Freakonomics A Rouge Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything

Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool? “Freakonomics … set[s] out to explore the inner workings of a crack gang, the truth about real estate agents, the secrets of the Ku Klux Klan, and much more. Through forceful storytelling and wry insight, they show that economics is, at root, the study of incentives – how people get what they want or need, especially when other people want or need the same thing.”

Freakonomics and Rhetoric Rhetoric is the art of persuasive speech. Every work of nonfiction is written to make a convincing claim – everything is an argument. Freakonomics presents its reader with a number of arguments. The effectiveness of the arguments are dependent on the author’s rhetorical strategies: diction, syntax, tone, imagery, figurative language, and appeals. While reading Freakonomics, consider not only what the book is saying about incentive, human nature, and American society, but also how it is saying it.

Dialectic Journal Using 2-column notes, copy significant quotes from the text (words, phrases, passages) on the left and respond to the right. Include page numbers. (50) Respond to words, phrases, and passages that are significant (reveals something about the author, subject, or audience) and provide only the most insightful commentary. One response for every other page of text read. DJ can be used later to write an analysis essay.

Rhetorical Analysis #2 In a 2-3 page rhetorical analysis paper, explain how Dubner and Leavitt use rhetorical strategies to achieve their purpose? There are many claims and arguments made through Freakonomics – focus on merely the most significant in your view. Do not merely list rhetorical strategies used. Explain how and why they are used and their effect on the audience.

Jigsaw Presentations In groups of 3-4 students, you will be responsible for presenting certain chapters of Freakonomics to the class as a lead-in to a general class discussion. During the presentation, groups should focus on the main points of Gladwell’s argument in the chapter they were assigned ( what it says), as well as the author’s rhetorical choices (i.e. diction, syntax, imagery, figurative language, appeals, structure, etc.) ( how it says it). Choose a rhetorically significant passage to share with the class. Groups will be graded on the content shared with the class, as well as the effectiveness of the presentation itself (projection, eye contact, preparedness, length 5-10 minutes, etc.). Students in the audience should take notes based on the groups presentation. These notes could be used later in crafting one or both of a student’s major papers.

Reading List Introduction: The Hidden Side of Everything Chapter 1: What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? Chapter 2: How is the Ku Klux Klan like a group of real estate agents? Chapter 3: Why do drug dealers still live with their moms? Chapter 4: Where have all the criminals gone? Chapter 5: What makes a perfect parent? Chapter 6: Perfect Parenting Part II. Epilogue: Two paths to Harvard.