THE RHETORIC OF GAMING Agenda: October 2, 2013

1. THE RHETORIC OF GAMINGAgenda: October 2, 2013 • Understanding the traits of an effective rhetorical analysis essay. • Focus on developing a strong claim & thesis statement • Evaluating sample essays

2. Developing a claim To start developing your argument, move from statement of fact to a (defendable) claim about that fact FACT CLAIM

3. Characteristics of a strong claim • Moves from fact to making a claim about that fact • Is specific and focused • It is not banal or self-evident; original and/or sophisticated or complex • Has some sense of relevance – a “So What?”

4. Questions about thesis statements Q: Does a thesis have to be one sentence? A: Not necessarily

5. Example: Instead of focusing on the storyline or gameplay, the trailer focuses on expanding their audience outside of the normal COD player by appealing to all different types of people, not limited by age, gender, or socioeconomic status, showing that it is a game for everyone. By not focusing on the storyline or game play, they look to expand the audience outside of the normal COD player and appeal to all different types of people.  The Black Ops trailer cleverly grabs the audience’s attention by showing a humorous representation of real people becoming a part of the game.  By applying this approach, Treyarch suggests that Black Ops’ playability is not limited by age, socioeconomic status, or gender. It is, in fact, a game for everyone.

6. Questions about thesis statements Q: Can a thesis list out items that I am going to discuss in my paper? A: Yes, but it may seem less sophisticated – also make sure the elements are connected

7. Example: Through a strategic use of rhetorical strategies, this Red Dead Redemption trailer puts us in the shoes of the protagonist, makes us want to be him, and shows us just how badass the Wild West really was. With narration, mystery, and illustration used to create pathos, and a very effective use of ethos, this Red Dead Redemption trailer puts us in the boots of the protagonist, makes us want to be him, and shows us just how badass the Wild West really was.

8. Example: With narration, mystery, and illustration used to create pathos, and a very effective use of ethos, this Red Dead Redemption trailer puts us in the boots of the protagonist, makes us want to be him, and shows us just how badass the Wild West really was. Playing on this emotion of darkness, the ad draws in the audience by glorifying a primitive desire for rebellion against authority. By forging an emotional connection to the protagonist of the game, John Marston, the trailer puts us in the bloody boots of an old school outlaw, blurring the lines between evil and good, and offering us the opportunity to play through the moral ambiguities of the Wild West.

9. Questions about thesis statements Q: Can the thesis use the first person? A: Possibly, but think about stylistic implications, tone, and concision METADISCOURSE

10. Example: • In this paper, I will argue that the MW2 box-art combines rhetorical concepts with its placement of images to let the customer narrate his own story of how he will defend the United States against all enemies, no matter the cost. • In fact, I think that by capturing the attention of the viewer with adrenaline pumping images of over-dramatized fighting, calling out to American nationalistic ideals, and masking the assassin, it seems that a desire to steal the identity of the masked American heroand a nationalistic yearning to defend our country is produced.

11. HOW DO WE EVALUATE A RHETORICAL ANALYSIS ESSAY? • CONCLUSION • RHETORICAL APPEALS • STRATEGIES OF DEVELOPMENT • VISUAL RHETORIC • STYLE/VOICE • DESIGN • THESIS • ANALYSIS • ARGUMENT • RHETORICAL SITUATION • EVIDENCE • INTRODUCTION • STRUCTURE

12. EVALUATING A SAMPLE ESSAY In your group, score your assigned essay according to the evaluation rubric you’ve been given. Be prepared to share your rationale for your scores with the class.