English 391, section 009
Reading & Writing Hypertext & New Media
Fall 2009
Tuesday/Thursday 11:00 to 12:15
Hibbs 329
Instructor: Melinda M. White (see Contact)
Course Overview
This course will serve as an introduction to reading and writing hypertext and new media literature. The course will provide a short historical overview of electronic literature that uses links and lexias as means to convey ideas, characterization, and connections before introducing new media poetry and literature that employs movement and image to express meaning and metaphor. Authors such as Michael Joyce and theorists such as Marshall McLuhan will provide contextual support for analyses of electronic literature as well as foundation for writing projects using various technologies, such as Dreamweaver and Flash. Although students will be instructed on basic use of this software (available in the lab/classroom), they are not limited to them or expected to have in-depth understanding of them for the projects that will be assigned.
After participation in this course you will be expected to:
- recognize that “text” means a variety of things, including visuals.
- have a grasp of electronic literature, and in the theoretical pros and cons of the continuing discussion of its parameters and possibilities.
- develop an awareness and control of saying something valuable with more than words.
- analyze multimodal “texts” with regards to design, movement, and interactivity.
- hone academic and creative writing, presentation, and group-work skills.
- complete meaningful textual projects in an electronic format.
- proficiency in one or more computer software (including publishing a website).
- participate in formal and informal discussion, workshop, and peer critique.
Texts & Materials
All reading will be instructor provide, on public websites, or available online through the course website at: http://ramsites.net/~whitemm2/hypertext
Students also will need a VCU email and ramsites account, an electronic storage device (jump, thumb, flash drive), and a blank CD for turning in the final project.
Course Requirements
Reading
Readings are not optional. All course readings will be provided by the instructor or posted to the course website. You are responsible for printing them off and reading them on time. The readings we will be doing will serve as a theoretical and practical overview of electronic literature. You will find them helpful not only for understanding the history and justification for electronic work you will be looking at, but also for your own projects and reflections.Discussion
Your thoughts and opinions are a vital part of this class. I do not like to lecture and will only do so when absolutely necessary. What I want to know is what you think and what you want to create. Verbal responses to the material in the course are also a vital part of your grade.Class work
Attendance is important since discussion and workshop are a large part of the course. You will also be doing in-class work in groups and individually, when I am available for consultation. Use this time wisely.Assignments (see assignments)
There will be four major assignments. Three units (explained in the next section) and then a final project of your own choosing. Work must be professional and turned in on time. No excuses. I am available for help, but not on the day a project is due. It is difficult (and never a good idea) to procrastinate work that requires technology. AND ALWAYS BACK UP YOUR FILES.