Communication Criticism Papers Guidelines:
Note: Be careful of bias – ok to pick someone you despise, but must be as free of negative and positive perspectives as possible. Let model guide your critique and arguments.
2nd Note: Must be able to produce in artifact form (example: student doing Britney Spears song – turn in manuscript of lyric, but also attended her concert and interviewed her – great to use as part of analysis because she attended symbolic act)
3rd Note: Students may not choose famous artifact with existing published critiques
Must have instructor approval before proceed.
4th Note: Use Foss chapter that supports your model choice, refer to critique examples provided in Foss at the end of chapter as well as examples in reader, and rely on class lectures/discussions.
Parts of Paper:
Part One: Introduction (which may include your research question-thesis. Include attention getter)
Part Two: Description of artifact
Rhetor: (person responsible for artifact- author/director or rhetor)
Note: Not the actor or character within the story
Occasion (time of production as well as context of story)
Ex: Platoon – about Vietnam, produced in 1980’s
Why film on Vietnam in 80’s? Backlash against
Reagan prowar/nuclear stance
Ex: Film on ship captain in 1800’s produced in 2003 Master
And Commander – why? War in Iraq and 9/11 – we
want heroes
Audience (desires, values, events we care about)
Part Three: Justification of model (briefly describe model and provide parts of it)
Remember: (If have not stated question yet, then must do so here)
The below highlighted and underlined areas are the three topic choices you have
Neo-Aristotilian (speeches only) looks for effects of persuasion examining presence of ethos,
pathos, logos, especially logos (appears reasonable)
Does this artifact create reasonable argument that persuades?
Rebirth – looking for ‘sin’ and ‘old to new’ ‘new world’ from old, sin and
Redemption
Feminism – looking for ways groups treat women, minorities. Does the artifact
Reinforce, transcend, or provide reversal of patriarchy?
Part Four: Critique of artifact using model selected providing specific examples from artifact with research support
Neo-Aristotilian: 5 canons (minus memory)
Rebirth: Guilt, Purgation (mortification, scapegoating), Rebirth
Feminism: Transcending, Reinforcing, Reversing Patriarchy
Part Five: Report findings of analysis (pass judgement) Defend your position &
arguments persuasively
Part Six: Conclusion
Part Seven: Bibliography
Grading Criteria:
10 sources…… 3 sources prior due for outline
Paper must be typed and hard copy given to instructor
Length (10-15 pgs.)
Proofread – avoid slang, informal writing style, typos, grammatical errors, etc.
(if these errors interfere with the reading and flow of text, will jeopardize
good grade)
Clear and logical organizational structure
MLA format used
Clear question attempting to answer- leading into thesis (foreshadowing of main points)
Well developed sections: rhetor, occasion, audience
Command of model
Choice of artifact – clear link with model chosen
Sources cited for support and referenced at end of paper (minimum of 10 – to make A)
Clear and relevant quotes/examples used from artifact
Well developed application of model to artifact
Persuasive report of findings (passing judgment)
Effective introduction and conclusion
Artifact provided with paper