This is a self-paced (pre-recorded) version of my very popular live Art of Argument--Rhetorical Analysis--AP English Language and Composition course.  

Everything is an argument.  In both our visual and print world, we are constantly bombarded with persuasive ideas.  To understand and interpret the arguments in the world around us, we should study the art of rhetoric.  Rhetoric is defined as, "the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques."

This course will explore and discuss the process of rhetorical analysis.  This course can function as a review and practice for the AP ( Advanced Placement ) English Language and Composition exam as I am an AP authorized teacher, or can stand alone in the study of rhetorical analysis and writing.  This class is ESL friendly.

Students will study the art of argument in select non-fiction pieces to understand how arguments are constructed, what are argument techniques, and also what fallacies that might weaken arguments.  Along with deconstructing arguments, students will also explore how to build their own arguments through rhetorical analysis essay writing--both analyzing non-fiction texts, as well as writing argumentative essays of their own.  

As a flexible schedule version of my Rhetorical Analysis course, this course will offer no live class meetings.  Instead, your student will have access to a class recording weekly to watch, as well as additional written and visual documents to augment the recording.  Each week, students are expected to respond to a discussion question on the message board, as well as to respond to at least 2 other student's responses.  We will create a healthy group discussion through messages to engage with the contents of the recordings.  The student will also have various quizzes and interactive assignments to check their understanding of the video content.  This course will involve group brainstorming projects to be completed interactively, as well as a peer review process to ensure maximum interaction during the class, creating a workshop feel during the 8 weeks.  Also each week, student's will have an opportunity to complete their own longer writing assignments related to the class content and to receive individualized teacher feedback.  I will be available for office hours and meetings throughout the course by appointment to work with your schedule and your time zone. 

Week 1-What is rhetorical analysis?  SOAPSTone method
Week 2-Types of Arguments
Week 3-Rhetorical style
Week 4-Argumentative essays
Week 5-Rhetorical Appeals
Week 6-Rhetorical Analysis Essays
Week 7-Visual Sources and Syntax
Week 8-Fallacies