Introduction to Visual Communication by Linda Menck

introduction to

visual communication

COMM 021 Spring 2008 | Lecture | Monday & Wednesday | 10 - 10:50 a.m. | Marquette Hall 300

Friday Discussion Sections

Instructor Office L. Menck JH 311

Office Hours

M&W 11 a.m. - 12 n & 1 - 2 p.m. T.TH 9:30 - 11 a.m. or by appointment

Phone

288.3649

linda.menck@mu.edu

T. Buckley J. Meness N. Rogan

TBA TBA TBA

288.8056 288.8056 288.8056

tyler.buckley@mu.edu jennifer.meness@mu.edu nicole.rogan@mu.edu

JH 310 JH 310 JH 310

E-mail

REQUIRED COURSE TEXT & ADDITIONAL MATERIALS

> Seeing is Believing | An Introduction to Visual Communication 3rd Edition Arthur Asa Berger ISBN-13:978-0-07-353425-1 > Additional supplies may be required to complete creative projects. Course description This course explores visual literacy, aesthetics, design principles, visual storytelling, creativity, critical evaluation and ethics as they relate to the use of visual images and information in society. We will examine the bases of visual literacy and the historical development and impact of the visual media in order to enhance critical sensitivity toward the use of visuals for informative, interpretive, and persuasive communication. Through the application of vocabulary and principles you will learn to analyze and address visual communication problems. COURSE BENEFITS You will gain an increased awareness of the impact of visual images used in informative, interpretive, and persuasive communication. Through discussions, creative projects, readings, lectures, critique and analysis, and research, you will learn to critically analyze your visual environment and gain knowledge to be an active consumer of visual imagery. GOALS You will learn the historical, cultural, critical and ethical issues of visual communication. You will also learn to apply the vocabulary of design and composition principles; apply the theories of visual perception; and engage in the creation and application of visual imagery. You will learn to understand, create and analyze images. These practical and theoretical applications will enrich your understanding of the role of visual communication in the society in which we live. INTRODUCTION TO VISUAL COMMUNICATION OBJECTIVES > 1. Explore historical, cultural, critical and ethical issues in visual communication including: art movements; forms of artistic/visual expression from the fine arts to film, theatre, new media, graphic design, etc.; stereotyping; image manipulation; artistic/image ownership; and analysis. > 2. Learn the vocabulary of design and principles of composition. This includes the use of form, line, shape, color, texture, mass, position, space, motion, contrast, perspective, composition, harmony, light and sound. From typography to live performance, every effort will be made to explore the principles as they apply to the role of visual communication in emphasizing the universality of ideas. > 3. Learn the theories of visual perception. Students will analyze the application of these theories to various forms of visual communication. > 4. Engage in the application of vocabulary and design principles through the creation of images.

> 5. Engage in the analysis and critique of imagery produced by peers. > 6. Engage in the analysis and critique of imagery found in the society in which we live. COURSE FORMAT & EXPECTATIONS Beyond your physical presence at all discussions and lectures, your mental presence is required in this class. Through your active engagement with the material, you will increase your understanding of class material and refine your analysis of and opinions about issues addressed in class. It is expected that you will come to class prepared to participate fully. In order to actively participate, you must do three things: 1) be present; 2) be prepared [this is not achieved by skimming the readings, you must read them thoroughly and critically]; and 3) actively take notes and pose relevant questions. During the Monday and Wednesday lectures, you will be introduced to key concepts. In discussions, you will complete exercises and assignments that will allow you to apply these concepts to various contexts. It is the combination of the lecture and discussion that will allow you to successfully meet the objectives for this course. Attendance & Participation Your presence and active participation are important for success in this class. In order to develop an understanding of visual communication concepts and to allow you to practice your visual communication skills, your attendance is necessary. For these reasons, attendance for all lectures and discussions is mandatory and you are expected to actively participate in your discussion classes. 10% of your grade will be earned based solely on attendance at lectures and discussion sections. Your attendance grade will be assigned as follows. 0 unexcused absences = 100 4 unexcused absences = 70 1 unexcused absence = 98 5 unexcused absences = 53 2 unexcused absences = 92 6 unexcused absences = 30 3 unexcused absences = 83 7 or more unexcused absences = 0 Attendance will be taken daily. If you are late for class, it is your responsibility to make sure that your teaching assistant has marked you present for the day. Do not interrupt class; simply check with her or him after class. If you arrive late and disturb the lecture or discussion by walking in front of the instructor or projection device you will be asked to leave. If you miss class because of illness or an unexpected emergency, you must contact your teaching assistant within 24 hours of your absence either by e-mail or phone and provide written documentation of your excuse (e.g., doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note) within one week of your absence in order for the absence to be considered excused. If you know in advance that you must miss class for a university related activity (e.g. athletic event, academic competition) or religious observance, you must notify your teaching assistant in writing at least one class session before you will miss class in order for it to be considered excused. While your teaching assistant will keep track of your attendance, you are responsible for maintaining personal records. You may not receive an official warning or notification when you have reached a certain number of absences.

Policies on Assignments All written work should be typed and formatted using APA style. Times New Roman, 12 point font. No late work will be accepted. No exceptions. Please note that computer problems will not be considered an acceptable excuse for late work. Assignments sent via email will NOT be accepted. Please keep backup copies of assignments and save returned assignments through the end of the semester. By the end of the semester you should have an organized collection of all of your written work for this course. I recommend keeping a folder to collect all returned assignments. The folder will help us avoid lost work. The TAs are more than happy to discuss any assignment with you. However, we would like you to have time to review all comments before we meet. After assignments are returned, you will be required to wait 24 hours before meeting with us to discuss your grade. Academic Dishonesty Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class. Ignorance of what academic dishonesty is not an excuse. Students who cheat will receive an “F” for the course. Students who plagiarize material – intentionally passing off the work of others as their own – will receive an “F” for the course. Students who inadequately source and attribute information in their written work will be penalized a minimum of one letter grade on that assignment, up to failure in the course, depending on the severity of the violation. In addition, you should be aware of Marquette University’s policy that provides a partial explanation of academic dishonesty: “It is not feasible to attempt to develop a list of all conceivable examples of academic dishonesty, but it may be helpful … to note that they all involve an attempt to deceive, to distort perceptions of reality, to gain a record of academic accomplishment greater than earned. All who are parties to the deceit are involved in academic dishonesty.” (see http://www. marquette.edu/academics/regulations/acaddishonesty.html) Further, I will adhere to the College of Communication policy on academic dishonesty, which states: In accordance with the high standards of excellence set forth by, and for, all members of the Marquette University community, the College of Communication finds it imperative that each student understand that the responsibilities associated with high standards of excellence include ensuring that all class work undertaken in this College is performed in an environment that promotes serious scholarship and moral rectitude. Therefore, the College herein delineates a zero-tolerance policy for acts of academic dishonesty. All acts of suspected academic dishonesty will be thoroughly investigated in a manner that is fair, timely, and efficient and done so in a manner that protects the rights of both the faculty member and the student. Any individual that is found to have committed an act of academic dishonesty may receive a penalty, up to and including expulsion from Marquette University. Use of Technology >Desire2Learn This course will utilize the Desire2Learn program. On this website, you will find course information, any course announcements, discussion activities, and supplemental information. You are responsible for checking this website on a regular basis and will be held accountable for all information on this web page. You can access D2L at: http://d2l.mu.edu – your username and password will be the same as your checkmarq username and password.

> E-mail You should note Marquette University’s policy on e-mail: “E-mail is an appropriate and preferred method for official communication by Marquette with students unless otherwise prohibited by law. The university has the right to send official communication to students by e-mail with the assumption that students will receive, read and, if necessary, act in a timely manner based upon these e-mails.” If I need to contact you outside of class, I will use your Marquette University e-mail address. I will expect that you will read and respond to this communication. Other Course Policies > Special Needs Please inform me during the first week of class if you have any conditions that may limit or affect your ability to participate in this course so that we can make necessary arrangements. You may also contact the Office of Student Educational Services for additional information. For more information see: http:// www.marquette.edu/oses/PoliciesandProcedures.html > Emergency Plan Every Marquette University campus building has emergency shelter and evacuation plans. Please familiarize yourself with the plans of each building in which you take classes or attend meetings. Make sure to note the routes to the lowest level of the buildings for shelter during inclement weather, as well as exits from the buildings in the event of fire or other emergency. > Counseling Center Sometimes personal issues or health issues, such as depression, anxiety, stress, career uncertainty, and/or relationships, can interfere with your ability to function as a student. If you feel that this is happening to you, please contact the Counseling Center. The Counseling Center offers free, confidential counseling services for all full time students. For more information or to make an appointment, call 414-288-7172, or visit their website at www.marquette.edu/counseling. > Cell Phones Turn cell phones and pagers off or on silent mode prior to entering the classroom. DO NOT use your cell phone while class is in session.You may think your instructor will not know if you chose to send and receive text messages in class. I wouldn’t be quite sure of that. If I become aware of this activity, it will be noted and discussed. > Unacceptable Behavior The following is a list of behaviors that will not be tolerated by instructors in lectures or discussions: • disrespecting other students discourse or work • reading the newspaper, studying or reading materials for other classes, etc. • using entertainment devices (i.e. games, music, video) • sleeping • eating “loud” or “smelly” food • talking or whispering • freely walking in and out of class If you would like to bring a computer or recording device to class for the sole purpose of taking notes or recording lectures, please inform your instructors before you do so.

GRADING DISTRIBUTION Exam One Exam Two VoiceThread or Written Image Analysis Visual Artist Research Paper 2D Project Attendance | Participation

20% 20% 2 @ 10% each 15% 15% 10%

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE - SPRING 2008 The following is a tentative schedule for the semester. To allow for the best possible class, it is important that we remain flexible. As the course develops, I may make changes to this schedule that will better accommodate our needs and interests. Course readings are listed. You should have read what is assigned before you arrive for class. IT IS NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF YOUR INSTRUCTOR OR TA IF YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE ABSENT WHEN ASSIGNMENTS OR ANNOUNCEMENTS RELATIVE TO THE COURSE ARE MADE, OR SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS ARE GIVEN. WEEK 1

Jan 14.16 Syllabus Distribution, Review & Course Introduction, Project Introductions

WEEK 2

Jan 21: Martin Luther King Day, NO CLASS Jan 23 Creation: Image and Imagination The Power of Images & Storytelling: A Common Thread > READING: Berger, Introduction Final Salute - The Story (posted on course D2L site)

WEEK 3

Jan 28.30 The Power of Images and Storytelling: A Common Thread Continued > DUE: Friday, February 1: Visual Artist Abstract and Literature Search (S/U Grade)

WEEK 4

Feb 4.6 Seeing is Believing | How We See | Theories of Perception > READING: Berger, Chapters 1 & 2

WEEK 5

Feb 11.13 Visual Literacy and Language > READING: Berger, Chapters 3 & 4

WEEK 6

Feb 18.20 Photographic Literacy | Composition - Making Pictures vs. Taking Pictures > READING: Berger, Chapter 5 > DUE: Friday, February 22: Visual Artist Research Paper

WEEK 7

•Feb 25: “The Grandeur of God”: Photographs by Don Doll, S.J. Meet at Haggerty Museum of Art [Abraham - McLaughlin]

•Feb 27: “The Grandeur of God”: Photographs by Don Doll, S.J.

WEEK 8 WEEK 9

March 3.5 Photography - Legal and Ethical Issues > Friday, March 7 - EXAM ONE

WEEK 10 WEEK 11 WEEK 12

March 17.19 - Spring/Easter Break - NO CLASSES

WEEK 13

April 7.9 Paul Conrad - Drawing Fire > DUE: Friday, April 11 & 18 - 2D Projects for Presentation

WEEK 14

April 14.16 Digital Media and the Future of Images READING: Berger, Chapter 9 > DUE: Friday, April 11 & 18 - 2D Projects for Presentation

WEEK 15

April 21.23 Digital Media and the Future of Images > DUE: Friday, April 25 - VoiceThread or Written Image Analysis #2

WEEK 16

April 28.30 Exam Two Review > EXAM TWO - Friday, May 1

Meet at Haggerty Museum of Art [Meehan - Yokofich]

March 10.12 Moving Images: Film | Television | Video > READING: Berger, Chapters 6 & 7 > DUE: Friday, March 14 - VoiceThread or Written Image Analysis #1

March 24 - Spring/Easter Break - NO CLASSES March 26 Persuasion and the Image: Advertising | Branded Storytelling | Propoganda March 31, April 2 Comics, Cartoons, and Animation READING: Berger, Chapter 8