Our course focuses heavily on the signs of life: symbols that express a variety of denotative and connotative meanings, and these symbols, in turn, come together to create culture. Thus, our individual identities may be seen as an amalgamation of various culture-derived symbols, and we tend to communicate a lot about ourselves through the symbols we adopt and identify with. Sometimes, however, our personal connection to these signs may different from their popular connotations. This assignment will challenge you to consider the nature of identity within our mass culture and the symbols upon which it is built. Specifically, you will examine your own signs and discuss the various definitions — denotation, personal connotation, and cultural connotation — associated therewith.
Prompt:
In an essay three to five pages in length, you are to create a Signs Profile in which you identify and analyze key signs that comprise the identity of either yourself or a specific person in your life, such as a sibling, parent, or close friend. You will need to examine a minimum of four signs, meaning your essay should be at least six paragraphs: introduction, four body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Even if you are the focus of your paper, it is best to avoid using too many first-person pronouns (avoid excessive use of I – “I believe,” “I think,” “I feel,” etc.). As you craft your essays, consider the following questions: What are the basic, denotative definitions of these signs? What about the deeper connotations associated therewith? What do these signs say about me, based on popular perceptions? Do they provide an accurate reflection of who I am?
Remember, a sign (or symbol) includes just about anything that possesses meaning: hairstyles, clothing, language, cars, pets, music, movies, fields of study, hobbies, and sports are all types of symbols, each with their own value and meaning. As such, you should have no difficulty accumulating signs for discussion, but be sure to focus on the signs that you feel to be most indicative of (or influential to) this individual’s identity.
Assignment Outline:
Note that, as with every essay you’ll be writing in this class, you are expected to abide by basic essay structure when performing your analysis. In order to receive the highest possible grade, your essay should include the following:
An introductory paragraph that briefly discusses signs and their impact on culture, as well as the various definitions associated with these signs (denotation, cultural connotation, and personal connotation). Once you’ve done this, you’ll want to introduce your subject (yourself or someone close to you), and then end on a clear thesis statement. For this essay, the thesis will simply state which signs you plan on discussing and what they say about your subject, as a whole.
An appropriate number of body paragraphs that identify, analyze, and explain the significance of at least four different signs. (Note that it is better to provide an in-depth analysis of fewer signs than to provide vague or superficial information about many signs. Good writing starts with solid details!) You’ll want to begin with a clear topic sentence that names the particular sign you’ll be examining and how it connects to who your subject is as an individual. From there, you’ll want to discuss the denotative and connotative meanings behind this sign (note that there are technically two connotative meanings – personal and cultural). Once you’ve done this, explain whether this sign’s various meanings accurately reflect who your subject is as a person. Are the cultural connotations accurate? Explain your reasoning.
A conclusion that briefly summarizes the symbols you’ve discussed. Once you’ve done this, explain the important of this individual’s signs and their bearing on this person’s identity.
