Possible writing assignments illuminating the social context of writing: 4 categories of genres. Different audiences.

Note: I still need to select readings to use as mentor texts.—JW

Unit 2, draft 5-3-2020. Researching genres of writing in the world

Out of the things you read in the world, find two or more examples of each category. Then write a rhetorical analysis of the 2 texts/documents/information package. Analyze the genre, the audience, language choice, tone, seriousness, the multi-modal design presentation, the packaging of the information and the effectiveness of delivering the message. What is the social context of the writing? Why did the person write the text? Who was his intended audience? What language did he use and why? What are the rules or the requirements of the genre?

You will then write one text in each of the categories below. Use multi-modal elements if possible. You might start by writing a brief reflection discussing who is your reader? How do you communicate effectively? How serious or light-hearted are you going to be? Or what is the social context of the document or text you are writing? What are you trying to achieve with the text you are writing?

1.Personal/everyday/social media category (brief, quick, low stakes)

Daily to-do list or weekly schedule

Text message thread with photos/Social media post thread

Personal diary/journal

Letter or email to friend or family member on an important topic

Descriptive profile of self or person you know

Music or movie review

2.Work/professional/ official business documents (short or medium, low stakes)

Ingredient list on food product vs recipe

Restaurant menu

Business letter—returning an item that was unsatisfactory

Description of item for sale online—sales copy, e.g. real estate listing

Online photo essay

Interview of a person or persons to be published online

Case history of a person in social services (?)

Commercial, advertisement video or static online—analyze

Police report—compare to Janet Boyd

Eulogy for relative or obituary

Wedding speech for friend, toast

3.Literary genres including entertainment/media (longer time to develop, but low stakes on grade)

Poem (set of 3)

Fictional short story—first draft

Nonfiction narrative/Memoir/Personal essay

Idea for a television series/movie/video game; with outline or plan or design

4.Academic genres (higher stakes????)

Metacognitive Reflection

Thesis focused essay

Research paper or review of sources

Science lab report

Learning objectives

• Read and listen critically and analytically in a variety of genres and rhetorical situations.
• Use research as a process of inquiry and engagement with multiple perspectives.
• Demonstrate the social and ethical consequences of writing.

Unit 3. Writing in a new genre. Rewrite one of your texts in another genre. ***Language From Julia A: In Unit 3, you will be using your research from Unit 2 to compose a document/artifact in a new genre. You might want to write a newspaper article or a children’s book, compose a short story or create a video essay. There will be no new research done.

You need to consider your audience and the best way to communicate with them. This will help guide your genre. You also want to consider the purpose of your final product. What do you want the audience to walk away from the experience of your piece with? Your final product can contain pictures or sound, but it must contain at least 2000 words as well.

Learning Objectives:

• Read and listen critically and analytically in a variety of genres and rhetorical situations.

        Compose in 21^st Century Environments.