Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 2008

Dam Visuals: The Changing Visual Argument for the Glen Canyon Dam

Derek G. Ross Texas Tech University

Abstract

Arguments manifest in scientific visuals through graphic representation, content placement, and overall document structure. These arguments, designed to influence public perception, change over time in relation to sociopolitical climate. Analysis of a series of documents constructed deliberately to influence perception can help to determine patterns of argumentation and perceived exigencies. In this article, four self-guided tour brochures produced for distribution to visitors to the Glen Canyon Dam in 1977, 1984, 1990, and 1993 are analyzed in order to identify rhetorical strategies designed to influence public perceptions of the dam site, and examine how public perception of the dam, and related argumentation, is structured by sociopolitical climate.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
2008-01-01
DOI
10.2190/tw.38.1.e
Open Access
Closed
Topics
multimodality argument

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (6)

  1. Lane (2021)
    Industrial Discourse in Voluntary Environmental Disclosure Questionnaires Respo…
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  2. Zhang (2016)
    Illustrating Beauty and Utility
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Ross (2013)
    Common Topics and Commonplaces of Environmental Rhetoric
    Written Communication
  4. Reeves (2011)
    Scientific Visuals, Language, and the Commercialization of a Scientific Idea: T…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  5. Yu (2011)
    Visualizing Banking and Financial Products: A Comparative Study of Chinese and …
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Show all 6 →
  1. Ross (2009)
    ARS Dictaminis Perverted: The Personal Solicitation E-Mail as a Genre
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (6)

  1. Graham et al. (2005)
    The Rhetoric and Politics of Science in the Case of the Missouri River System
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  2. Donnell (2005)
    Illustration and Language in Technical Communication
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Fahnestock (2004)
    Preserving the Figure
    Written Communication
  4. Charney (2003)
    Lone Geniuses in Popular Science
    Written Communication
  5. Richards (2003)
    Argument and Authority in the Visual Representations of Science
    Technical Communication Quarterly
Show all 6 →
  1. FAHNESTOCK (1986)
    Accommodating Science
    Written Communication
Also cites 16 works outside this index ↓
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CrossRef global citation count: 9 View in citation network →

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