316: Rhetorical Features of the Controversy Paper Format

I. Introduction
a. Introduce your topic
b. Thesis statement (explain why you selected this topic)
c. Purpose statement (why does investigating this topic matter)
d. Preview main points for analysis

II. Methodology

a. Methodological framework: describe rhetorical criticism
b. Why is rhetorical crit the best framework for analysis of your controversy
c. Describe the method of analysis you used; content analysis, media analysis, critical

theory, etc.

III. Analysis
a. Rhetorical features – identify and explain the rhetorical features of your controversy

i. Power
ii. Spheres

iii. Distrust
iv. Ideographs

b. Rhetorical strategy
i. Explain how the rhetorical features of your controversy work in the public

sphere
ii. What messaging have you discovered is favored, conveyed, promoted through

the rhetorical features you examined.

IV. Conclusion
a. Remind readers of your thesis
b. Remind readers of your purpose for exploring this phenomenon
c. Succinctly review each of your main points showing readers how they all fit together;

how does an understanding of the rhetorical features of your controversy help you
situate your controversy for further investigation

d. Tell readers what is different now that you have undertaken this research project; what
has changed?

Format requirements:
*APA (including cover page, abstract, and references)
*In text citations
*Papers will be submitted through SafeAssign