Answer a couple of the following inquiries, NOTE: I am NOT asking for your opinion of the president or his political party here. We are all rhetorical critics examining an "artifact" (The Speech) objectively, ok? So using your class vocabulary and book knowledge so far consider:
What would you say was the "thesis" or resolution of of our president's S of the U message? (Remember the resolution is worded on the govt side/the affirmative side/that is the side promoting CHANGE in a debate setting)--What is the status quo response to the president? (The negative side of the big issues or the side that resists any changes is the status quo). What points seemed to go over well? What was controversial? How does President Obama set up the more controversial material to make it less "upsetting" for opponents? When and what type of evidence does he use for his arguments? Is this speech persuasive? What has become of the refrain "yes we can" associated with the presidents' election? Do we still hear it? What new catch phrases are repeated during this speech and how does the repetition effect the audience?
Visit this site for some things to listen for and try not to repeat what others post, rather extend and add on to other ideas and responses --join the conversation! http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/104895/20110125/top-six-themes-of-state-of-the-union-address-2011-preview.htm
Please email any questions about your advocacy papers which are due next Tuesday, wheeleSacrc.losrios,edu--I will see you then, this blog is open until next TH before class fyi
