Textual Analysis
Abdlaz2
textanalysisassignment3_1.pptxDue June 5, 2015
Textual Analysis Assignment
Why a Textual analysis
Specific way to deconstruct or critically analyze a text.
Different from a traditional analysis because it requires “reading” way beneath surface arguments.
Allows for a complex understanding of various messages.
Details
Find a “text” that addresses a current educational issue
“Text” means anything that you can get meaning from
Examples: articles from journals, newspapers, magazines, credible online sources, radio broadcast or podcast, television program or news item, etc.
Text must be current (within past six months) .
Analytical reading: What is?
Looks at the argument and rhetorical elements of a text?
Tries to answer the questions:
What is it the author or producer is trying to get me to believe?
How are they trying to get be to buy in to their perspective?
Educators who can read “text” critically can develop more informed positions on educational issues as opposed to positions that are merely influenced by rhetoric.
Section 1:Analytical reading
What is the major argument of the text?
Be explicit and state this out front.
Frame this as an argument ex. “the major argument of this text is that schools need to substantially overhaul..”
DO NOT FRAME this as a general statement ex. “the major argument of this text is about schools needing to overhaul.”
What is the evidence from the text that this is the major argument?
Cite and quote a couple of references to support why you think this is the major argument.
Be explicit but don’t summarize the entire article. Example: “evidence to support this claim can be found on page 6 when the author writes… “schools in the U.S. are in need of a fundamental overhaul….”
Section 1:Analytical reading (con’t)
Is the argument implicit (implied) or explicit (overt)?
Does the writer directly state his position?
Or does the reader have to draw inferences and try to figure out what the argument is?
Be explicit about this: “The argument is explicit…the writer specifically states that…..(page 7).
DO NOT leave me to guess or try to figure it out.
What type of evidence or argument does the text make?
Empirical (relies on empirical data such as facts and statistics) Analytical (uses concepts, language and definitions)
Normative (makes a moral claim about the rightness of an action)
Be explicit about this: “the texts relies upon an analytical argument. For example, the writer uses the concept of the first amendment freedom to make his/her case.. On page 19, he/she writes……”
Section 1:Analytical reading
What rhetorical devices are being used to persuade the “reader?
Be explicit about this:
Name the device, “the author uses several metaphors, rhetorical questions, and visual imagery as the main devices to make his case.”
Cite specific examples, “For example, the metaphor of competition is used on page 7 when the author writes… The author also repeatedly asks….Visual imagery is used when the author provides a picture of a dilapidated school building.”
Describe the potential impact of the usage, “The visual imagery evokes pity amongst the reader and the writer is able to elicit agreement with his argument.”
Section 2: Interpretive Reading
Purpose of Interpretive Reading
To provide valuable background context that helps in interpreting or making sense from the argument.
To consider broader contextual cues that might impact how we interpret the text or the underlying motive of the author.
Section 2: Interpretive Reading
When was text made?
Be explicit about this, “This text was published in the September 11th, 2009 edition of Time magazine.”
What was going on around the time the text was developed that might have influenced the production of this text and how the readers might have interpreted the text?
Be explicit, know something about the time period and speculate.. “September 11, 2009, marked the eight year anniversary of the tragic events…. The date evokes feelings of nationalism and anti-American sentiments are not condoned….The writer was perhaps drawing upon this.
Section 2: Interpretive Reading (con’t)
How might this text be interpreted differently had it been produced at a different time?
Be explicit, and speculate. Justify your answer: “If this text were written 50 years ago, people might have had very similar reactions and might have interpreted this text similarly. In 1957 when the Russians launched the space satellite, Sputnik, Americans were in a frenzy…….
What other cultural, social, political events might have influenced the production and the reading of this text?
Be explicit, and speculate. Justify your answer: “Other events that might have influenced……
Section 2: Interpretive Reading (con’t)
What important information was not mentioned/included in this text?
Be explicit, speculate what information you think could make the argument more convincing or that might have skewed the argument? “The author fails to mention how many….”
How can you use concepts from this course to bring meaning to this text?
Be explicit, “Important course concepts that might be useful to think about the arguments in this text include the concepts of politics, open systems theory, and school choice. In class we noted that….”
Section 3: Normative Reading
Why normative reading?
Helps to identify the values that are embedded in the text.
Allows the reader to analyze hidden ideologies and consider hidden agendas.
Forces reader to consider potential impact of the argument and think about who is likely to support the position.
Recognizes the relationship between value positions and the interpretation of messages.
Section 3: Normative Reading
What values (moral, political, etc. ) does the author raise in this text?
Be explicit, cite examples. “The author raises many political values in this texts concerning equity, fairness, social justice, and how best to address differences….. Or how best to fund schools. For example….”
What values do you bring to the text as the reader?
Be explicit, and specific, state how these influence your interpretation of the argument. “As a professor of education who has received training in critical theory, I uphold the values of …….Because of these values, I struggled with identifying with the arguments in his text. My firm beliefs that…contradict many of the arguments proposed by the author.
What can you say about the values of the author?
Be explicit, cite examples. “From the arguments being made within this text it is apparent that the author espouses fairly conservative values. Fire example, the author writes that….
What can you say about the ideology of the author?
Be explicit, cite examples. “The authors perspectives suggests that his ideology is aligned with views consistent with individuals who have been raised in strict religious communities. His political ideologies might also align well with conservatives who might argue that….
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Section 3: Normative Reading (con’t)
Whose interests are served by this text?
Be explicit, justify your answer. “The interests of parents and others who are anti-public schools are best served by this text. Should the expectations of this author come to fruition, it could lead to a revamping of public schools as we know them.”
Does it serve the status quo or transformation?
Be explicit, justify your answer. “ This conservative argument serves the interest of the status quo as the author seeks to return schooling to some imaginary past or keep things primarily the same.”
Who is being empowered by this text?
Be explicit, justify your answer. “For those who already have power are mainly empowered. This texts does not seek a fundamental change in the distribution of wealth and power but seeks to maintain power in the hands of those who are already wealthy.”
Can this be read as a hegemonic or a counter-hegemonic text?
Be explicit, justify your answer. “Because the major arguments seek to preserve the status quo, this text might be read as a hegemonic text.”
Other Important Information
Indicate the differences between the three readings
Use subheadings or state explicitly which reading you are doing. “From an interpretive perspective…”
Do not spend time summarizing the text or retelling the story.
Focus on doing the analysis, I’ll know what text is about.
Focus on one major, bottom-line argument.
Trying to highlight too many arguments make the paper seem fragmented.
You may do this with a partner.
Make sure you state the differences in your values in the normative reading. “Kate was brought up in a religious household and have these values. This is why she supports the argument. On the other hand, my close-knit family has influenced my beliefs about…This is why I do not support the argument.”
