Emily Ayers

ENGL 419.001
Deborah Paczynski
7 December 2015
A Semester of Rhetoric
Before enrolling in this course, I was aware that rhetoric could be visual.
However, I had never studied this particular subject in depth before. Advertisements,
documents, and even buildings utilize visual elements to argue a point. Although I
found myself frantic to finish assignments at some points, I feel that they definitely
helped me toward learning the course objectives.
Visual Audit
The visual audit was an especially useful assignment for me. By forcing me to
look at a space I normally do not pay much attention tomy workplace, I was able to
analyze how a space can portray an argument. I never realized that the Live with us
window decorations were so instrumental in the argument of the space. 1 I also did not
realize that the specific layout of the couchesthey form little seating areas within the
spacefostered a sense of community even before someone becomes a resident within
the residence halls.2 Even the location of the main deskin a busy common areahelps
portray this image.

1
2

Objective one
Objective two

I have looked at the design of documents before taking part in this class.
However, I did expand my horizons when I was analyzing the Housing website and
brochure. I looked for expressions and language used in each document to place them
within the framework of the SRC Commons argument. Within both documents there
were pictures of models (which I happen to know are RAs and other Residence Life
staff) smiling in various buildings and rooms within the halls. Using skills developed
from the readings, I was able to conclude that ResLife is using the bandwagon effect to
get people wishing they were living here too.3 I also explored the idea that the message
may seem too aggressive to someone from a less outgoing culture.4
Designing with text/Identity Marker
The designing with text and logo assignments were useful because they got me
thinking in design terms. I found myself wanting to revisit Adobe software, which I
have a bit of experience with, but still am unsure of how to use it. So, I challenged
myself to create my logo with Adobe Illustrator, and when I was finished, I was proud
because I completed it using software I was not sure I knew how to use. 5 I then proudly
described my reasons for using a rose in my logo.6 I also remember how proud I was
when I found the words to describe my choices for both the logo and my poem I
formatted.

Objectives one, two, and three

Objective 9
5
Objective 10
6
Objective 8 and 10
4

Visual Argument
The visual argument assignment was hard for me. Although I did manage to
explain my design choices and how they promoted my argument, it was difficult to
plan and execute. By formatting it the way I didI described it as a curved shapeI
forced the audience to look at it and absorb the message. When I was creating it, I
moved the dividing lines around a lot, and experimented with the way the speech
bubbles faced.7 I feel it gave me a greater understanding of the choices inherent in
visual culture.
Rhetorical Analysis
The rhetorical analysis of the STARS image about cultural appropriation was a solid
choice for the objectives of this course. It made me think about the way color,
expression, text, and other elements of the photo worked together to create social
commentary.8 Although it did rely heavily on exigence9, I feel it was an effective image
and helped me model my later assignments.
Multi-modal Essay
The multi-modal essay allowed me to synthesize and apply what I learned to a
broader subject. By incorporating a reading, I was able to apply the concept of
ideographs to the framework of the LGBT movement. I also had to write a detailed

Objective 7
Objective 4
9
Objective 5
8

reflective essay on why I made the choices I did. My experience with the other
assignments prepared me to experiment with design within an essay form, something I
dont often do10. I tend to stick with 12 pt Times New Roman, no pictures, and no fancy
choices. I managed to make a boring essay look gorgeous and readable, and that is no
small feat.
My semester of rhetoric was one full of learning, expansion of ideas, and critical
thinking. I will apply the principles I learned to everyday lifeI already notice fonts
everywhere I goand hopefully to papers turned in to lenient professors.

10

Objective 6