COP3 - EVALUATION

Module Evaluation

Overall the project was a success. The dissertation expanded on from Level 4 and 5 in terms of the subject area. In Level 4 the essay researched into a number of techniques from Nazi Germany and from Level 5 I investigated Vance Packard’s 8 hidden needs. Therefore, It was a natural process to expand on techniques of persuasion and further investigates other areas that demonstrated a powerful discipline of persuasion. The research question I had undertaken was to investigate Rhetoric and understand how we could link verbal and written practises into visual communication. The question compared to Level 4 and 5 require a lot more critical thinking. It tested my knowledge and understanding of academic texts. I’d had always struggled to dissect and understand academic texts in the past two years of COP, so when I knew I’d be investigating rhetorical theories and the foundation of where rhetoric started I knew that this could be an issue for me. Greek philosopher Aristotle was the main focus of the essay and his theories, therefore the texts that discussed him and his theories were often complicated. However, I felt It gave me a lot of insight into dissecting texts and it forced me to understand what I was reading. I don’t consider myself a strong essay writer but the dissertation pushed me a lot further and from this, I can say that my essay this year has been a lot stronger in terms of research focus and writing than the previous two years.

In regards to the practical element, I felt the two campaigns I had designed and created were a massive success. The campaign situated around Bernie Sander communicated an outlet where the minority communities could hold on to. It gave minorities a sense of hope and community to feel that they were finally being represented and not seen as second class citizens. Targeting the black community the aim of the Bernie Sanders campaign was to portray Bernie as the embodiment of MLK. Seeing Bernie as the continuation of MLK legacy and 'dream'. However, even though I felt the campaign was a success, the research aspect was very restricted. I couldn't fully gather sufficient feedback or understanding of the subject matter. I wasn't American nor was I based in America, therefore, I couldn’t truly understand the needs of minorities within America. With this in mind, I had to use what I had around me to still test the rhetorical theories to see if the implementation of these methods and tools were a success even if it meant testing on people from the UK. In relation to this problem sparked the second campaign. A campaign based on UK politics fixed this problem I had with generating appropriate and effective research/feedback. Based within the UK I was able to gather the thoughts and feelings of a pre-referendum Britain, the feelings were still raw and everyone had an opinion. Therefore, the overall campaign was more successful in terms of this factor. In regards to which campaign was more success, I suppose that would be down to the rhetoric injected within the campaign. The Bernie Sanders campaign implemented more aspects of the three rhetorical theories, so you could base the success of this matter but as discussed through the development process, rhetorical theories should be implemented where necessary to the campaign. If it doesn’t need a certain rhetorical method then it shouldn’t be implemented within the design.

Overall, I felt extremely challenged throughout the module. It gave me a wider perspective of what I could be facing once I proceed onto the postgraduate course. I feel this is where the extensiveness of academic understanding and writing will come in handy. I enjoyed the overall process and created work that I was extremely proud off.