Date
3-2011
Department
Communication Studies
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Chair
Michael P Graves
Primary Subject Area
Religion, General; Religion, History of; Mass Communications
Keywords
Finnegan, Foss, Moravian Church, Seal, Visual Rhetoric
Abstract
This study rhetorically and visually analyzed the seal of the Moravian Church using Sonja Foss' theory of visual rhetoric and Cara Finnegan's image vernacular. Two versions of the seal were analyzed to provide a more thorough assessment of the function of the seal. Foss' theory and Finnegan's framework provide a method for analysis that explores the history, obvious elements and themes, implied concepts and themes, and the functions of the artifact. Using these frameworks, this study found that four themes emerged. The seal acts as a representation of the Moravian church, a calling, a promise, and a reminder for those that encounter it. This study concludes that the multi-faceted functions posit it as a form of constitutive rhetoric that is worthy of study and analysis.