Keller, Daniel. "Thinking Rhetorically." Multimodal Composition: Resources for Teachers. Ed. Cynthia L. Selfe. New Jersey: Hampton Press, Inc., 2007. 49-63. Print.
Electronic Representation:
http://www.amazon.com/Multimodal-Composition-Resources-Directions-Computers/dp/1572737026
Comments:
Keller's chapter on the rhetoric of multimodal compositions provides excellent insight into the affordances of various modes such as images, video and sound. In addition, Keller is reassuring in his explanation that many strategies teachers use to guide students in developing rhetorical principles with alphabetic compositions can be applied to mulitmodality. This makes the rhetorical use, instruction, and assessment of multimodal assignments in the classroom far more accessible to teachers.
I appreciated Keller's suggestion that students can learn how to critically compose and interpret multimodal compositions by analyzing other works in addition to creating their own.
Laura, I also appreciated Keller’s focus on rhetorical appeals and how they might apply to multimodal compositions. His chapter reminded me of how the rhetorical triangle—ethos, pathos, and logs—are equally important when composing in modes other than alphabetic. His comments on the affordances of different modes offered good insight into what educators might ask students to consider when conducting a rhetorical analysis of a multimodal text.
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