Writing Project One: Mapping Stakeholders in an Argument

Materials:

+An original article selected from those on the class blog
+ The class blog post and comments about selected article
+ Textbook Excerpts: Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings 9th Edition by Ramage, Bean, and Johnson--Chapters 4, 6, & 7
+Additional Research to Explore Additional Perspectives

Project Scope:
There are two parts to the project. First) Create a physical “map” of the individual stakeholders in a particular argument. Second) Using the Toulmin strategy, identify the underlying assumptions (the warrants) which drive each stakeholder’s position. In essay format, create argument strategies for each stakeholder you can identify.

ASU English 102 Writing Programs Outcomes we are working toward in this project:

·  express a working knowledge of key rhetorical features, such as audience, situation, and the use of appropriate argument strategies

·  develop and support an argument that is convincing to a particular audience

·  identify and evaluate key rhetorical strategies, with an emphasis on ethos, logos, pathos, and kairos

·  engage in a variety of research methods to study and explore the topics. Research methods could include both secondary research (such as library and internet research) and primary research (such as fieldwork and observation)

·  explore the complexity of an issue by seeking multiple perspectives

For Tuesday 2/10

In creating this map, you’ll first want to explore the genre of stakeholder mapping. This is an oft-used technique in the world of business when solving problems involving multiple parties and complex interests. A quick google image search yields this:

As you can see, there are many ways to visually present relationships between stakeholders and their values.

Begin sifting through the comments in the blog as well as those posted in the comments section (where applicable) of the original article. Look for additional texts about the issue. List all of the possible groups and then begin to place them on “teams”: likely, a binary system like “for” and “against.” 

Once crudely divided, begin breaking down the reasons a particular stakeholder is either for or against something. Identify their underlying assumption about the issue. For example, you might have two stakeholders against the death penalty identified. One opposes it because of a religious values system and one opposes it because of a political ideal. These two positions, while aligned, will respond to arguments from the other side quite differently depending on the grounds presented.

Once you have identified your stakeholders and their underlying assumptions which lead them to hold their particular position, create a draft of your map. There are many resources for creating maps. My favorite one right now is MindMup but feel free to use whatever work for you: ms paint, photoshop for the fancy, you can even freehand it if you can digitize it and present it here.  

Group Four: Post a draft of your physical map and a process log for your Blog Posts. By process log I mean a reflection of the work you are doing in creating the project. What are the steps you are taking to complete the work? What are the most difficult parts of the work? What is surprising or exciting or causing you to suddenly feel inspired to do the dishes instead of doing this any longer?

Groups one, two, and three: respond with your own comments about the maps presented as well as the process log. Help your classmates identify any stakeholders they might have missed; commiserate with them in their struggles, offer advice, and comment on their progress. Post your own maps as suggestions via link. (Explore ways to store your drafts online so as to share them—google docs, drop box, other cloud solutions.)

Happy mapping! Next Thursday, we'll draft the essay portion and then schedule conferences.