AMERICAN CULTURE AND LITERATURE
Bachelor TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
POV3333 Icons and Symbols Spring 2 2 3 5
This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction: English
Type of course: Non-Departmental Elective
Course Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery: Face to face
Course Coordinator : Instructor DENİZ EYÜCE ŞANSAL
Recommended Optional Program Components: None
Course Objectives: This class aims to introduce students into the logic, the way of function and the impact of icons and symbols in culture. Introducing the medial differences between image and text will open the field to discuss artistic approaches to this problem especially in photography, but also in literature, film and painting.


Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
1. Identify the logic and function of icons and symbols in culture.
2. Discuss the artistic approaches to icons and symbols in literature, art, painting and photography in particular.
3. Analyze artistic products based on different approaches.
4. Execute photographic experiments with respect to icons and symbols.
5. Evaluate the cultural impacts of icons and symbols in their own image and text productions.
6. Construct a theoretical framework with respect to icons and symbols to build upon.

Course Content

In this class students discuss theoretical texts and analyse artwork, but also do some photographic experiments with respect to symbols and icons. In the last part of each class we will discuss these photographical experiments. In this way the students develop a deep understanding of the cultural impacts of these medial differences and their own image and text production.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Introduction to the Course
2) Iconic Communication: Barker: Human Communication Processes King: On the Possibility and Impossibility of a Universal Iconic Communication System Weekly readings will be assigned.
3) Roscoe: The Limits of Iconic Communication Weekly readings will be assigned.
4) McLaren: Some Pictorial Symbol Systems for Public Spaces ISOTYPES a.o. Weekly readings will be assigned.
5) Exhibition Visit Weekly readings will be assigned.
6) Mitchell: Picture Theory: Introduction & The Pictorial Turn Weekly readings will be assigned.
7) Metapictures Weekly readings will be assigned.
8) Beyond Comparison: Picture, Text, and Method Weekly readings will be assigned.
9) Ekphrasis and the Other Weekly readings will be assigned.
10) Ut Pictura Poesis: Abstract Painting and Language Weekly readings will be assigned.
11) Theorising film and television Weekly readings will be assigned.
12) Continued: The Photographic Essay: Four Case Studies Weekly readings will be assigned.
13) Realism, Irrealism, and Ideology: After Nelson Goodman & Conclusion: Some Pictures of Representation Weekly readings will be assigned.
14) Conclusion and Review for the Final Exam Weekly readings will be assigned.

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks:
References:

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Attendance 1 % 15
Midterms 1 % 25
Final 1 % 60
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 40
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 60
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Duration (Hours) Workload
Course Hours 14 4 56
Study Hours Out of Class 14 4 56
Midterms 1 2 2
Final 1 2 2
Total Workload 116

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) Upon graduation, students will acquire key skills and attributes to conduct research to use research tools, to solve problems, to communicate effectively and to transfer skills to the workplace.
2) Upon graduation, students will have developed the ability to discuss key issues in fluent English.
3) Upon graduation, students will have developed the ability to compose written documents in English with a mature prose style. 4
4) Upon graduation, students will have gained broad knowledge of the American and English literary canons. 4
5) Upon graduation, students will have developed the ability to analyze, synthesize and criticize sophisticated works of American and English literature. 4
6) Upon graduation, students will have achieved in depth the understanding of contemporary American culture. 3
7) Upon graduation, students will have developed the ability to draw links among diverse literary texts and documents and establish critical connections and adopt an interdisciplinary attitude. 3
8) Upon graduation, students will be able to develop new projects individually or in teams. 3
9) Upon graduation, students will be able to apply their knowledge into their lives for interdisciplinary problem-solving and solutions. 4