So, we’ll start out getting back the quizzes and luxuriating in our newfound feelings of brilliance. We’ll see how long they last.

Then, I want to look at 2 sections of “Letter” to get our rhetorical analysis brains in gear.  Paragraph 14. Paragraphs 20-21.

Now, it’s peer editing time.

Reader #1: Check to see that  1) it’s clear what sections of the Letter are being discussed 2) what strategy is being identified 3) that  the grammar and mechanics are reasonably correct

Reader #2: Analyze the depth of analysis of the passages. Does the writer do a good job of explaining not only what the strategy is, but also the reasoning behind that strategy and its effectiveness or connection to other parts of the letter. Does the writer go beyond the obvious and delve into 2nd and 3rd order thinking.

Then, I plan on giving you time to work.

HW: Papers due on Thursday.

First, the quiz.  Good luck. Rock, you will.

Then, we’ll take a biggish break before we tackle MLK’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” Here’s the paper assignment based on the piece.

We might also take a little time to think and talk about the America’s Next Top Pundit contest.

HW: First draft due. Identify 5-8 passages from Letter and note the  strategies and commentary you want to make.

Ok, so quizzes are back and we’ll need to talk a bit about what to do about them. We might need to go back and teach a few things and/or have students who are still wrapping their brains around the ideas come see me for a STAR or two.

Now, just to make sure that you have Fact–>Claim–>Warrant down perfect.  Go here and read this George Will article. Identify fact, claim, and warrant. And then we’ll talk.

Next, we’re on to rhetorical figures.  I think we need a bit of study. So, in small groups, you’ll have a set of note cards. Break up the terms so that everyone has an equal amount. On one side of the card, put the term name (e.g. paraprosdokian) and on the other side write an example of that term.  When we’re done, we’ll exchange cards and quiz each other.  And then, take a little online quiz individually.

Finally, I want to look at a bit from “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” and start talking about how all of these techniques work in the hand of a master writer.

HW: I’ll give you a specific paragraph from “Letter” for you to look at with a microscope. First, identify the technique and then second, attempt to explain why King would use it. What is his purpose and strategy?

We’ll start with Letter presentations.  I’ll give you 5-10 minutes to get started.

Next, I want to talk about rhetorical figure. Below is a list of 10 figures. Each group will be responsible for 2 figures to write a short flyer for. Each flyer will have the name of the figure, a quick definition, an example, and a picture that helps students understand what is being described.

1.    Code Grooming
2.    Phronesis: Common sense
3.    Kairos
4.    Analogy
5.    Allusion
6.    Hyperbole
7.    Eutrepismus
8.    Prolepsis or Procatelepsis
9.    Polysyndeton
10.    Rhetorical Question

Also, see these larger lists (here and here) to get an idea of the variety of figures out there.

Finally, we’ll take a stab at On Lying in Bed by G.K. Chesterton.Read and analyze the rhetorical strategies using Logos, Pathos, and Ethos as a guide.

HW: I want to have a short quiz over the LEP lectures and these figures on Wednesday.