Your goal in this course is to become proficient in analyzing and interpreting
print, computer, radio,
television, and film messages. By learning to distance yourself
from the message, to deconstruct it,
and to recognize different ways of analyzing message elements, you
will be in a better position to use
mass media messages rather than be used by them. Also, if you
plan to be a message producer, analysis
and interpretation are essential first steps in the production process.
A - Robert C. Allen (Ed.), Channels of Discourse, Reassembled
(Chapel Hill, NC: The
University of North Carolina
Press, 1992) - Chapter readings noted with A.
Z - Herbert Zettl, Sight, Sound, Motion (Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1990) - Chapter readings noted with Z.
W - Also, readings from Mastering Graphics by Jan White are on
reserve in the Library. Chapter readings
noted with W.
CLASS
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION:
Attendance is taken into consideration in determining your final grade.
Just as with any
job or commitment you are allowed discretionary absences (three).
More than three unexcused
absences will be considered excessive and will result in a reduction
of your participation grade
by a letter per absence. After 6 unexcused absences, you will
receive a participation grade of F,
and a reduction may occur in your final grade. Severe illness
which places you in the excessive
absence category must be documented in order to avoid penalty. To receive
an excellent rating
for in-class participation, you should arrive on time and contribute
regularly without prompting to
class discussion. You should demonstrate that you are familiar
with the material in the readings;
however, discussion of readings or aural/visual communications from
other sources which adds to the
topic under consideration is also encouraged. An average grade
(C) will be given to those students
who only answer questions when asked. For those students not comfortable
with participating verbally
in class, there are other possible participation avenues, e.g. bringing
to class materials which would
enhance discussion. See the professor to discuss those options.
GRADES: All tests
and papers must be completed for passing grade.
Test #l................February 19..........15%
Design Project.........March 5..............20%
Test #2................April 2..............20%
Theoretical Analysis...May l................25%
Participation...............................10%
Daily Assignments and Quizzes...............10%
CLASS SCHEDULE
(Subject to Change)
Jan. 13 (T) Intro. to Theory and Media
Aesthetics
Jan. 15 (R) The Role of Interpreter & Process Z 1 & pp. of Interpretation 211-214
Jan. 20 (T) Semiotic Analysis
A 1 Signs & Codes
Jan. 22 (R) Semiotic Analysis Myth and
Discourse
Jan. 27 (T) Semiotic Analysis of Print
Messages
The Medium: Paper & Ink W ll-l3
The Words: Type W 4
Quiz #1
Jan. 29 (R) Semiotic Analysis of Print
Messages
The Images: Framing 2-D Images Z 6-11
Feb. 3 (T) Semiotic Analysis of
Print Messages
The Images: Lighting Z 2-3
Quiz #2
Feb. 5 (R) Semiotic Analysis of
Print Messages
The Images: Color Z 4-5
Feb. 10 (T) Semiotic Analysis of Aural
Messages Z 16
to 12 (R)
Quiz #3 pp. 355-359
Feb. 17 (T) Review for Test 1
Feb. 19 (R) Test
1
Feb. 24 (T) Semiotic Analysis of Video
Messages Z 13-15
to 26 (R)
Mar. 3 (T) Gender (Feminist)
Theory A 7
to 5 (R)
Design Project Due
Mar. 7-15 Spring Break
Mar. 17 (T) Psychoanalytic Theory
A 6
to 19 (R)
Quiz #4
Mar. 24 (T) Ideological & Cultural
Theories A 5 & 8 to 26 (R)
Mar. 31 (T) Review for Test & Quiz #5
Apr. 2 (R) Test
2
Apr. 7 (T) Postmodern Theory
A 9
to 9 (R)
Apr. 14 (T) Genre Theory
A 4
Apr. 16 (R) Narrative Theory
A 2
Apr. 21 (T) Audience-Oriented Theory
A 3
Quiz #6
Apr. 23 (R) Audience-Oriented Theory Cont.
Apr. 28 (T) Wrap-Up