For the weblog:

Just provide a two paragraph summary like the example in the book (82-83). As you can see, one of these 2 paragraphs is devoted to the articulation of the main thesis and the supporting reasons that are invoked to back it up. The other paragraph shall be devoted to (depending on the argument) the argument’s awareness of the opposite point of view in the form either of explicit support for its underlying assumptions or response to counterarguments. As you know some argument pay attention to this aspect and some don’t hence my “depending on the argument.”

Ask the students to find fault with the argument (to critique it from a doubting perspective: find fault with its use evidence (logos), use of pathos (appeals to emotions), and attention or lack of attention to opposite viewpoints).

Students should refer to particular parts of the passage (page and paragraph cited with direct brief examples or quotations) with specificity to support their critique (otherwise it is pointless). This will be at most one paragraph long.

For the presentation:

Establish the argumentative conversation the argument is a part of (a contextual narrative that situates its main claim in a bigger context with counterarguments). To do this, you could articulate and briefly explain the counterargument to which this argument is a reaction.

Follow that up with a rhetorical analysis of the argument pointing out both its rhetorical strengths and its weaknesses. Restate the thesis and the mains reasons supporting it. Evaluate the evidence used in terms of STAR criteria (89-90). Evaluate the reliance on emotions (pathos) or Logos (use of logical and accurate reasoning, use of credible sources etc) and how these enhance or undermine the credibility of the writer for a larger audience.

Pick two of the best responses from the weblog and explain why they were the best!

Conclude your powerpoint presentation with a list of further questions!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Letters from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King

After a non-violent protest in the merchant section of Birmingham Alabama, Martin Luther King Jr. is put in county jail. There he recieves a letter from local clergyman proclaiming his decisions to be rash and unneccesary. In which they understand a part of King's struggle, but felt his actions to be against the public safety. Mr. King writes back with a letter stating that his "actions" were not only loong overdue, but well in the means of what needed to be done. The black Americans have long been segrgated at this time and were seeking integration. Birming Alabama was one of the most segrated cities in the South. When the clergymen praised the police force for their actions, King criticized that the police were violen and lashed out against minorities. The clergymen also pointed out how impatient Mr. King was. This was replied with they were already waiting for such a long time, and they could wait no longer. For every criticism the local clergymen had to offer, the civil rights activist had a long and awesome response.

Martin Luther King did an excellent job of considering his audience's perspective. He knew since his audience were preachers that they would have a religous perspective of things. So Mr. King made sure to put many biblical remarks about Jesus and Moses (626). Since Mr. King could read exactly what the clergyman's opinions were, he could directly answer them all. He covered the civil rights activists' patience, the timing of the march, unlawful arresting, and even his dissapointment in the church's role in civil rights. But his biased opinion leaves much to be undecided. Were his actions in good correlation with what the citizens of Birmingham wanted? Did he carefully consider the clergymen's point of view? Most people would say yes.
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1 comment:

  1. Bria JohnsonOctober 23, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    I think Mr. King was very respectful in his answer to his audience. By using biblical quotes he was able to provide factual evidence to back up his claims. Not only did he back up his claims, since they were clergymen they could specifically relate and understand his methods, whether they wanted to or not. Doctor King, of course was right, making his claim that his actions were long over due. Clearly today, we can see that his actions were much need and that society is a better place because of his confidence and courageous actions.

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