This project asks you to create a short visual document (2-3 single-spaced pages) that argues for a definition of visual rhetoric (Visual rhetoric is . . .) and shows how it functions as both analytical and generative tool. Your statement should be rhetorically sophisticated, offer specific examples, and provide resources that will allow readers to identify and interpret the visual rhetorical features inherent in everyday images, places, and things.
In short, you might think of this project as a how-to guide for performing visual rhetorical analysis.
Initial Readings and Samples
- What is Visual Rhetoric?
- Visual Rhetoric: Analyzing Visual Documents
- Visual Rhetoric (Wikipedia)
- How to Create Step-By-Step Instructions Using Visuals
- Visual Rhetoric Definition
- Visual Rhetoric: A Working Definition
While these are starting points for your reading, you should also do your own research to better understand specific iterations of this topic for your curation.
Timeline/Procedures
- January 30 – Introduce Project
- February 6 - Review Evaluation Criteria and Samples
- February 13 – Critical Framework Statement Draft Due
- February 20 – Critical Framework Statement Peer Review
- February 25 – Critical Framework Statement OPTIONAL Teacher Draft Due
- March 15 – Final Critical Framework Statement Due
Deliverable
The Critical Framework Statement can be delivered as a PDF document or as a web page (or a mock-up appropriate for conversion to html).
Some Possible Evaluation Criteria
- Logical Organization
- Clear Definition
- Clear Guidance for Performing Analysis
- Incorporates Visual Examples Effectively
- Clear Understanding of Visual Rhetoric
- Revised and Edited