Exploring Our “Reading Space”

Assignment created by Justin Greene (Department of English)

Other Assignments In This Series

This assignment is the first week of a five-week series, usually used during the sixth week of the term. The Reading Spaces series is usually preceded by the Personal Narrative series and then the Rhetorical Analysis of Generative AI series.

Introduction

This activity encourages students to apply rhetorical concepts to a familiar environment, deepening their understanding of how spaces can be “read” and analyzed. The photographic element adds a visual component that can be used for multimodal compositions.

Outcomes

Rhetorical Knowledge, Writing Processes, Multimodal Transformation, and Reflective Practice

Objective

Students will analyze and describe a personal reading space through the lens of rhetorical concepts: logos, pathos, ethos, kairos, and exigence.

Activities

Space Selection

  • Choose a space where you frequently “read” or study. This could be a personal space (bedroom, living room, etc.) or a public area (library, café, etc.).

Observation and Documentation

  1. Visit your chosen space at least twice throughout the week. Take notes on the physical characteristics, ambiance, and your personal feelings about the space.
  2. As you record notes, consider the rhetorical appeals the space makes:
    • Logos: How does the space’s layout or organization appeal to logic or practicality?
    • Pathos: What emotions does the space evoke? How do colors, textures, or objects contribute to this? How do people or lack of people affect the emotional quality of the space?
    • Ethos: How does the space reflect or establish credibility (e.g., presence of books, certificates)?
    • Kairos: How is the space suited (or not) for the current moment or purpose of reading? Does the space change over time—is it different at various points of the day?
    • Exigence: What need or demand does this reading space fulfill?
  3. Take 5–7 photographs that capture different aspects of the space.
  4. Try to capture at least one of the following shot types:
    • Establishing or wide angle shot
    • High angle shot
    • Medium shot
    • Close up
  5. For your weekly submission, include these items:
    • Detailed description of “reading” space.
    • Notes on space and its rhetorical appeals.
    • 5–7 draft photographs.

 

Last Updated on July 8, 2025