
PROOF AND PERSUASION:
The Rhetoric of Scientific Integrity
FALL 2023
© 2023 by Cynthia Shearer
CYNTHIA SHEARER
419-H REED HALL
BOX 297700
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
PHONE EXT: 817.257.6593
ENGLISH 20803 - WRITING AS ARGUMENT
Section 63:MWF @ 2 p.m. in Reed 221
Cynthia Shearer, Instructor
OFFICE HOURS: 1 - 2 p.m. MW in Reed 419_H
WEB ADVOCACY ASSIGNMENT
English 20803
Advocacy Web Site
Fall 2023
Section 63/Shearer
Using your entire semester’s worth of research, graphics, images, essays and media assignments, construct an advocacy web site based on your research topic and your findings, using a Wix.com template. The site will need to meet the criteria below:
Evidence-Based Advocacy
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Clearly prove the exigence of an existing problem in human society.
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Follow scientific integrity: privilege evidence at the meta-analytic level, but indicate awareness of any important work at the pilot study level.
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Suggest an evidence-based specific call to action or policy change.
Assume a Leadership Role
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Shoulder responsibility for educating the public or audience about the problem. Use “catch and release” and fair use to publicize high-level research in layman’s terms.
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Use a "big net" approach so that your arguments will impact various levels of power: individuals free to make a choice, professionals who can change the way they practice, and public policymakers who can implement wide-reaching changes.
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Suggest a realistic call to action. Use your arbitration experience to attract opponents to your point of view.
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Direct your audience to any relevant, larger agencies or advocacy groups that affect public policy changes. (examples: FDA or American Cancer Society).
Acknowledge and Refute Opposing Points of View:
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Educate the public about the opposing point of view.
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Offer a counter-argument or rebuttal of opposing sides’ evidence.
Orchestrate Your Campaign:
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Create a 2-part media campaign: Wix + Twitter feed
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Link to “kindred spirit” web sites.
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Use multiple links to other sites that will reinforce your message and support your cause.
Comply With Copyright Law and Fair Use (images and text)
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Acknowledge sources in an unobtrusive way; use hyperlinks wherever possible.
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Use photo credits where due, with hyperlinks, or transformational use.
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Use no more than 10% of an original source.
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Place your own copyright notice at the bottom of home page and all others.
Use Basic Branding Elements:
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Send a clear signal, using a consistent message and call to action.
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Use the basic “key” branding elements: template respect, typography/fonts, consistent color palette, consistent style for images.
Final Project Advocacy Website Grading Checklist
Navigation Bar
Tab 1: Home page
Tab 2:
Tab 3:
Tab 4: optional
Website Content Checklist
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Use of 4 types of evidence: anecdotal, testimonial, analogous, quantitative
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Use of 5 classical argument components: intro, background, evidence, rebuttal, call to action
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1 embedded Youtube video or TEDTalk
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Photo credits where appropriate
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Copyright & Fair Use compliance
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Twitter feed linked to site
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Leadership: FAQ
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Leadership: links to relevant laws & warrants
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Conflict Resolution/ mini-essay
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Recommended links or readings (bibliography)