reading + 700 words

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So, what is a critique? Right. A critique is a special kind of argument, where a critic informs a potential reader or audience member if a piece is worth reading (or watching). It is also often intended to help the author of a piece of rhetoric to improve the piece, or future pieces. For this class, the second goal is most important, of course.

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According to the famous writer Thomas Mann An art whose medium is language will always show a high degree of critical creativeness, for [communication] is itself a critique of life: it names, it characterizes, it passes judgment, in that it creates. Thus, all writing—even all communication--is to some extent critique.

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However, according to Behrens and Rosen, where will we find formal critiques in college? Right. Research Papers critique sources to establish their usefulness

Position Papers can stake out positions by critiquing other positions

Book Reviews are pure critique

Essay Exams demonstrate understanding of course materials by critiquing them

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That’s college. According to Behrens and Rosen, where will we find formal critiques in our jobs? Right. Legal Briefs/Arguments critique opposing arguments

Business Plans and Proposals critique other less effective, efficient, or reasonable approaches

Behrens and Rosen missed that **Engineering and Scientific Research Plans and Proposals are the same, in this way, as business proposals.

Policy Briefs communicate strengths and weaknesses of policies, legislation, and scientific/business courses of action—all through critique

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Let’s review how Cohen defines critical reading.

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Lets Review how Behrens and Rosen tell us about how to write a critique.

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