Multimedia Semiotics ΙI

The relationship between external images (from the environment and screen media such as television, film or computer-based media) and internal imagery (such as mental representations of objects, sensations, ideas and dreams) is analyzed. This relationship is responsible for the recognition and understanding of perceived images. In the second part of the course object of analysis are the interactive media with emphasis on entertainment and narrative videogames. Apart from audiovisual content, peripheral content, which contributes to meaning transmission and affects the interpretation process, also constitutes material for analysis.

The aim of the course is for students to acquire the ability to interpretively understand symbolic systems and to familiarize themselves with complex reference points of their communication function. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

- identifying the process of creating and encoding meaning in computer environment concerning deconstruction and understanding of content by the user

- understanding the relation between audiovisual content and peripherals in the creation of meaning and data interpretation

- developing analysis of interactive narrative and analysis of augmented reality systems and virtual environments.

1st Week: Course structure. Final assignment subject and methodology.
2nd Week: Homo Ludens: what is a “game” and what is “playing”. Structural models in nonlinear environments. In-situ assignment 1.
3rd Week: History of videogames. Elements of interactive performance. Narrative and videogames. In-situ assignment 2.
4th Week: The rules of the game. Bluffing, cheating and the gamer culture. Dramatization and strategy. In-situ assignment 3.
5th Week: The player's psychology. Variations of the immersive experience. In-situ assignment 4.
6th Week: Space and Place. In-situ assignment 5.
7th Week: MMOGs. In-situ assignment 6.
8th Week: The issue of identity. Presentation of development in final assignment (part 1).
9th Week: The issue of gender. Presentation of development in final assignment (part 2).
10th Week: User and creator. Presentation of development in final assignment (part 3).
11th Week: Age and violence in videogames. Presentation of development in final assignment (part 4).
12th Week: Interactive education systems. Presentation of development of final assignment (part 5).
13th Week: Criticism of videogames. Presentation of development of final assignment (part 6).

Arnheim, Rudolf. Visual Thinking, University of California Press, 1997.
Zeki, Semir. Inner Vision: An Exploration of Art and the Brain, Oxford University Press, 2000.
Material available on the e-class platform.

Lectures.

Home assignments.

Enhanced by multimedia content.
The learning process is supported by the asyncrhonous e-learning platform e-class.

Written examination paper.

Final written assignment.

Oral presentation of final written assignment.