BHSU
Lorna Richey
THE RHETORIC OF POP CULTURE
This is a research writing class and as such the focus will remain on writing; however,
writing cannot occur in a vacuum. Writers need topics, and I will be helping to supply those
topics by introducing ideas and concepts that cover a wide focus. This course will utilize “ . . . a
rhetorical approach to the study of U.S. popular culture and examine, both at the theoretical level
and through specific case studies, the role of popular culture in the U.S. as a mediator of cultural
values and attitudes. Rhetorical analysis will reveal popular culture as a source of cultural
meanings, as a reflection of existing cultural meanings, and as an instrument for the negotiation
and re-creation of cultural meanings.” –Barry Brummett from Rhetoric in Popular Culture
ASSIGNMENTS:
Assignment #1: Conjecture Essay
In this assignment, you are asked to study an issue in order to discover how that issue is
depicted by different groups of people. Depiction of a state of affair is called “conjecture” in
rhetoric. This assignment asks you to research and explain a public debate about which there is a
range of opinion. The issue you pick might be as local as BHSU or an organization to which you
belong, or it might be a national and international matter that has caught the attention of the
national media. Whatever you write about, you will “map” the conjectural dispute that the issue
has inspired.
Assignment # 2: Defending a Claim of Fact, Value, or a Claim of Policy
Using the information you learned in Chapters 4 & 5 of Elements of Argument,
choose a topic and defend a Claim of Fact, (p. 109) a Claim of Value, (p. 113) or a Claim of
Policy (p 123). Make sure that your claim or proposal is clearly stated, define ambiguous or
controversial or terms, make sure that your evidence is appropriate and fulfills the criteria,
establish the need for change if applicable, consider and refute opposing arguments. Support your
argument with specific examples, solid data, and appropriate quotes as proof. Order your
arguments to create emphasis, and remember to always stress the strongest points at the end of
your essay.
You will need at least 4 resources for this assignment. Two sources must be scholarly
journals. In addition, the essay should be at least five full pages or between 5-6 pages long.
Assignment #3: Causal Analysis & Solution Paper
Find a problem for which you have strong feelings and one that has several solutions. In
this essay you will analyze all of the aspects of the problem and the solutions; however, you will
choose one solution which you feel best solves the problem, and you will emphasize the
importance or significance of this solution.
The placement or ordering of your arguments helps create emphasis. Remember to
always stress the strongest points toward the end of your essay.
You will need at least 5 resources for this assignment. Three sources must be Scholarly
Journals, and you may have no more than 2 internet sources. In addition, the essay should be at
least five full pages or between 5-6 pages long.
Assignment #4: Oral Presentation and Analysis of a Pop Culture Issue
 Length: The presentations should be approximately 5-10 minutes with at least that much
discussion afterwards.
 Review three articles thoroughly. Two articles must be scholarly journals from the BHSU
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library website. Make sure any other online source is a reputable one.
Identify the titles of the articles, their sources, and the authors. Some background on the
author may be helpful.
State the theses. What are the arguments and how do the authors “prove” their arguments?
Synthesize, analyze, and interpret the arguments including their effectiveness.
Give specific examples from the articles—show don’t tell. Include the methods used for
developing and proving their arguments.
Refutation should be discussed and explored or discounted.
Include a visual component with your presentation such as a powerpoint presentation or
colored overheads/pictures for “Elmo.”
Speak loudly and clearly without reading word-for-word
Assignment #5: Final Argumentative Research Essay
Throughout the semester we will be exploring possible topics and ideas for the final
research paper. This essay will be the culmination of the readings, discussions, and activities
shared in this course. The 5-6 page paper will be a critical argumentative analysis on a topic
relating to diversity that personally intrigues you. Thorough research will be involved; included
will be at least 3 scholarly journal references with a total of at least 6 reputable outside sources.
Assignment #6: Course Final
All English 201 students are required to take a written final exam. This exam date will
probably be May 7th from 1: 30-2:45. Please bring a Blue Book exam form to class with you.
(These can be purchased in the BHSU Bookstore.) You will also be allowed to bring a
dictionary/thesaurus and your Penguin Handbook to this exam.