Stratagems: Arguing Issues for Writers

This multi-genre reader for freshman composition examines all aspects of the rhetorical argument. From persuasive ads, cartoons, screen plays, debates, interviews, professional and student essays, lyrics and graphic novels, every output is discussed by the authors to establish a foundation for seeing arguments, reading and annotating arguments and writing arguments. The building of more sophisticated stratagems and more modern approaches to rhetorical situations, including conspiracy and gaming theories, becomes essential if students wish to understand the impact of their arguments and the arguments of others and to participate in discussing the issues of today in a global community. Intended Market: Meant for use in a second semester course in composition or a first semester course with an emphasis on argument and global issues. This reader/rhetoric uses a multi-genre, visual, aural approach to writing to reach an audience that is more media orientated. Unique Features --The mission of the book is to foster literacy awareness by uncovering, analyzing and researching the deeper meanings of the argumentative messages in a variety of genres. --A multi-genre, multi-modal approach provides a beginning writer with more options for addressing the audience and finding a suitable voice for different rhetorical situations. --Aural and visual components of the text offer other dimensions for rhetorical exploration of argument and audience by providing examples of court cases, speeches, screenplays, lyrics, graphics, ads, comics and debates. --A wide variety of cross-media formats, rhetorical strategies and approaches, and stimulating issues allow for maximum instructional flexibility.