COM 3601- Semester Project Assignment #2

Semester Project Assignment #2 – Contextual & Climate Analysis

Objective: In this assignment, you will analyze the broader context surrounding your issue. This includes identifying and discussing the  social, economic, political, cultural, or historical factors that influence both the issue itself and how your audience might perceive or respond to your communication about it.

Purpose: Understanding the context helps you craft a more persuasive and informed message by anticipating the values, concerns, and perspectives of your audience.

Instructions: Write a 1–2 page analysis that explores the environment in which your issue exists. Consider how external factors shape public opinion, access to information, or the urgency of the issue. Reflect on how these elements might affect your rhetorical strategies when addressing your audience.

Ask yourself questions like:

· What social attitudes or cultural norms influence how people think about this issue?

· Are there recent or ongoing political debates, policies, or laws that shape how the issue is discussed?

· How might economic conditions or inequalities affect who is impacted by the issue or who cares about it?

· Are there historical events or legacies that provide context for current opinions?

· What values or concerns does my target audience have that I should consider when crafting my message?

· Are there any current events or media coverage influencing public perception right now?

Example: If your issue is climate change, consider political divides on environmental policy, the economic interests of fossil fuel industries, the social impact on vulnerable communities, and how media narratives shape public understanding. How might these factors make it harder—or easier—to persuade your audience?

Length: 1–2 pages (double-spaced, 12-point font)

Semester Project Assignment #2 – Contextual & Climate Analysis

Objective: In this assignment, you will analyze the broader context surrounding your issue. This includes identifying and discussing the  social, economic, political, cultural, or historical factors that influence both the issue itself and how your audience might perceive or respond to your communication about it.

Purpose: Understanding the context helps you craft a more persuasive and informed message by anticipating the values, concerns, and perspectives of your audience.

Instructions: Write a 1–2 page analysis that explores the environment in which your issue exists. Consider how external factors shape public opinion, access to information, or the urgency of the issue. Reflect on how these elements might affect your rhetorical strategies when addressing your audience.

Ask yourself questions like:

· What social attitudes or cultural norms influence how people think about this issue?

· Are there recent or ongoing political debates, policies, or laws that shape how the issue is discussed?

· How might economic conditions or inequalities affect who is impacted by the issue or who cares about it?

· Are there historical events or legacies that provide context for current opinions?

· What values or concerns does my target audience have that I should consider when crafting my message?

· Are there any current events or media coverage influencing public perception right now?

Example: If your issue is climate change, consider political divides on environmental policy, the economic interests of fossil fuel industries, the social impact on vulnerable communities, and how media narratives shape public understanding. How might these factors make it harder—or easier—to persuade your audience?

Length: 1–2 pages (double-spaced, 12-point font)