Section Number: 02, MWF: 9:00-9:50, Room: MUEN D144
Instructor: Joshua Ware, Ph.D.
Email: joshua.ware@colorado.edu
Office: 1B30-B, Environmental Design Bldg
Office Hours: MW, 10:00am-11:45am
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Many scholars and theorists have noted that we, as a society, have entered a “pictorial turn” in relation to how we engage and encounter the world. This so-called turn acknowledges the ascent of the image over the word, at least with regard to its rhetorical and ideological power.
More likely, though, this turn enables the word and the image to enter into a reciprocal relationship, wherein each element modifies one another (and their audiences) in complex and compelling ways.
The purpose of this course, then, will be to explore this intersection of text and image, noting how “textual pictures” and “pictorial texts” effect their audiences, as well as assessing their ideological and rhetorical outcomes.
COURSE INFORMATION
Texts and Materials:
Although, periodically, I will provide you with a series of PDF files with additional reading and information, you will only have one major course text of this semester:
Mitchell, W.J.T. Picture Theory. Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press, 1994.
The book should be available at the university’s bookstore. You are more than welcome to find a less expensive copy online, but your copy “not arriving in the mail yet” will not be a valid excuse for not completing the first reading and writing assignments of the semester.
Otherwise, all your assignments, updates, and announcements for this course will be posted on the course blog, which can be found at http://wrtg3020ware.blogspot.com.
Assignments:
During the course of our semester, we will have several different assignments. Before each assignment, I will provide you with more specific guidelines to direct you and aid in your success in our class. I do not accept late or incomplete assignments—there will be no exceptions to this rule. Below you will find a brief description of each assignment, along with point totals and due dates.
Quizzes: 13 quizzes that corresponds to the 13 chapters in Picture Theory; each quiz is worth 2 points, which amounts to 26 total points. Weekly.
Response Papers: 5, two-page essays that correspond to the 5 sections in Picture Theory; each response paper is worth 5 points, which amounts to 25 total points. Due: 09 February, 25 February, 13 March, 01 April, and 08 April.
Annotated Bibliography: 24 points. Due 17 April.
Final Research Essay: the semester will conclude with a 10-12 page research essay that will focus on a particular aspects of our course. Due: 01 May.
Grading:
A = 100-94 A- = 93-90 B+ = 89-87 B = 86-84 B- = 83-80 C+ = 79-77
C = 76-74 C- = 73-70 D+ = 69-67 D = 66-64 D- = 63-60 F = 59-0
Attendance:
You can choose not to come to fiveclass sessions during the course of the semester with no affect to your grade. For each absence after your fifth, your final grade will be docked one letter grade. For example, if you miss four class sessions during the semester and your final grade is an A-, you will receive a B-. I understand that people get sick or have pressing needs that need to be attended to, so use your absences wisely. If you are absent and miss in-class work or fail to turn in an assignment, you will lose those points. Finally, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed from one of your peers (i.e. another student).
Late Assignments:
I do not accept late assignments. If, for some reason, a cataclysmic event occurs that does not enable you to turn in your assignment on time, you can ask for an extension. But the granting of an extension will only happen in extremely rare circumstances; likewise, the decision on whether or not I grant you an extension is dependent entirely upon my discretion and opinion. Such a decision is not up for debate or arbitration with a third-party. Basically, operate under the mindset that late assignments will not be accepted.
Writing Center:
If you want additional help with your writing, the Writing Center in Norlin Library is a great place to go to talk about ideas, improve your thesis or essay organization, or just generally work on your writing skills. Check the Writing Center website for more information about hours and services, or request an appointment online at:
http://www.colorado.edu/pwr/writingcenter.html
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO-BOULDER RECOMMENDED SYLLABUS STATEMENTS
Just as both the PWR and I have our own course policies, goals, and objectives, so too does the university. Below are several university statements and accompanying URLs that will direct you to additional information.
Disabilities:
If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit to me a letter from Disability Services in a timely manner so that your needs can be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities. Contact: 303-492-8671, Center for Community N200, and http://www.colorado.edu/disabilityservices. If you have a temporary medical condition or injury, see the guidelines at http://www.colorado.edu/disabilityservices/go.cgi?select=temporary.html. Religious Observances* Campus policy regarding religious observances requires that faculty make every effort to deal reasonably and fairly with all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments or required attendance. In this class, I ask that you contact me at least one week ahead of the date(s) that you will be absent so that we can discuss any assignments/class material that you will miss. See full details at:
http://www.colorado.edu/policies/fac_relig.html
Classroom Behavior:
Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. Those who fail to adhere to such behavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences of race, color, culture, religion, creed, politics, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, disability, and nationalities. Class rosters are provided to the instructor with the student's legal name. I will gladly honor your request to address you by an alternate name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this preference early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records. See policies at:
http://www.colorado.edu/policies/classbehavior.html
http://www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/code.html#student_code
Discrimination and Harassment:
The University of Colorado at Boulder Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Procedures, the University of Colorado Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures, and the University of Colorado Conflict of Interest in Cases of Amorous Relationships policy apply to all students, staff, and faculty. Any student, staff, or faculty member who believes s/he has been the subject of sexual harassment or discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status should contact the Office of Discrimination and Harassment (ODH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Student Conduct (OSC) at 303-492-5550. Information about the ODH, the above referenced policies, and the campus resources available to assist individuals regarding discrimination or harassment can be obtained at:
http://www.colorado.edu/odh
Honor Code:
All students of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible for knowing and adhering to the academic integrity policy of this institution. Violations of this policy may include: cheating, plagiarism, aid of academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery, and threatening behavior. All incidents of academic misconduct shall be reported to the Honor Code Council (honor@colorado.edu; 303-735-2273). Students who are found to be in violation of the academic integrity policy will be subject to both academic sanctions from the faculty member and non-academic sanctions (including but not limited to university probation, suspension, or expulsion). Other information on the Honor Code can be found at:
http://www.colorado.edu/policies/honor.html
http://www.colorado.edu/academics/honorcode
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
What follows is a tentative schedule for our class sessions this semester. Please prepare accordingly, but be aware that details are subject to change based upon how the semester proceeds.
| Monday: 12 Jan | syllabus and introductions |
| Wednesday: 14 Jan | introductions (continued) and discussion |
| Friday: 16 Jan | discuss Picture Theory Introduction |
| Monday: 19 Jan | OFF MLK |
| Wednesday: 21 Jan | quiz and discuss chapter 01 |
| Friday: 23 Jan | discuss chapter 01 |
| Monday: 26 Jan | quiz and discuss chapter 02 |
| Wednesday: 28 Jan | discuss chapter 02 |
| Friday: 31 Jan | discuss chapter 02 |
| Monday: 02 Feb | quiz and discuss chapter 03 |
| Wednesday: 04 Feb | discuss chapter 03 |
| Friday: 06 Feb | discuss chapter 03 |
| Monday: 09 Feb | Response Paper Due |
| Wednesday: 11 Feb | quiz and discuss chapter 04 |
| Friday: 13 Feb | discuss chapter 04 |
| Monday: 16 Feb | quiz and discuss chapter 05 |
| Wednesday: 18 Feb | discuss chapter 05 |
| Friday: 20 Feb | quiz and discuss chapter 06 |
| Monday: 23 Feb | discuss chapter 06 |
| Wednesday: 25 Feb | Response Paper Due |
| Friday: 27 Feb | quiz and discuss chapter 07 |
| Monday: 02 Mar | discuss chapter 07 |
| Wednesday: 04 Mar | quiz and discuss chapter 08 |
| Friday: 06 Mar | discuss chapter 08 |
| Monday: 09 Mar | quiz and discuss chapter 09 |
| Wednesday: 11 Mar | discuss chapter 09 |
| Friday: 13 Mar | Response Paper Due |
| Monday: 16 Mar | quiz and discuss chapter 10 |
| Wednesday: 18 Mar | quiz and discuss chapter 11 |
| Friday: 20 Mar | Annotated Bibliography Guidelines |
| Monday: 23 Mar | OFF Spring Break |
| Wednesday: 25 Mar | OFF Spring Break |
| Friday: 27 Mar | OFF Spring Break |
| Monday: 30 Mar | discuss chapters 10 and 11 |
| Wednesday: 01 Apr | Response Paper Due |
| Friday: 03 Apr | quiz and discuss chapter 12 |
| Monday: 06 Apr | quiz and discuss chapter 13 |
| Wednesday: 08 Apr | Response Paper Due |
| Friday: 10 Apr | TBD |
| Monday: 13 Apr | TBD |
| Wednesday: 15 Apr | TBD |
| Friday: 17 Apr | Annotated Bibliography Due |
| Monday: 20 Apr | TBD |
| Wednesday: 22 Apr | TBD |
| Friday: 24 Apr | TBD |
| Monday: 27 Apr | TBD |
| Wednesday: 29 Apr | TBD |
| Friday: 01 May | Final Research Essay Due. |
