Welcome to Unit 1!
Unit 1 Overview: Weeks 1-4
Please watch this 2-minute video for an introduction to Unit 1 and our Unit Learning Objectives.
Unit 1 Outcomes:
After completing this first unit, you will be able to identify how authors are using rhetorical moves to persuade us in our everyday lives, including in the advertisements we see everyday! It’s important to understand how and why we are motivated to buy certain products and even form the ideologies that we do. Typically, we are being persuaded to buy products or change our line of thinking through rhetorical devices. Being able to critically understand these moves can improve our critical thinking skills and make us more aware consumers.
What to Expect in Unit 1:
This unit will be divided into 4 weeks. As we progress through the unit, we will cover:
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Module 1: Introduction to Rhetoric
- Rhetorical Strategies Video Lecture
- Assignment: Rhetorical Analysis Discussion
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Module 2: Introduction to Adichie's Ted Talk and Essay 1
- Watch Adichie's Ted Talk and annotate transcript with rhetorical strategies
- Essay 1 Prompt Explanation, Outline, Sample Student Essay
- Assignment: Adichie Discussion
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Module 3: Essay 1 Peer Workshop
- Assignment: Submit your draft of Essay 1 for peer feedback (students will submit their initial draft and then read 2 student essays, answering specific questions for each paragraph--sample peer reviews will be provided)
- Module 4: Submit Essay 1
Unit Connection to Course Learning Outcomes:
This unit will be our first of five essays that we will produce. Students will
- Use transfer-level grammar, mechanics, and rhetoric.
- Analyze a student essay to recognize the patterns which make it effective in its organization and development.
- First complete a series of formative assessments--including discussions and peer review--which aim to help polish their analytical skills before being asked to construct the final draft of the paper.
- Practice using MLA citations for Adichie’s text so as to avoid plagiarism