Notes

Writing Assignment #2: Identity Analysis
The goal of this assignment is to help you think about how signs and symbols produce meaning and action. Specifically, how identity is shaped and influence by symbolic action and how identity shapes our use of signs and symbols. To accomplish the goal of this exercise, you will select a particular textual artifact and analyze it using concepts we have discussed thus far this semester related to identity.

A textual artifact is anything that can be read or interpreted as having meaning. For the purposes of this assignment the artifact will be a short text designed to persuade a public sphere audience. This could include a magazine ad, a newspaper ad, a TV commercial (probably from YouTube) for a product, a political candidate, an organization, a social cause, or a Public Service Announcement (PSA). It could also include a meme, a short editorial or OpEd (newspaper or internet), an ad that is digitally linked or shared via social media, or an iconic photograph, poster, or public monument/building. If you choose a video, make sure it is no longer than 2 minutes.

Select an artifact. Analyze it using concepts from our readings and lectures and demonstrate how the ad utilizes signs and symbols to shape, influence, reinforce, challenge, or otherwise engage its audience’s identity. Pay particular attention to the ways that the advertisement uses language and visuals. When you apply a concept, first define it and then indicate what the concept enables you to say about the artifact. Your analysis may focus on one main concept, or it may integrate several concepts.

Attach a copy of the artifact, or provide a link where it can be found. Make sure the link is easily found at the top of your paper. ALSO, please make sure the link works.
Briefly describe the textual artifact and its context. Where did you find it? When was it put into circulation? Who or what organization put it into circulation? Who is/was the likely audience? What are its main textual features (visual images, language, metaphors, arguments, colors, sounds, etc.)?
Analyze the text using concepts from our readings and lectures. Pay particular attention to the ways that the artifact uses language, argument, sound/music/quality of voice, and visuals. When you apply a concept, first define it and then indicate what the concept enables you to say about the advertisement. Your analysis may focus on one main concept, or it may integrate several concepts. You should try and show how the specific concepts you have chosen to apply are relevant to the artifact you are analyzing, and how they inform your understanding of the artifact now that you can reflect upon it using your knowledge of signs and symbols. Use specific examples (textual and visual evidence) from your artifact to do your analysis.
Your paper might reflect on how your own identity is implicated in the artifact, or it may focus on how the artifact is addressing the identity of its intended audience.
The paper should include an introduction and a conclusion. In the introduction, explain the goal of this exercise and prepare the reader for what is to come. It should also include a clear thesis statement and a preview of the main points (sections) to come in body of the paper. Your conclusion should provide a summary of the main points of your analysis and include the “big take-aways.”
The word limit for this assignment is 1,000 words (about 3 to 4 pages long). Make sure you provide the word count at the end of the paper.


Your paper should include: a flush-left, 1” from the top-of-the-paper, single-spaced “envelope”:

Your Name

Course Number

Date

(Artifact Link Here)



A Title for the Paper (Bold, Centered)



All margins are 1”. The text itself should be double-spaced. Add a running title and page numbering. Make sure to include a word count at the end of the paper. The “envelope” and title are not included in the word count. Times New Roman, 12 pts.

Word count: 46



Provide a works cited page. (Use any acceptable citation system: APA, Chicago, etc.)



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