This document provides instructions for an assignment in a college course. Students are asked to analyze the rhetorical situation of the novel "There There" by Tommy Orange and choose a topic discussed in the novel to research for the rest of the semester. They must read parts of the novel and textbook, identify current events related to topics in the novel, and write a 4-5 page paper stating the topic they chose and why. The paper requires multiple drafts, peer review, and must follow MLA formatting guidelines. Students will be assessed on completing the drafting process, analyzing the rhetorical situation of the novel, having a clear thesis and conclusion, using proper citations, and following English conventions.

1. Unit One: Finding a Topic in the Rhetorical Situation
Purpose and Overview
In Unit One, we will pull research topics from Tommy Oranges novel There There. (PDF’s of chapters will
be provided on you bbLearn site.) Through analysis of the rhetorical situation of the novel combined
with keeping up with current news and events, you’ll decide what sparks your interest. This topic will be
what you continue to work with throughout the semester.
Requirements
This assignment requires that you read Chapter 6 and other small sections of your textbook, Becoming
Rhetorical, as well as practice close reading and basic rhetorical analysis of current events to help you
critique the ideas presented in the “Prologue” and “Interlude” sections of There There. Reflecting on your
personal response to those ideas, you will write an essay stating what topics you find relevant and
motivating. The essay should be approximately 4-5 pages in length and will need to follow MLA
formatting and citation guidelines (to include a works cited page).
What you will need to do
Zero Draft:
Read both the “Prologue” and “Interlude” to There There. Start a document and write about your
response to the arguments presented. Research the rhetorical situation of the novel.
a. Who are the communicators?
b. What is the message of the text?
c. Who is the audience for the text?
d. What is the exigence for the text?
e. What is the text’s purpose? What does it hope to achieve?
f. What is the text’s material means of communication?
Working Draft:
Read Chapter 6 and start a list of current events (at least 5) that you find interesting, or that catch your
eye, and that speak to arguments, themes, or ideas presented in There There. Start a document for these
events and keep checking up on the situation throughout the week.
Rough Draft:
Write the first draft of your essay that tells your audience what arguments, themes, or ideas from the
novel you find relevant (or maybe irrelevant). Back up your decision with proof from your current events
journal/document.
Peer Review:
Bring a hard copy of your rough draft to class. Find a partner to switch your work. Write a letter
(directions on bbLearn) to your peer after reviewing their essay.
Step Four:
After peer review, revise your essay and submit on bbLearn by Sunday, February 9th, by 11:59pm.

2. Assessment
The following outcomes will be used as the means for assessing your work for this assignment:
• I have submitted four drafts along with the peer review letter I wrote.
• I have spent time to identify the rhetorical situation of the novel.
• I have a thesis that clearly maps out the arguments, themes, or ideas from the novel that resonate
with my current events.
• I have a clear conclusion as to what argument, theme, or idea I will use for the rest of the semester.
• I have correctly used MLA formatting, style, and citations (this includes a works cited page).
• I have correctly followed the conventions of English appropriate for my assigned audience and
genre.
Not Yet—something is
missing and/or major
revision is needed
Moving Towards
Expectations—some
revision is needed
Meets Expectations—
no revision is needed
I have submitted four
drafts along with the
peer review letter I
wrote.
C (Missing draft(s)
and the peer review
letter)
B (Missing the peer
review letter)
A (Can receive an A if
all is present)
I have spent time to
identify the rhetorical
situation of the novel.
1-2 3-4 5-6
I have a thesis that
clearly maps out the
arguments, themes, or
ideas from the novel
that resonate with my
current events.
1-2 3-4 5-6
I have a clear conclusion
as to what argument,
theme, or idea I will use
for the rest of the
semester.
1-2 3-4 5-6

3. I have correctly used MLA
formatting, style, and
citations (this includes a
works cited page).
1-2 3-4 5-6
I have correctly followed the
conventions of English
appropriate for my assigned
audience and genre.
1-2 3-4 5-6