MODEST PROPOSALS LESSON #16

FREEWRITING – METACOGNITION What has this past assignment sequence (from the op-eds to the genre translation) taught you about the writing process? How has it helped you meet the course learning outcomes? What do you hope to gain about learning more about research and forming arguments?

WRITING TIP OF THE DAY – INTRODUCTORY PHRASES AND SUBJECTS After the conclusion of the Second World War, through all the death and destruction that it caused from the ensuing conflict between the Axis Powers of Germany, Italy, and Japan and the Allied Powers of Great Britain, France, and the United States, President Truman met with Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill to discuss the new peace treaty.

Never delay the subject or the verb of a sentence for too long. Rearrange the sentence and cut words if necessary. President Truman met with Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill to discuss the new peace treaty after the conclusion of the Second World War, which caused so much death and destruction from the ensuing conflict between the Axis Powers of Germany, Italy, and Japan and the Allied Powers of Great Britain, France, and the United States.

What is satire? Where have you encountered satire? How is it different from other types of humor? How can satire be persuasive?

SATIRE A style of humor that blends a censorious attitude with humor and wit Used for critiquing human institutions, leaders’ incompetencies, and societal injustices or other problems Satirists attempt to inspire or remodel rather than tear down; they have a goal in mind

“Satire is a sort of glass wherein beholders... discover everybody’s face but their own, which is the chief reason for that kind of reception it meets in the world, and that so very few are offended with it.” – Jonathan Swift

PARODY A humorous piece that imitates the style, story, or message of another’s work to either ridicule or endear Often entails indirect criticism Could also function as an homage Less subtle than satire

“Satire is a lesson, parody is a game.” – Vladimir Nabokov

VIDEO CLIPS Which one is satirical, and which one is a parody? How is each one a parody or satire? Are there any crossovers?

IRONY A very broad term most generally defined as the recognition of a reality different from appearance Involves the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite Often confused with sarcasm; usually less harsh than sarcasm Doesn’t have to be funny; could be tragic

“Rhetoric does not get you anywhere, because Hitler and Mussolini are just as good at rhetoric. But if you can bring these people down with comedy, they stand no chance.” – Mel Brooks

A MODEST PROPOSAL What is the issue that Jonathan Swift is addressing? What do you think he is actually proposing as a solution? How is it satirical? How is it ironic? What makes this approach work or not work?

GROUP ACTIVITY Make your own modest proposal Pick a problem to address Using a similar approach and style as Swift, create a mock proposal to this issue Be ridiculous, but have a point

PROPOSALS A formal plan that outlines your goals for your paper or project Could list the methods or resources you’ll use, including funds and travel Could also include an outline of your paper or a timeline for your entire project Often two to five pages, possibly ten

CREATING A PROPOSAL Describe your purpose by formulating the question or entering the line of inquiry that inspired your research (introduction) Give your audience enough background info to understand the problem you are addressing Explain why it’s a problem, why it interests you, and why others should be invested in it

In the methods section, list your research methods like interviews, focus groups, surveys, experiments, travel plans, etc. Discuss the stakes of your argument, such as how it will impact your intended audience Address the conversation you are entering, namely what it will add to sources and studies in your field

Within the timeline, create a schedule for your research Should include the dates of when you expect to finish your research or the dates of interviews, focus groups, travel, etc. Be realistic about the time frame and what you can accomplish

HOMEWORK Read pg. 372–391 of the textbook Respond to post on Canvas Start writing your proposal