As a follow-up to the interview unit, students viewed the documentary film Postville (often shown twice by the instructors). The instructors used various approaches in teaching the film (choosing one or more of the following):

• analyzing film techniques and comparing a documentary to other film forms
• evaluating the use of multiple interviews/perspectives (connection to the interview unit)
• discussing diversity issues
• examining the vocabulary of different faiths
  

Rhetorical Analysis of Visual Communication

Constructing an Effective Email Message

Directions: One of the objectives of this course is to prepare you for the communicating you will do further along in your college careers and later in the workplace. And as this message itself demonstrates, email is a common method for sharing routine information. An example of a routine communication in college would be to inform one of your instructors that you will miss a class meeting. The purpose of this assignment is to have you practice that routine task.

Writing a Summary (200-250 words)

Audience and Purpose

Analyzing a Visual Argument

Assignment: Rhetorical Analysis

(minimum of 600-700 words)

Your analysis is to show how a text fulfills its purpose for a particular audience. Because this purpose is fairly open-ended, you’ll probably want to focus your analysis on certain kinds of elements the author uses to achieve his or her purpose.

To assist your readers in understanding your analysis, be sure to

• include a clear thesis statement and forecasting statements to guide the readers
• explain the context (historical background, original audience, etc.) and its connection to the essay