This document provides guidance on writing a paper based on the ideas of Guy Debord and his theory of the "Society of the Spectacle". It recommends going back to the original sources, thinking about connections between ideas, and brainstorming topics and examples. The document also suggests quote-mining key sources, using specific quotes to support a clear argument. It outlines classical structures for an oration and the Toulmin model of argumentation. Finally, it recommends a "quote sandwich" method of writing the paper by collecting quotes and fleshing them out before writing the introduction and conclusion.

1. How Do I Write This Thing?
The Guy Debord Edi8on

2. The Debord Paper:
2

3. The Debord Paper:
3

4. The Debord Paper:
4

5. Requirements:
5

6. 6

7. But how do I write it?
• Go back to the sources:
– Debord
– Annie Leonard
– Jesse Schell
• Think about connec8ons
• Brainstorm topics / examples
7

8. But how do I write it?
• Quote‐mine:
– Choose sec8ons from Society of the Spectacle
– Grab quotes from other sources
– Do some of your own research
• Mass media
• Consumer technology
• Other “Spectacles”
8

9. Remember:
• One topic, one specific argument
• Use Debord thoroughly, but no need to
understand all of Debord
• Enlist other sources to help you out
9

10. Classical Ora8on:
• Intro: Hook, Ethos, Claim
• Background: Necessary context and facts
• Argument: Logos/pathos to support the claim
• Alterna8ves: Counterarguments stated and/or
refuted
• Conclusion: Summary, elaborate implica8ons,
closing

11. The Toulmin Model:
Underlying
Assump8ons
•Debatable Facts, Reasoning,
•Controversial Appeals to Authority

12. The Quote Sandwich:

13. Don’t forget:
1. Don’t write the introduc8on first.
2. Collect quotes and evidence you like, and
type (or paste) it into a blank document.
3. Slowly flesh these quotes out into quote
sandwiches.
4. Rearrange them, tweak them. You just wrote
a paper!
5. NOW: Write the conclusion and the intro.

14. 14