November 23rd, 2015
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As you may know, Debate Class have just finished our second and most
demanding round of formal debates to date, Public Forum. Throughout these debates we
have practiced the elements of argument – claims, evidence and reasoning. We have also
studied the rhetorical appeals – pathos, ethos and logos. So that students can continue to
practice identifying and assessing these elements, while also celebrating our completion
of a very good round of debates, I would like to show scenes from the film My Cousin
Vinny (1992) and give a related rhetorical analysis assignment. You may know it; it is the
courtroom-based movie about New York lawyer Vinny (Joe Pesci) who has only ever
tried personal injury cases and has never won. When his teenage cousin and his friend are
accused of murder in an Alabama town, it's up to the nervous Vinny to use sound
argumentation to save them from jail.
As I recently reviewed the film, I found it both enjoyable and a clear example of
applied argument and rhetoric. This movie and accompanying assignment will serve as a
meaningful transition in preparing for our upcoming speeches and debates. Because My
Cousin Vinny is rated R for language, I would like your permission for your son or
daughter to view much of this film in class. If you prefer that they do not view this film,
an equal activity will be provided. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to ask your
son or daughter about their own progress in Debate -- I can assure you that they should
have something to say about it.
Kind regards,
Corey McCartney
Student name (printed): ____________________________________________________
____ Yes, my child can watch My Cousin Vinny.
____ No, I’d rather my child complete an alternate assignment.
Parent/Guardian signature:__________________________________________________