Visual Analysis Essay
Purpose Statement
Throughout this course we have explored various texts and performed focused, persuasive analyses. For this unit, we will essentially do the same thing, but the “text” will be visual-such as a film, painting, sculpture, ad, photograph, a segment of a TV show, etc…You will use the analysis techniques we have discussed in class, as well as referencing various readings. The goal is to compose an essay that discusses composition in a non-traditional way.

Outcomes
For this essay, you’ll mainly be focusing on these outcomes:
• Purposeful Writing. Student writing successfully addresses academic and non-academic audiences by adopting clear and consistent purposes, as well as appropriate organization, tone, and format, according to genre.
• Revision and the Writing Process. Students produce multiple drafts. Student writing demonstrates careful revision in response to commentary from peers (when relevant) and the instructor.
• Argument and Analysis. Students write persuasively and analytically. Student writing contains convincing arguments and is supported with evidence.
• Critical Reading. Students read to inquire, learn, think, and communicate. Student writing demonstrates understanding of assigned readings (D’Alleva’s Look and Everything’s an Argument) and when requested, incorporates outside readings.
• Rhetorical Knowledge. Student writing meaningfully engages with writing, language, and/or rhetoric-related topics.

What I’m Grading On
1. Quality analysis of a visual text (copy or link must be attached to the Final Draft).

2. Word Count-1000-1250 words. A description is necessary, but there should be an emphasis on analysis, not summary. In short, avoid redundancy between text and images. For example, if you have chosen to look at a picture of Bart Simpson, do not simply tell your reader that he is yellow-attempt to discuss the artistic/stylistic choices of that color in a cartoon character.

3. Integration of two additional sources of your choosing to give context to your visual. You must cite D’Alleva, but are free to research another academic article, or use the resources I have provided that will back up your analysis in greater detail.

4. Proper MLA/grammar usage