Windmills & Giants

Here's a link to my blog post on the video we watched today.  In it, you'll find a link to the morality scale site (oops, there's another one), as well as a link to TED.com (dang).

Here's the stereotype/bias test that MB brought up in class the other day (and posted a comment on earlier.

Lastly, here is what we didn't cover in class today:

Some of you have already written an argument for our weekly analyses.  This time, instead of responding an argument that has already been published, you will be creating your own.  By my count, each of you has analyzed and discussed at least 18 articles; now it's time to get your own voice to paper! 

1.   Use the general topic of your books as a starting point (and source, if appropriate; this is where the journal comes in handy) for your outline
2.   Discuss the issue with your friends or parents
3.   Address any counter-arguments
4.   Revise your outline
5.   Flesh out the outline in the form of an article 

As always, there is no length requirement for this assignment; write as much as is necessary to fully argue your point.  You will be turning in your outline along with the finished article.  We'll briefly discuss this in class tomorrow, and devote Friday to brainstorming ideas and discovering sources.

Challenge

The above is the complete assignment.  However, if you are feeling comfortable with creating a written argument and would like an alternative challenge (for no additional points; this is simply a greater test of your skills), follow the directions above to step 4, then continue below.

1.   With your outline in mind, consider the most efficient means of communicating your argument to your intended audience (see below for possible ideas)
2.   Revise your outline, eliminate unnecessary content with the aim of presenting the most important information in the least amount of space
3.   Come up with a strong hook (a brief, cogent slogan; an appropriate image; a solid pitch)
4.   Follow your hook with enough information to get your audience to do something (find more information, donate time, etc.)

• A written argument is often the most effective means of changing a person's opinion, but what if you are spreading awareness amongst a small audience?
• Visuals (posters, stickers, advertisements) are often an excellent way to raise awareness of an issue without requiring extended attention from an audience
• Cinema (short advertisements, viral video), while a form of visual media, requires more attention, but can deliver more information

We have not spent much time on visual arguments yet, so you will need to do some research (look around the internets, check out advertisements and public service announcements, come see me) to get a feel of the rhetoric of visual persuasion before you begin.  Please see me if you would like to attempt this assignment; in addition to your visual, you will be required to turn in your outline and an analysis of your work.