Analyzation of The Letter from The Birmingham Jail

English 106-2AA, 096L-X1, 106-2CA, 096L-X2 Assignment II Sundberg
For this assignment, we have read and analyzed Dr. Martin Luther King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail”. We identified areas in the letter where Dr. King revealed his ethos, and areas in which he used pathos or logos to move his audience to agree with his argument. We also identified the way that Dr. King referred to Kairos, or the timeliness of an idea.
TASKS TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE THE FIRST DRAFT IS DUE:
• Find an article that exemplifies at least two of the rhetorical principles.
• Use Sterne Library databases, such as, Opposing Viewpoints in Context
• When you have selected your article, print it and annotate the article, (or take notes on your notebook).
• Write about those principles and give examples from the article showing that the writer used rhetorical principles in making their argument.
• In order to form a good rhetorical analysis, it is necessary to notice the rhetorical strategies or devices that the author uses, such as pathos, logos, or ethos. You will want to learn the definitions of these terms so that you can use them wisely in your essay.

TRAPS TO AVOID
• Do not simply “Google” your topic; instead, use the Sterne Library Databases.
• Do not skip the annotation step; if you do this well, writing will be much easier
• Do not lump all of your points into one or two paragraphs
• Do not wait until the essay is due to begin writing!

TIPS FOR SUCCESS
• Remember to use prewriting techniques; brainstorming, clustering, freewriting, or some other (or a combination). You can use this at any stage of the writing process.
• Learn how to use the Sterne Library databases, such as CQ Researcher and Opposing Viewpoints in Context.
• Consult your textbook; what does it say about analyzing texts?
• Read your assignment sheet. Take some time to read from credible sources in order to form a good understanding of the issues discussed.
• Notice whether the material leads you to some reaction, such as an emotion, or helps you to solidify an opinion.

DUE DATES

• Rough drafts are due Tuesday, 9/22
• Expanded drafts are due Thursday, 9/24
• Peer review is Tuesday, September 29
• Final essays are due October 1 on Canvas