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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "COM 111"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Visual Communication"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session I 2020
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Marco Fulvio Palmieri
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: Remote Learning
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
From photojournalism to Instagram, 21st century communication is primarily image-based. Whether its mass media, individual expression, social media or alternative media, images are used for promoting ideas, products, information and political discourses. In this course students investigate the role of visual culture in daily life, exploring fine art, popular culture, film, television, advertising, business communications, propaganda, viral social media and information graphics. As a critical introduction to visual communication, this course mixes theory, analysis and practical activities for an applied understanding of key issues, including the relationship between images, power and politics; the historical practice of looking; visual media analysis; spectatorship; historic evolution of visual codes; impact of visual technologies; media literacy; information graphics literacy; and global visual culture.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
From photojournalism to Instagram, 21st century communication is primarily image-based. Whether its mass media, individual expression, social media or alternative media, images are used for promoting ideas, products, information and political discourses. In this course students investigate the role of visual culture in daily life, exploring fine art, popular culture, film, television, advertising, business communications, propaganda, viral social media and information graphics. As a critical introduction to visual communication, this course mixes theory, analysis and practical activities for an applied understanding of key issues, including the relationship between images, power and politics; the historical practice of looking; visual media analysis; spectatorship; historic evolution of visual codes; impact of visual technologies; media literacy; information graphics literacy; and global visual culture.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The course’s content and activities are meant to prepare students for future studies in communications and media studies. By the end of the course, students should be able to:

·       Describe key theories and concepts of visual studies

·       Identify how ways of looking are culturally constructed

·       Perform semiotic media analysis

·       Use media literacy to analyze a range of visual texts, including advertising, social media memes and information graphics

·       Distinguish communication strategies in visual media

·       Critique the role of images in shaping political discourses

·       Asses ethical dilemmas posed by images

·       Generate visual media that reflect key themes from the course
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Media Semiotics: An Introduction Second EditionJonathan BignellManchester University Press978-0719062056     
Introduction to Visual CommunicationSusan N. BarnesPeter Lang1433112574     
Visual CultureHowells and NegreirosPolity0745650716     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Participation and AttendanceA combination of class participation, attendance and evidence of reading required texts will be graded.15%
Midterm Exam  25%
Detailed Image Analysis Assignmnet 30%
Final Exam 30%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
More than two absences will result in the loss of a letter grade if not adequately excused.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE
WEEK 1: Introduction to Visual Theory

Lesson 1.1 Monday 25 May

Introduction

Sensing + Selecting + Perceiving = Seeing

Lesson 1.2: Tuesday 26 May

Basic Visual Principles

Color Theory

Gestalt Theory

Lesson 1.3: Wednesday 27 May

Semiotics I

Lesson 1.4: Thursday 28 May

Semiotics II

Lesson 1.5: Friday 29 May (Make-up day for Tuesday June 2)

Week Recap


WEEK 2: Introduction to Visual Theory II

Lesson 2.1 Monday 1 June

Art & Art History

Tuesday 2 June - No Class

Lesson 2.2: Wednesday 3 June

Art & Iconology

Lesson 2.3: Thursday 4 June

Art & Formalism


WEEK 3: Introduction to Visual Theory III & Midterm Exam

Lesson 3.1 Monday 8 June

Culture & Ideology

Lesson 3.2: Tuesday 9 June

Hermeneutics

Lesson 3.3: Wednesday 10 June

Midterm Exam Preparation

Lesson 3.4: Thursday 11 June

MIDTERM EXAM


WEEK 4: Introduction to Visual Literacy

Lesson 4.1 Monday 15 June

Advertisement & Persuasion

We will look over the midterm exams at the beginning of class

Lesson 4.2: Tuesday 16 June

Typography & Graphic Design

Lesson 4.3: Wednesday 17 June

Image Analysis Workshop I (Deadline Monday 22 June)

Lesson 4.4: Thursday 18 June

Image Analysis Workshop II (Deadline Monday 22 June)


WEEK 5: Introduction to Visual Media

Lesson 5.1 Monday 22 June

Fine Art

IMAGE ANALYSIS DUE

Lesson 5.2: Tuesday 23 June

Photography

Lesson 5.3: Wednesday 24 June

Film

Lesson 5.4: Thursday 25 June

Television

Friday 26 June: FINAL EXAM