Communication Analysis:

This assignment is designed to be a capstone research paper for our class where you put together all of your theory and research skills.  You will complete a communication analysis of a persuasive artifact. Your paper will first discuss a communication theory, apply it to the artifact, and discuss implications.  The "artifact" can be loosely construed to be any persuasive message - TV show, ad campaign, movie, speech, etc.  This assignment will include both a paper and a presentation. This assignment will be presented in a conference format. As such, you will be asked to be a "respondent" for another student's paper where you should ask questions about their findings.

First, the communication theory we will be using for this assignment is "Outlines of a Theory of Visual Argument" by David S. Birdsell and Leo Groarke, from the 2007 Winter & Spring edition of Argumentation and Advocacy (distributed in class & available in the Comm & Mass Media Complete Database).  Specifically, you should pick 3 of the 5 ways visual images are used (1) flags (2) demonstrations (3) metaphors (4) symbols or (5) archetypes that are most relevant to your artifact.  Pick the three the best let you explore your particular video or ad.  The first part of your paper will be explaining visual arguments and the three you selected.

Second, you should apply the three tenets to your particular artifact. How does your video or ad use or not use the three tenets.  You should be specific here and provide examples from your artifact.

Third, you should then discuss what you have learned about communication from your analysis.  What can we take away from your analysis?

Fourth, as part of the assignment, another student in the class will be tasked with asking you three questions about your analysis.  These questions should be critical questions that help the audience learn more about the analysis.  You will be provided a list of these questions ahead of the presentation.  These questions, and your answers, should be included in your paper.

Fifth, as part of the assignment, you will be tasked with asking three questions about another student's analysis. Your questions will be due to that student no later than June 1 in-class.

Sixth, you will need to present your analysis on either Tues 6/6, Thur 6/8 or during our final exam on Tues 6/13. Your presentation should be roughly 30 minutes in length including: (1) presenting your artifact (2) presenting your analysis (step 2 above) (3) presenting your discussion (4) answering your respondents questions.

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