I was in graduate school before I read a rationale for literary analysis: that we “read the word” in order to “read the world” (Paulo Freire). When you master one form of analysis, whether it’s visual, textual, or auditory, you increase your ability to analyze in other modes as well.
I accompany the first lesson in visual analysis with this handout: https://draftfyc.com/unit-1-reading-america/understanding-analysis/
I also find this quote useful for explaining the importance of culture.
Students may practice visual analysis with the following slideshows:
Art as Political Commentary: https://draftfyc.com/unit-1-reading-america/analyze-art-as-protest/
Art that Creates & Reflects Social Structures: https://draftfyc.com/unit-1-reading-america/analyze-art-that-creates-reflects-social-structures/
Art to Commemorate: https://draftfyc.com/unit-1-reading-america/analyze-art-to-commemorate/
Art to Change Perceptions: https://draftfyc.com/unit-1-reading-america/analyze-art-to-change-perceptions/
Art to Raise Awareness: https://draftfyc.com/unit-1-reading-america/analyze-art-to-raise-awareness/
Propaganda: https://draftfyc.com/unit-1-reading-america/analyze-propaganda/
Art to Start a Movement: https://draftfyc.com/unit-1-reading-america/analyze-art-to-start-a-movement/