In a discussion with a scientific component, these texts might be scientific papers that introduce new concepts.

focus this research by selecting key texts you can use as models, inspiration, and support for a paper on love and its disciplines.

Just as there are disciplines and traditions that shape the discussion of particular topics, there are specific texts within disciplines that are seminal to these discussions.

In a discussion with a scientific component, these texts might be scientific papers that introduce new concepts. In legal discussions, these might be court decisions that determine the framework within which all later, legal cases are framed. Other major texts might be religious, such as the foundational scriptures of a religion, or an influential contemporary application of the principles; artistic, such as the best aesthetic articulation of love, sadness, friendship, and so forth; or commercial, such as a highly influential ad campaign.

Identify at least eight leading texts from your intended discipline or disciplines to use for this rhetorical analysis.

Consider the following:

• Which texts should be considered “leading” will differ according to the discipline and your topic?
• What you should not do is select only works with which you agree, or which you think would best support your case. In fact, you might not agree with any “leading” texts. Rather, you are trying to identify the texts that have shaped debate on your topic.

Here are some tips that might help you identify “leading” texts:

• Which texts are named as most influential by scholars, in studies, and so forth?
• Which texts are known to those who do not know anything else about the topic? (For example, in the abortion debate, Roe v. Wade would qualify.)
• Which texts are most often cited?
• Which texts are not cited, but provide concepts or wording that is often borrowed by others?
• Which texts are most often attacked or vilified?

Create an annotated bibliography of at least six “leading” texts in the discipline or disciplines involving your topic. Each entry should include an annotation of 175 to 225 words, including the following:

• The genre of the text
• Evidence that the text is influential in the discipline
• Explanation of the main rhetorical appeals and techniques used in the text
• Explanation of the nature of the argument used in the text