Week 4

This assignment is designed to help you develop visual literacy and critical thinking skills by analyzing how media messages communicate meaning through images. You will also practice evaluating the credibility of sources and persuasive techniques used in visual media.

Select Two image-based media message to analyze. This can be:

• A social media post (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter)
• A print or digital advertisement
• An infographic from a website, magazine, or news outlet

Ensure the media is appropriate for class. Refer to if you are unsure.

Attach the media item to your write-up. You can include a screenshot, photo, or link to the image; please also state where you found the image, such as a social media account or website.

Write an analysis that addresses the following questions:

• Purpose: What is the main goal of the media message? Is it trying to inform, persuade, entertain, or sell something?
• Audience: Who is the intended audience? Consider age, gender, interests, values, or other demographic factors.
• Techniques: How does it appeal to you? Is it persuasive? Does it make you feel emotional in any way? Think about color, layout, facial expressions, symbols, or slogans.
• Credibility: Does the message rely on facts, statistics, or expert sources? Are these sources trustworthy and clearly cited?

Part Two

Download the version of the paragraph Jordan wrote (below). Your task is to rewrite it in your own words using proper paraphrasing techniques. Include an in-text APA citation and a full reference. Explain:

• Why a citation was needed
• What changed in your version
• Why ethical writing choices matter in group work

This assignment helps you practice real-world paraphrasing while making ethical decisions that protect academic credibility.

Jordans Paragraph

“Online degree programs are gaining popularity. They are also known as asynchronous

learning, make use of various internet technologies to enable individuals to complete

coursework and earn a degree, whether an associates or a bachelors degree. The benefit is

that they dont have to travel to a physical campus. Rather than sitting in a classroom,

student benefit from learning on their home computers or tablets. They learn using email,

course sites and multimedia. Students and teachers interact in chat rooms or forums.

Online programs offer flexibility to students and allow learning institutions to provide

updated and expanded learning materials instead of relying on outdated materials. There

are many benefits to an online education.”

Lee, M., & English, M. (2025). Online degree programs: Overview. Points of View: Online

Degree Programs, 16. https://research-ebsco-

com.postu.idm.oclc.org/c/lmj52r/viewer/pdf/ocrmbtj5kb