Unit Two: Genres in the Wild
Project OverviewGenres are a large part of our daily lives. They surround us, no matter where we are. As college students, genre dictates not only our writing, but our conduct and social lives as well. Why do some flyers or ads catch our attention and others go unnoticed? How do we know how to navigate menus, promotional materials, forms, papers? What is the best possible way to convey information? What makes up these documents? Are there many images? Is it only text? Can we do a visual analysis of words on a page?
This unit's project is about how typography is used in everyday genres. You are to analyze typography as part of a genre analysis. You are to use an everyday genre of your choice (must be approved) using at least four (4) examples. You are to look at the genre conventions and how they are reflected in the typographical display of text, as well as other aspects of the artifacts. |
Project Due DatesFirst Draft Due: 10/28
The first draft will be turned in via GoogleDrive to our class folder. For credit on this draft, you must submit at least 600 words. Peer Review Draft: 11/4 Bring in a full draft of your work. The more you have, the more help it will be for the revision process. Bring in two copies of your draft for markup. If you do not bring copies to the class, you may not participate in this activity. Final Draft Due: 11/6 Remember to put all drafts, table of contents, and designated writing articles into your portfolio. 1500 words. |
Questions to Consider
- What are the Genre Conventions you have observed or have come to expect? Are they all used in all of your examples?
- Using Rhetorical Analysis terms, are these examples good portrayals of the genre? Do they all have the same agenda?
- Looking at both the cultural and physical context of the artifacts, do they fit their habitat? Do they reach their intended audience?
- Looking at your examples, do you feel they are designed well? How could you improve them?
- Which of the four approaches of typography are used: Documentation, Analytical, Conceptual, or Expressive?
Vocabulary for Discussion
Sometimes, it is very difficult to analyze something without the proper terminology to do so. Below are terms we have covered in class to help you with your analysis. Remember, it would not make sense to use all terms available to you. Some terms will not apply to your examples. You must use at least ten (10) of the following terms, but I encourage you to use as many as you can to have a good grasp of this terminology. Make sure you focus on the Typographical terms for your comparison and analysis, but the Rhetorical terms could also be of great assistance in describing the genre. Please reference the document library for more information on these terms.
Typographical Analysis:
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Rhetorical Terms:
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Outside Resources
If you feel the need to use outside resources for this assignment, make sure you provide a works cited and in-text citations. You could use outside sources for terminology, genre information, etc. This assignment is not researched based, so it is not necessary to use outside sources. If you do quote or paraphrase an article (even the ones in the document library) you need to cite them. Please refer to Writing in Action for information on how to cite properly.
Evaluation
Your project will be evaluated with the following rubric:
Each criteria will be evaluated on a four point scale. For maximum credit, you will receive a 4. If you do not fulfill a specific category of evaluation, you may receive a 0 in that category.
Genre Analysis: Demonstrates a strong understanding of their chosen genre and its conventions. The genre is mentioned explicitly.
Typographical Analysis: A good handle of the general concepts of Typography and a good grasp of the terms associated with Rhetoric and Visual analysis.
Artifacts: At least four examples of the genre being analyzed. Artifacts referred to and included in portfolio.
Development and Format: A well designed argument and analysis. Keeps the attention of the reader without confusion. A known agenda. Resolution or discovery.
Correctness: Well-Written. The piece follows the guidelines of at least 1500 words, 1 inch margins, headings, citing, and Times New Roman font. Proper grammar and spelling is used.
Invention Portfolio: Everything is organized according to the table of contents. Everything is stapled, labeled, and has student's name. Reflection letter meets requirements.
Creative Component: Included with portfolio or referenced in some way.
Participation/Presence: Assignments were handed in on time, student was in class and attentive, and tardiness/absences under control.
Genre Analysis: Demonstrates a strong understanding of their chosen genre and its conventions. The genre is mentioned explicitly.
Typographical Analysis: A good handle of the general concepts of Typography and a good grasp of the terms associated with Rhetoric and Visual analysis.
Artifacts: At least four examples of the genre being analyzed. Artifacts referred to and included in portfolio.
Development and Format: A well designed argument and analysis. Keeps the attention of the reader without confusion. A known agenda. Resolution or discovery.
Correctness: Well-Written. The piece follows the guidelines of at least 1500 words, 1 inch margins, headings, citing, and Times New Roman font. Proper grammar and spelling is used.
Invention Portfolio: Everything is organized according to the table of contents. Everything is stapled, labeled, and has student's name. Reflection letter meets requirements.
Creative Component: Included with portfolio or referenced in some way.
Participation/Presence: Assignments were handed in on time, student was in class and attentive, and tardiness/absences under control.
Formatting:Your paper must follow MLA format. Please consult your Writing in Action book for all details.
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Extra Help/Credit Opportunities:Extra Help:
Extra Credit:
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