The elements of rhetorical analysis

Background

We’ve been studying the elements of rhetorical analysis for a number of weeks, and at this point in the course, we are ready to consider how we can coordinate our knowledge of different rhetorical dimensions to better understand a communicative act. Before that, though, it might be a good idea to stop and reflect on how your reading and writing literacies have evolved/are evolving.

Purpose

In this journal, you will have the opportunity to consider your reading and writing practices at this particular point in time. Insofar as we have been learning quite a bit about rhetorical reading and writing, you might be surprised by what you find.

Skills and Outcomes

Comparing past senses of your reading and writing practices to current ones (Rhetorical Knowledge; Critical Thinking, Reading and Composing)

Recognizing the significance of changes to one’s own literacies (Critical Thinking, Reading and Composing; Processes)

Habits of Mind Practiced

Engagement
Responsibility
Metacognition

Tasks

First, reflect on your past reading and writing literacies and how they have changed throughout the course. What stands out among the things you have learned? How are you approaching writing and reading tasks differently?

Second, consider the significance of these changes. What effects have these changes had in your life (or what effects might these changes have in the future for you)? How has your thinking about reading, writing, and the world changed?

Note: there are many different ways to approach these tasks, but you should aim to be as thorough as possible in your response (approximately 500 words is a good target length).

Criteria for Success

In each Writer's Journal, you should:

clearly address each question or task;
employ many details, examples, and explanations in answering each question or task; and,
create an internally-organized text, employing sentences (or notes where applicable) that clearly relate to one another.

Sample Solution