V I S U A L
C O M M U N I C A T I O N

d e s c r i p t i o n

Explores role of media images in the cultural circuit, where meaning emerges not from objects (and products) but from the way they are represented, through verbal and visual language. Analytical approaches include semiotics, form poetics, spectatorship, stereotyping, and genre. Examines representations of race, nation, sex/gender, and power.

g o a l s

To deepen skills for viewing the media

To increase knowledge needed to analyze visual media

To develop judgment to evaluate media imagery

r a t i o n a l e

To reach these goals, we will join in the following activities:

Viewing. This is a visual course. Every class session will include images — films, slides, videos, and/or printed designs. Always have a magazine, a newspaper, an ad, or even a video with you when you come to class. Begin collecting images to create a source file.

Discussion. Come prepared to discuss the readings based on your notes from the assigned chapter, including any questions that arose during your reading. Be prepared to hand in these notes. When assigned a supplementary reading from the packet, share your Reading Form electronically before class and come prepared to comment during class.

Graduate students take a leading role in class. Besides assigned readings, they do some supplementary readings and attend at least five research talks of their choice, held at UIC or any other venue, and describe them to the class (turning in a one-page outline or form).

Presentations. Each unit will include an informal (usually small-group) presentation and discussion. Graduate students only: One of these will be presented to the entire class, then written as a term paper, due at the beginning of the second class after the presentation.

Exams. The two exams will be your opportunity to view samples from the media and demonstrate the analytical skills acquired in class.

Video, "Representation and the Media" (Hall)

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v i s i b l e
s i g n s

How to interpret media images using a basic vocabulary from semiotics.

Video, Ways of Seeing, Part V. "Publicity" (Berger)

After the video, identify the particular signs and myths Berger mentions (and illustrates). Turn in your list at the beginning of the next class.

u n i t
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n a t i o n a l
i d e n t i t y

No class; work with your assigned partner.

How to study the ways audience members build media images into their interpretations.

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s t e r e o t y p i n g

How to read stereotypes and distinguish them from types.

Video, "Ethnic Notions: Black People in White People’s Minds"

Using one of the techniques covered in class, analyze an image shown in class.

u n i t
i v .
v i s u a l
f o r m

How to parse the elements and attributes of media images using concepts from formalism.

Film, The Wizard of Oz (Fleming)

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s p e c t a t o r s h i p

How to interpret how media images cast or project their audiences.

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g e n r e

How to identify the expectations that genres elicit, focusing on visual imagery.

Using one of the techniques covered in class, analyze an image projected during the exam.

Participation in the course is based on attendance, preparedness, contributions to class discussions, gathering a source file of media images, and knowledge of readings (including supplementary, when assigned). The paper grade includes an evaluation of the in-class presentation.

Revision of work is encouraged but must be done within one week of receiving feedback on an assignment to alter a grade. Always check in before doing a revision.

g r a d i n g
c r i t e r i a

a t t e n d a n c e

Class attendance is essential to your success in the class and to the success of the seminar as a group. If you’re unable to come fully prepared, please come anyway. You’ll benefit. Talk to me in case of illness or another emergency that prevents you from attending class. After the first unexcused absence, missing or arriving late lowers the grade overall (by N-squared percent).

Be sure to make arrangements if you must turn in work late. Unless due to illness, late work is penalized (dropped one full grade), and accepted up to one week after the due date.

Supplementary Reading

The following readings are not assigned in the course but you may want to refer to them when you have particular questions and, for graduate students, when working on the term paper.