Freakonomics
A Rouge Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything
Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool?
• “Freakonomics … set[s] out to explore the inner
workings of a crack gang, the truth about real estate
agents, the secrets of the Ku Klux Klan, and much
more. Through forceful storytelling and wry insight,
they show that economics is, at root, the study of
incentives – how people get what they want or need,
especially when other people want or need the same
thing.”
Freakonomics and Rhetoric
• Rhetoric is the art of persuasive speech.
• Every work of nonfiction is written to make a convincing claim –
everything is an argument.
• Freakonomics presents its reader with a number of arguments. The
effectiveness of the arguments are dependent on the author’s
rhetorical strategies: diction, syntax, tone, imagery, figurative
language, and appeals.
• While reading Freakonomics, consider not only what the book
is saying about incentive, human nature, and American society,
but also how it is saying it.
Dialectic Journal
• Using 2-column notes, copy significant
quotes from the text (words, phrases,
passages) on the left and respond to the
right. Include page numbers. (50)
• Respond to words, phrases, and passages
that are significant (reveals something
about the author, subject, or audience)
and provide only the most insightful
commentary.
• One response for every other page of text
read.
• DJ can be used later to write an analysis
essay.
Rhetorical Analysis #2
• In a 2-3 page rhetorical analysis paper, explain how Dubner
and Leavitt use rhetorical strategies to achieve their
purpose? There are many claims and arguments made
through Freakonomics – focus on merely the most significant
in your view.
• Do not merely list rhetorical strategies used. Explain how
and why they are used and their effect on the audience.
Jigsaw Presentations
• In groups of 3-4 students, you will be responsible for
presenting certain chapters of Freakonomics to the
class as a lead-in to a general class discussion.
• During the presentation, groups should focus on the
main points of Gladwell’s argument in the chapter they
were assigned (what it says), as well as the author’s
rhetorical choices (i.e. diction, syntax, imagery,
figurative language, appeals, structure, etc.) (how it
says it). Choose a rhetorically significant passage
to share with the class.
• Groups will be graded on the content shared with the
class, as well as the effectiveness of the presentation
itself (projection, eye contact, preparedness, length 5-10
minutes, etc.).
• Students in the audience should take notes based on
the groups presentation. These notes could be used
later in crafting one or both of a student’s major papers.
Reading List
• Introduction: The Hidden Side of Everything
• Chapter 1: What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common?
• Chapter 2: How is the Ku Klux Klan like a group of real estate agents?
• Chapter 3: Why do drug dealers still live with their moms?
• Chapter 4: Where have all the criminals gone?
• Chapter 5: What makes a perfect parent?
• Chapter 6: Perfect Parenting Part II.
• Epilogue: Two paths to Harvard.