Search for Signs

When reading for signs to discuss based on your reading, choose images that represent popular culture.  In the margin of your text or in your notes, respond to the text.  Consider how you feel about the author's message and why you feel that way.  This will lead you to picking out sings in the text (stuff that sends messages).

When reading written text, ask yourself and respond to the following questions:

1. What is the author's primary argument?

2. What words or key terms are fundamental?

3. What evidence does the author provide?

4. What underlying assumptions shape the author's position?

5. What style and tone does the author adopt?

6. What is the genre?

7. Who is the intended readership?

When reading images, ask yourself and respond to the following questions:

1. What is the format of the image? (examples: black/white, glossy, fun, abstract)

2. What kind of image is it? (examples: people, who, objects, what)

3. Who is the intended audience?

4. What emotions does the image convey? (examples: sad, serious, funny, emotional)

5. What is the most prominent element?

6. How does the layout lead your eye?

7. How does the text and image relate?

8. Does the image call for a response? (examples: purchase, think, act)