English 1301
Analyzing Visual Arguments
Free-write and individual presentation
Due: Tuesday, October 28, 2014
The cartoon/visual is due in class on Friday, October 24 th .
Objective: Analyze the message/argument of visual media and demonstrate the ability to break down relatively simple arguments to uncover deeper meanings/agendas. Demonstrate an understanding of how an author/cartoonist uses rhetorical appeals and devices to construct his/her meaning.
Task:
1.
Select a cartoon/visual that presents some sort of political or social argument. Do not select ads for cosmetics, sporting goods, home appliances, cell phones, etc. Use the samples we’ve discussed in class to guide you in the selection process.
2.
Print the ad/commercial, as you will be required to submit it on Friday for your free-write.
3.
You will write an analysis of the ad in class on Friday. This will become your rough draft.
4.
On Tuesday, you will give an oral presentation of the visual, focusing on the rhetorical elements that support the argument.
Consider the following structure as you break down the visual.
P---purpose
A—audience
T—tone
T—theme
R—rhetorical strategies
As you prepare your analysis, work through the following steps.
1.
List all the facts and all the opinions in the cartoon. Does the piece rely on one more than the other or is there a balance? Explain.
2.
What is the purpose? Who is the intended audience?
3.
List the rhetorical strategies and devices you observe. Be sure to identify and explain any appeals (logos, ethos, pathos) the cartoon uses. Use Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (on the back) to guide you.
4.
Write the theme, recognizing that the theme is working towards accomplishing some agenda.
5.
Identify the tone or tones of the piece, explaining what led you to identify that tone.
6.
Finally, from an objective perspective, evaluate the credibility and effectiveness of the visual.
The final written assignment should be typed and properly formatted. It should be anywhere from ¾ to one full page in length. Assignments which do not meet this requirement will receive an F. The late work policy applies. It is your responsibility to submit your work on time. You may take a picture of your free-write to use as a rough draft.

English 1301
The original hierarchy of needs five-stage model includes:
1. Biological and Physiological needs - air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sex, sleep.
2. Safety needs - protection from elements, security, order, law, stability, freedom from fear.
3. Love and belongingness needs - friendship, intimacy, affection and love, - from work group, family, friends, romantic relationships.
4. Esteem needs - achievement, mastery, independence, status, dominance, prestige, self-respect, respect from others.
5. Self-Actualization needs - realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences.
Maslow posited that human needs are arranged in a hierarchy.
Source: http://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html