Writing Visual Texts

Analysis of Two Visual Texts
For your second major writing assignment, you will build on some of the previously assigned
reading materials outlined in Chapters 1-3 of the MHG (as well as my PPT “lectures”) in order to
help you write an analysis of visual texts (images). To that end, Chapters 8 and 18 of the MHG
will present and elaborate much of what is necessary, in addition to Chapters 1-3, etc., for the
completion of such a task.
Significant Components of 2nd Paper:

• Selection of 2 visual texts/images (you are invited to choose whatever visual
  texts/images you want) that are culturally/societally significant and exigent—which will
  become representative of your topic; however, please try your best to select visual
  texts/images that contain as few words as possible—preferably no words. I want you
  rhetorically analyzing visual elements and dynamics and not words
• Demonstration of substantive understanding of each visual text/image through
  summary and rhetorical analysis
• Establishment of a relationship between the 2 visual texts/images—whether
  complementary or adversarial—as a result of your analyses
• In-depth discussion of the relationship between the 2 visual texts/images as a result of
  rhetorical analysis wherein you detail not only why a given rhetorical feature is salient
  but also how it operates to have the effect you claim it does
  Generally, your paper will introduce and then concisely summarize each visual text/image,
  demonstrating a rhetorical understanding of each one, including why/how they figure into a
  discussion of a topic that is meaningful to you; and include body paragraphs that, based on
  your introductory and summary work, (rhetorically) analyze why and how your visual
  texts/images relate to one another, including insight into the cultural and/or societal
  significance thereof.
  Elements of the Analysis of Two Visual Texts Essay
  Introductory Paragraph (please make use of the PowerPoint “lecture” on Introductions here)
• Sets up the problem or topic (including the exigency) as context for introducing your
  chosen visual texts/images
• Introduces your visual texts/images with a reference to each one’s source (where you
  found it, for example), the title of the visual text/image, the name of each visual
  texts’/images’ author/creator/designer, and what you believe appears to be the main
  point of each one. (It can be challenging to ascertain some of this type of information;
  please be diligent!)
• Briefly references the relationship that you believe exists between the 2 visual
  texts/images
• Concludes with a tension-filled thesis that sets up clear expectations for the direction of
  your essay and gives your reader a sense of the points you will develop and discuss.
  Your thesis will express your evaluation of the visual texts/images in terms of their
  messages or “arguments,” your evaluation of their rhetorical strategies (2 or 3 from
  each source will suffice)*
  , and your evaluation the efficacy of each visual text/image
  with respect to inquiring of, representing, and/or critiquing the cultural or societal
  discourse in which each is located
  Brief Summary of Each Visual Text/Image
• Includes an embed/copy & paste of each of your visual texts/images
• Extends what you presented in the introduction; your reader should be left with a broad
  yet accurate understanding of each visual text/image, similar to the goal of the
  summary in the 1st Paper
• Accurately re-presents the original visual text/image in written form, paying particular
  attention to the (rhetorical) features you have selected for analysis
• Keep in mind, this does not mean to begin rhetorically analyzing your image s in
  your summary paragraphs; rather, if you want to focus on a use of color in your
  image for rhetorical analysis, for example, just make sure to include it in your
  summary, saving the analysis for later in the body
• Includes appropriate tags to distinguish your views from features inherent to the visual
  texts/images. Remember: the summary tries not to be subjective; it tries not to include
  your evaluation/analysis. Try to stick to a write-what-you-see strategy.
  Body Paragraphs Supporting Your Thesis
• Analyze rhetorical features (2 or 3 from each source will suffice)* of each visual
  text/image—what rhetorical “work” are your chosen rhetorical features doing in
  support of the messages or “arguments” you claim are conveyed to the audience by
  each visual text/image
• In other words, if an image is intended to scare the audience (this would be the
  “work” it is intended to do), why is the image (or its creator) doing that, and how
  does it accomplish what it intends to do to the audience?
• Apply analysis to how you think each visual text/image relates to one another
• Are they both appearing to accomplish the same thing and in the same ways?
  Same thing and different ways? Different things? Etc.
• Leverage your analysis in order to demonstrate cultural/societal significance
• You will/should end up analyzing a single rhetorical feature in a single body
  paragraph, and, as part of your analysis, you will/should discuss what that
  rhetoric has to do with your culturally/societally significant topic? (This should be
  done for each point of analysis, in each body paragraph, throughout your paper.)
• Think of your body paragraphs as the spaces where you analytically delve into
  culturally/societally significant topic, using visual texts to carry your discussion.
  Conclusion
• Leave the reader with a clear understanding of the visual texts/images as you
  understand them
• You may take the opportunity to concisely reflect on related personal
  insights/experiences that reify your understanding
• Actually, you could (and perhaps should) be doing this anywhere in the paper
  you deem it appropriate!
• Consider also pointing your reader toward ideas beyond your own response to the
  visual texts/images or a restatement of your thesis. In other words—and with some
  cultural and/or societal significance in mind—suggest how your analysis might be
  applied, or what its implications are, or how it contributes to the larger conversation
  surrounding the topic
  New page entitled Work Cited or References
• Your whole 2nd Paper should be written according to MLA
  Length: approximately 5 pages will be
  anticipated.
  Due Date:
  *When I note that 2 or 3 rhetorical features will suffice, understand that if you only choose 2
  rhetorical features per image, they ought to be tremendously significant features from your
  chosen visual text/image, and I will expect you to spend much time discussing and developing
  their significance compared to if you choose 3 rhetorical features. If you choose 3 (or more)
  rhetorical features, on the other hand, I still will expect robust discussion and development,
  but your handling of each feature might appear to be comparatively lighter/shorter because you will be discussing 3 (or more) features instead of just 2.