COMS 444 – FINAL PAPER

First Half Due Date: Nov. 25 by 11:59PM

First Half Points Worth: 50 points

APA or MLA Format (consistency is important)

Your first half will be the first three sections (intro, description, theory) of your final paper. You may also use this to finalize ideas you have for the rest of your final paper, but the requirements only include the first three sections. You should have at least two academic sources in this first half.

Grading note: As you submit your paper, you will notice a comments section. In this section, submit a grade for yourself based on the rubric below. The prompt will have more information on what I hope you do with this prompt. I will average this grade with the grade I believe you earned. The rubric is below for the first draft and on the third page for the final draft.

Peer Evaluation: Due Dec. 6 by 11:59PM (Due on Canvas. Use the prompt on Canvas for the five questions you must answer.)

Peer Evaluation Points Worth: 25 points

Performed in class

Final Paper Due Date: Dec. 9 by 11:59PM

Final Paper Points Worth: 100 points

APA or MLA Format (consistency is important)

Final Paper Length: 8-10 pages

With this paper, you will be analyzing a piece of political rhetoric. This can include a political event, a campaign, a commercial, a social movement, or anything else that you can convince me is political rhetoric. Previous topics have included a campaign speech by President Trump House of Cards, anti-Obamacare commercials, Hillary Clinton, and a chapter in a book by Stephen Colbert. You will have time in class to get feedback on some of your topic ideas.

Source Requirements: Minimum of five academic sources, 3 of which must be OUTSIDE the class readings.

This paper will be broken into these seven parts:

I.Intro (1-2 paragraphs)

II.Description of the piece of political rhetoric (include a few research questions at the end of this section) (1-2 pages)

III.Summary of a theory(ies) or concepts you are using (be careful of going overboard with too many, usually 1-2 is just enough) (1-2 pages)

IV.An analysis or critique of the piece of political rhetoric using the above theory to ground your opinion (2-3 pages)

V.Discussion of what this analysis means for political rhetoric as a whole (1-2 pages)

VI.Conclusion (1-2 paragraphs)

VII.Reference page/Works cited

This is the prompt but you only have to do the first half of the assignment the 3 pages “I.Intro (1-2 paragraphs)

II.Description of the piece of political rhetoric (include a few research questions at the end of this section) (1-2 pages)

III.Summary of a theory(ies) or concepts you are using (be careful of going overboard with too many, usually 1-2 is just enough) (1-2 pages)” NOT the 8 pages final paper!!! Please let me know the political rhetoric you chose to use before writing the paper. I will attach some articles which are needed if you would like more options let me know.