CMS150 - Winter 2001

Trials of Conscience: Litigation

and the Rhetoric of Identity

Case Analyses and Analysis Forms

 For each trial we study, you will prepare a:

1. case analysis:
   In this assignment you will analyze the trial from a procedural point of view, describing the participants in terms of their roles in the trial (e.g, plaintiff, judge, etc.), the charges raised against the defendant, the jurisdictional authority of the tribunal that judges the case, etc. I have also provided a more thorough explanation and description of the case analysis assignment at this link.

    

2. source analysis:
   In this assignment you will analyze the trial from a historical point of view, describing the sources and evidence we have for the trial, the limitations of the sources, and the problems such limitations pose to our understanding of the events at the trial. I have also provided a more thorough explanation and description of the source analysis assignment at this link.

    

3. argument analysis:
   In the assignment you will analyze the trial from a rhetorical point of view, describing, the arguments the actors in the trial made in refuting charges laid against them. You will also attempt to summarize what the arguments of those pressing charges were. I have also provided a more thorough explanation and description of the argument analysis assignment at this link.

    

4. model analysis:
   In this assignment you will summarize the theoretical model we are studying in conjunction with a trial and describe at least two ways in which it may help our understanding of the events at the trial, and at least one way in which you think the model is limited, or its application to our trial is problematic. I have also provided a more thorough explanation and an example of the model analysis assignment.

    

You will not hand in the analyses you perform for the trials of Socrates, Rabirius and Joan of Arc. However, in order to participate in class discussion, you will need to answer the questions each of these analyses pose as you read the text. Print out the forms and take notes as you read. Bring the forms to class and impress me with your thoughtful and dynamic participation in class discussion.