For your next major written assignment, you will be performing a rhetorical analysis of the film "Homeroom." Your primary task here will be to describe how the filmmakers make their argument, how they present the things they want readers to believe (i.e., their claims) in a way that they think their audience will receive favorably.
It is crucial that you be aware: a rhetorical analysis describes HOW an argument works to make its point. It discusses the appeals, the audience, the rhetorical devices, and every feature of the craft of writing or filmmaking or editing. While you need to understand what the text's (in this case, the "text" is a film) claim is, the point of this essay is not to discuss that claim or argue for or against it, but rather to explain to your reader how the film creates an argument through these various strategies.
Thus, your essay should be an example of critical thinking at work. Rather than responding as a passive consumer of the argument, you’ll be an active, thoughtful, and skeptical commentator on the rhetorical strategies it uses. Ultimately, you might agree or disagree with the film —which “side” you take is not necessarily important or even relevant—but in any case your essay will enable your readers to see how "Homeroom" is a deliberate construction that advances a specific perspective for a particular audience.
Assignment Details
Write an approximately 1500 word essay that helps your reader understand how "Homeroom" uses the persuasive strategies we’ve read about and discussed in class to make their argument. Your task here is to analyze, rather than to summarize or advance your own perspective about the issues the film raises. Examine the following concepts: audience, point of view, bias, credibility; appeal to ethos, logos, and pathos; rhetorical strategies/devices (at least three).
Double-space your paper, follow MLA formatting guidelines, and observe the conventions of academic writing. If you rely on other sources, ensure you’ve documented them appropriately and accurately. When you cite from the film, put the timestamp in parentheses.
