Rhetorical Analysis and Creation of a Visual Argument In this second writing project, you will work with visual arguments. This is a 3-part assignment which asks you to complete the following: 1. Rhetorically analyze and evaluate a public visual argument, paying attention to how the creator of the text employs the traditional appeals to ethos, logos, pathos, and kairos using the design components of visual texts-images/graphics, text/type, space/layout, color, etc. You will find your own public visual argument and present it for my approval prior to performing your analysis. Examples of visual arguments include advertisements, PSAs, websites, cartoons, posters, etc. 2-3 double-spaced pages. 2. Create your own visual argument on a currently debated issue for a specific audience. Such visual arguments might include, for example, pamphlets, posters, brochures, cartoons, websites or short videos. 3. Write a rhetorical rationale in the form of a cover memo for your visual argument, explaining the choices you made given your purpose and audience. In this reflection you will address your use (or not) of appeals to ethos, logos, and pathos, as well as how/why you used specific visual and verbal design elements to create your argument. 2-3 double-spaced pages. Key Definitions and Concepts from Class Text / Type - variations in type include size, boldface, italics and all caps. Type can direct a reader's attention to an argument's structure and highlight main points. (166) Space / Layout – visual arguments use space very purposefully. Space refers to page size and type of paper, proportion of text to white space, proportion of text to images and graphics, arrangement of text on page, use of highlighting elements, and use of headings and other means of breaking text into visual elements. (167) Color - the use of color can contribute significantly to the visual appeal of an argument and move readers emotionally and imaginatively. The appeal of colors to an audience and the associations that colors have for an audience are also important. The use of color may be primarily decorative, functional, realistic, aesthetic, or some intentional combination of these. (171) Images / Graphics - images and graphics can powerfully condense information into striking and memorable visuals, clarify ideas, and add depth, emotion and liveliness to an argument. We must analyze an image's implicit argument in order to fully understand the message being conveyed by a visual argument. (171) Guidelines for Creating Visual Arguments – Genre: where this visual argument will appear; Audience-based appeals: who your target audience is; Core of your argument: what clear claim and reasons will form the core of your argument, and will they be explicitly stated or implicit; Visual design: what visual design and layout will grab your audience's attention and be persuasive. (189) Your drafts must be typed, double-spaced, use Times New Roman 12 point font, and be accessible in Microsoft Word (.doc or .rtf). Please use one-inch margins on all pages. Writing Project Two Grading Criteria Evaluation of visual argument: Does the student effectively analyze the author's rhetorical strategies (ethos, logos, pathos, and kairos)? Does the student deconstruct the author's use of the design components of visual texts? Is it clear that the student has a firm understanding of the explicit and implicit arguments being made in the visual argument? (45) Creation and analysis of visual argument: Has the student chosen a relevant topic to explore? Does the argument exhibit a clear claim? Has the student chosen the proper genre? Target audience? Has the student effectively used the design components of visual text? In the written analysis, is it clear that the choices made in constructing the visual argument were conscious decisions with a specific rhetorical aim? (45) Manuscript preparation: Has the writer polished the final draft carefully, addressing audience expectations and college-level academic writing conventions? (10)