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SYLLABUS
Contact
Dr. Jim Ridolfo
ridolfo at gmail dot com
240 McMicken Hall
Office hours T/R 11:00 – 12:00 and by appointment.Overview
This course introduces students in the Rhetoric and Professional Writing major to the theory and application of visual rhetoric. We will focus on how visual elements (from font design, page layout, static images, and films) do specific kinds of rhetorical work. More than just analyzing texts; however, this class will combine rhetorical study with the research, production, and presentation of a mobile application. Student work will hover on the cutting edge of technology, technical communication, and rhetorical studies. Together we will learn about digital image creation and manipulation (GIMP/Photoshop), mobile applications technology (iOS and/or XHTML), presentation software and theory (Xtranormal/Prezi/Keynote/Powerpoint), and document design and production (OpenOffice/Word/Acrobat), as well as a range of mobile hardware/software for video capture, editing, and publishing.
Learning Goals
To introduce students to field literature in visual rhetoric;
To examine and apply important rhetorical concepts in visual rhetoric;
To practice key approaches in rhetoric useful for identifying, framing, and discussing what constitutes “effective communication” in visual rhetoric;
To apply these concepts to the research, design, production, deployment and presentation of a rhetorically sophisticated mobile app project.
Required Course Material
Course Requirements
Reading/homework question responses (20% - for class discussion and handed in to me electronically)
Major assignment one: rhetorical analysis of a mobile app (10% — 2 minute presentation and short report)
Homework assignment one: interview/video with a mobile app user (5%)
Major assignment two: proposal for designing a rhetorical mobile application (15%)
Major assignment three: GIMP/Photoshop/Acrobat/Axure mockup for application with audience statement (15%)
Homework assignment two: iterative testing (video!) of your mockup. (5%)
Major assignment four: a working alpha iOS/XHTML prototype of your application (15%)
Homework assignment three: image-enhanced documentation for your application tailored to the needs of a specific audience. (5%)
Final mobile application presentations: Prezi/Powerpoint/Keynote/Poster (a poster may also be submitted to the Undergraduate Research Poster competition in June 2012)/other (10%)
Total: 100%
Course Policies
Reading
Completed reading is an absolute requirement. If you are unable to do the required reading for class, it is up to you to inform the instructor prior to the class period. The instructor will expect that every student has done the reading for each class period. If the instructor feels that students have not done the readings, the instructor reserves the right to assign an in-class “pop reading quiz.”
Attendance
You are permitted two unexcused absences (10% of the class). If you are absent three times you will automatically face a letter grade penalty on your final grade. Four or more unexcused absences (20% of the class) will automatically result in a failing grade in the course.
Tardiness
Excessive and/or disruptive tardiness will be treated as absences at the discretion of the instructor. Do not test this policy.
Late Work
You are permitted to turn in one assignment late. Any additional late work will be penalized at the discretion of the instructor.
Conferences and Office Hours
I’d like to meet with every student at least once. This is an expectation and not a grading requirement. It’s your responsibility to meet regularly with me and discuss your research. I am available during my regular office hours (right before class on T/R!) and by appointment.
Academic Integrity Policy
The University Rules, including the Student Code of Conduct, and other documented policies of the department, college, and university related to academic integrity will be enforced. Any violation of these regulations, including acts of plagiarism or cheating, will be dealt with on an individual basis according to the severity of the misconduct.
Special Needs Policy
If you have any special needs related to your participation in this course, including identified visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical impairment, communication disorder, and/or specific learning disability that may influence your performance in this course, you should meet with the instructor to arrange for reasonable provisions to ensure an equitable opportunity to meet all the requirements of this course. At the discretion of the instructor, some accommodations may require prior approval by Disability Services.