Heidkamp - My Voice

Goals and Objectives for Library Research Days 

• Set up research / citation tool (Scrible).
• Create a list of keywords for your research.
• Find sources using the library resources.
• Evaluate sources.
• Summarize sources using the annotated bibliography format.
• Cite sources appropriately in MLA style (minimum of two articles and one website).

My Voice - Researched Argument

Using Research and Rhetoric to Change the World

In this unit, you will research a problem you care about, propose a solution, and present a public argument that tries to effect change. Your argument will address a person or group of people who can have an impact on the problem, and you must use rhetorical strategies to sway them based on their specific values, beliefs, and actions.

See possible topics and audiences.

Research

1. Brainstorm a local or global issue that is important to you.

2. Use research databases to find accurate, credible information on your issue.

3. Find at least two sources that include arguments and evidence that your issue is a problem that needs a solution.

4. Find at least two additional sources that present arguments and evidence for a solution.

5. Collect and annotate your sources in Scrible, identifying the strongest arguments and evidence in each source.

Rhetoric, Pt I (Writing your logos-based argument)

1. Choose an audience for your argument. To which specific person or organization will you be making the argument demanding change? 

2. Write one paragraph that argues that the problem is real and having an impact on the world right now 

3. Write another paragraph that argues for a particular solution to the problem, a solution your particular audience is capable of enacting or at least participating in.

4. In both paragraphs, you should blend arguments and evidence from your research to back up your own argument, using at least two different sources in each of those paragraphs. 

Rhetoric, Pt II (Making your argument compelling through ethos and pathos)

1. Choose a form of public argument:

   1. letter

   2. video: public service announcement (PSA) or another type advertisement or video essay for your cause (I can give you access to a full version of WeVideo, a really easy-to-use program on your Chromebooks for editing video)

   3. podcast: record a presentation and discussion of the issue, with yourselves as the experts and/or interviewing other experts in the field (I can give you access to a full version of WeVideo, a really easy-to-use program on your Chromebooks for editing audio as well as video)

   4. speech/TEDtalk (you will deliver a presentation on the issue to class, who will simulate your intended audience, or even better, you will give your talk in front of the actual intended audience)

   5. other?

2. Whatever mode in which you make your public argument, use your logos-based paragraphs as a foundation, but mix in plenty of ethos and pathos to make the argument more catchy, dynamic, and memorable. If you are writing a letter, your logos-based paragraphs can form the central body paragraphs, but if you are choosing another mode, find a way to present the arguments and evidence in the way that works with your type of argument.

3. If you are writing a letter, you might consider the following format:

   1. Write an introduction that presents your argument, but also establishes exigence and your ethos as well as a possible appeal to pathos.

   2. Insert your two logos-based body paragraphs.

   3. Write a conclusion that reminds the audience of the exigence as well as makes a final appeal to pathos.

Changing the World

1. Make your argument public (send your letter or otherwise publish your PSA/podcast/speech)

2. Present your argument to class.