Paper #2: Analyzing a Visual Text for Messages about Gender
Write a paper in which
you engage in a close textual analysis of a visual text such
as a TV series, film, music video, political ad or series of ads, commercial
advertisement, artistic piece, etc. The purpose of your close textual analysis
is to develop a paper that thoroughly answers this question: What
messages or ideas about gender are embedded within this text beyond the most
obvious stated, intended messages?
For the purposes of
this assignment we are referring to these visual media as “visual
texts” so as to emphasize that it is necessary to “read into”
them in order to develop an intelligent, original analysis. Quite often, when a
writer/producer/artist/etc. creates something, they embed ideas within it
beyond the most obvious elements of the text. These ideas are sometimes
intentionally placed so as to add more complex or nuanced meaning.
- In some cases, these messages/ideas are
intentionally placed so as to provoke thought by the viewer. - In some situations, the creator did not
necessarily intend for an implied message/idea to be displayed, but they
unconsciously included something that reflects messages/ideas they take
for granted or those that are held by many within the society.
To engage in a true
close textual analysis, you must be able to find these sub-textual messages
within the visual text chosen. In other words, you are looking for meaning that
is not directly stated. It may be somewhat “hidden” or might be only
implied.
To help you get
started in your analysis, look for details within the plot, the portrayal of
characters, dialogue, sound and visual cues, and/or even framing preferences
that might send messages about gender.
For this
assignment, YOU MAY NOT DO ANY RESEARCH beyond viewing your chosen
visual text itself. Instead, you must develop your paper based on your own
ideas. Therefore, you should choose a visual text about which you feel you can
develop an intelligent analysis. As mentioned with the previous paper, there
are two primary reasons for this “no research” requirement: I haven’t
yet taught you how to properly credit other people’s ideas (so you’ll end up
committing plagiarism if you use research information at this point), plus I
really want to see you develop an original analysis rather than repeat what
others have already said.
I am including two
sample student essays in this unit – read them; then, discuss each one’s
strengths and weaknesses in the Discussions area. Consider how you may use
these sample essays as models for your own Paper #2.
Key Requirements:
- This paper must be typed, double spaced,
font= times new roman 12 or arial 10. - This paper must be at least 5 paragraphs
in length AND must be at least 1000 words long. This generally
equals to at least 3 complete pages. Do not exceed 6 pages. If you do not
meet the minimum length requirement, you will not earn a passing grade on
the paper
Any plagiarism on this paper or any of the steps in the
writing process will lead to immediate failure of this course, so please
do not make that mistake.
TheWritingProcess
- Submit a 1st draft in
the Assignments section of the course. This draft should be your best
attempt at the completed paper, not a “sloppy copy” or an
incomplete paper. Instead, seek to develop your very best version of the
paper at that point, complete with proper proofreading and editing. I will
then provide my feedback as to how you can improve the paper for the final
version.
On step one above, you
will receive feedback and a grade that indicates credit for submitting the
assignment. However, the grade is ultimately of less importance. Instead, the
FEEDBACK provided by your instructor is of ultimate importance. Utilize this
feedback to proceed in the writing process in order to develop a quality final
draft that will earn a successful grade.
How is this paper
graded?
I will grade your
paper based on the following elements:
- Proper essay structure, including a
detailed, quality thesis statement. - Proper grammar, spelling, syntax, and
sentence mechanics. - Properacademictone.
- A clear, thoughtful, sophisticated,
intelligent, and well-supported analysis.
This paper is not
asking for a review of your chosen text (i.e. whether you like it or not).
Instead, stay focused on the analysis in terms of the messages it sends about
gender. Beyond the introductory paragraph, do not spend time summarizing the
visual text you’ve chosen. Focus instead on making a clear set of points
regarding the messages about gender being sent within your
chosen text.
See the rubric that
follows to review in detail how your essay will be assessed.
