Given Prompt
Please select a speech, editorial, media story, or other persuasive rhetorical text that you find interesting, significant, and deserving of critical study (you might choose a text because it is especially convincing or because it fails to convince; it could be an outstanding and exemplary text or a text that you find deserving of condemnation). Drawing upon any of the theoretical concepts that we have read about or discussed in class, you should assess this text. Why do you see it as deserving of study? Was this text convincing? Why? If not convincing, why not? Who was the intended audience? How did the speaker/creator of the text view this audience? Why does this text merit praise or criticism? Was the text ethical and morally sound? What do we learn about rhetorical theory and/or the public sphere from this text or from other similar texts?
The paper is intended to flow naturally, make sure you answer the questions but transition between them without adding titles.
You can select any persersuasive rhetorical speech that you wish. I have linked Lyndon B Johnsons “We shall overcome” speech below, but feel free to use another if you are very familiar with it.
Here is the MP3 verson of the speech, utilize it to elaborate on the rhetorical choices used within the delivery of the speech.
Ensure that you list a minimum of 2-3 rhetorical devices used within the speech and commentate on the purpoose and effectiveness of them
You can also call upon other scholarly analysis’ of the speech to assist in your study. Draw connections between them and explain whether or not you agree with them. Make sure you site the sources you use in the blibliography
The paper is to be no longer than 10-12 pages including the sources page
Feel free to reach out with any questions that you have.
