyze the speeches from a rhetorical perspective. Provide a 100-word abstract at the start of the essay. Include the abstract in the word-count.
Frame your analysis so that it has ONE (1) primary critical focus, chosen from the following:
either
Formal analysis
Identify the formal features of the texts and the ways in which these features contribute to rhetorical purposes. Give particular attention to the use of reasoning and evidence. This will also involve some consideration of the cultural and ideological values embedded in the texts. Identify any rhetorical strategies and techniques that recur across the texts.
or
Cultural or ideological analysis
Identify the particular value systems, cultural assumptions, and constructions of reality evident in the texts, and the ways in which they are embedded in the texts and contribute to the rhetorical purpose. This will also involve some consideration of the formal features of the texts. Identify any rhetorical strategies and techniques that recur across the texts.
Further requirements
Provide details of the four speeches in your reference list. If one of your chosen speeches is not in Great Speeches or Reading List, you must provide a copy or a transcript of it at the end of your assignment.
You are expected to support your study with reputable sources, including unit readings and sources obtained through research beyond unit materials.
Use AGPS referencing. Do not include the references in the word count.
Option 2: Speechwriting and reflection
You must complete both Part A and Part B if you choose Option 2.
PART A: Speech
Choose one of the following speech situations, and prepare a 1500 word speech to be delivered by the speaker nominated:
either
A speech by the current Vice-Chancellor of University of New England (UNE) at a UNE graduation ceremony, about the value of a university education
or
A speech made by a Federal Minister of the Parliament of Australia on a visit to the city or town where you live, or close to where you live. The speech should be about the future of the city or town, as that future relates to the Minister’s portfolio. Choose one Minister and portfolio from the current ministry list. If you live outside of Australia, you may choose a political leader of equivalent standing (that is, somebody with responsibility for, e.g., health, education, or transport in your country). Indicate the following details at the top of the page on which the speech begins:
·
o Name of Minister
o Portfolio (that is, Minister for … )
o Likely venue for the speech.
Regardless of which speech situation you choose, you should supply only the printed text of the speech (that is, the words to be spoken). Do not provide a recording of the speech or indications of its delivery.
For the purpose of this exercise, you are asked to cite all sources that inform this speech; that is, any direct and indirect quotations must be shown as such by an in-text reference in the speech itself, by using AGPS referencing.
PART B: Reflection
Write a 2500 word academic essay that identifies the rhetorical strategies and techniques employed in the speech. Give reasons for their choice in terms of rhetor, topic area, genre, or other relevant considerations. In your answer, include the comment on both:
·
o the formal features of your speech (for example, structure, and any use of reasoning and evidence), and the ways in which these features contribute to the rhetorical purpose
o the particular value systems, cultural assumptions, and constructions of reality evident in your speech, and the ways these are embedded in your speech and contribute to the rhetorical purpose.
Relate your answer primarily to key ideas and theories covered this trimester, but also note those speeches by others (from unit materials or elsewhere) that influenced your choice of rhetorical strategies and techniques.
Further requirements
Both your speech and your essay should be informed by reputable sources, including sources obtained through research beyond unit materials. All sources used in this assignment (that is, for the speech itself and for the reflection) should appear in one list of references at the end of the essay, using AGPS referencing. Do not include the list of references in the word count.
Marking criteria for Option 1 and Option 2
· Understanding of key ideas and theories of rhetoric and rhetorical criticism, as covered in study guides for weeks 1-12
· Ability to identify (Option 1), or apply and identify (Option 2), rhetorical strategies and techniques, and relate them to rhetorical purpose
· Coherence of essay (Option 1) or coherence of speech and essay (Option 2), and quality of argument (including use of relevant unit readings and reputable sources beyond unit materials, and appropriate textual evidence to support key points in the essay)
· Compliance with assignment instructions, and standard of written expression (grammar, punctuation, spelling, conciseness, vocabulary), presentation, and citation and referencing of sources using AGPS style.For more information on Persuading the Public Rhetoric in Public Affairs read this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_rhetoric
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