Writing in the Discipline English 357: Visual Language and Culture By Naomi Koehler
What is Visual Language & Culture? Visual language is a cultural element of communication Growing in importance because of our fast paced life-style Technology has changed the way we interact with information
Nonverbal Communication What does this image say to you? Posturing Facial expression Hand signals Graffiti Did they pose for this picture?
Basic 5 Audience Purpose Tone Clarity Organization
Applications Advertisements Billboards Brochures Cartoons / Comic strips Company logos Graphic novels Web design
Overlaps with Business and Professional Writing Writing in the Sciences Health and Medical Writing Writing in the Design Discipline
Assignments Non-linear timeline Photographic self portrait A video Rhetorical analysis of a professional work Reflective writing with all assignments Final portfolio
“Always Remember CRAP” Contrast Repetition Alignment Proximity So just add Visual Interest to the list of CRAP to remember Group similar items together Align visual elements Use repetition and contrast to create consistent visual patterns Add visual interest
Business Writing
Contrast Color Font size
Repetition Meaningful repetition Consistency
Alignment
Visual Persuasion Direct approach Indirect approach
Tutoring Audience Purpose Tone Clarity Organization Contrast Repetition Alignment Proximity Plus Visual Interest
Design Elements Contrast Repetition Alignment Proximity Plus Visual Interest Audience Purpose Tone Clarity Organization
Works Cited Blakesley, David, and Jeffrey Hoogeveen. “Designing and Presenting Information”. The Brief Thomson Handbook: for North Dakota State University. 1st ed. USA: Thomson Heinle, Print. IaGuardia, Dolores, and Hans Guth. American Voices: Culture and Community. 6th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, Print. Savage, Chuck. “Computer Age Ending Literature”. The Brief Thomson Handbook. New York: Pearson, Print. Trimbur, John. The Call to Write. New York: Pearson, Print. Vosen, Melissa. Personal Interview. 16 Feb