Redefining Knowledge Sharing via Visual Narratives
Syracuse University's Department of English Embraces Videographic Criticism
The Department of English at Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences is currently expanding its use of videographic criticism, marking a strategic integration of video essays and other multimedia forms into their critical practice and pedagogy. This shift towards multimedia scholarship methods aligns with a broader trend in English departments across the globe.
In August 2025, the department announced its plans to host a workshop this fall with Catherine Grant, an internationally recognized scholar and pioneer in the field of audiovisual essays in film and moving image studies. The workshop is expected to delve into the practical and theoretical aspects of videographic criticism.
Meg Healy, a Ph.D. candidate in English, has been at the forefront of this shift. She attended the Reframing the Argument workshop at the University of Notre Dame, a fully funded residency that focuses on videographic criticism as both a scholarly and creative practice. The hands-on exercises at the workshop revealed elements that Healy had previously overlooked in her research on the "Star Wars" franchise.
Healy gained proficiency in using editing software and videographic techniques at the workshop, enabling her to work directly with the media by remixing scenes, layering audio, and juxtaposing visuals to uncover new insights. This approach allows scholars to challenge conventional methods of analysis and interpretation, offering fresh perspectives on familiar subjects.
Healy is using videographic criticism to complement her dissertation research on the cultural dominance of science fiction from 1950 to the present. She hopes to inspire others in the field to embrace videographic criticism and build connections with fellow content creators and scholars.
Will Scheibel, professor and chair of English, attributes the growing appeal of videographic criticism to recent advancements in technology and distribution platforms like Vimeo and YouTube. The department's focus on videographic criticism is helping redefine what academic research can look and sound like.
The Reframing the Argument workshop brought together graduate students and mentors to explore videographic criticism as both a scholarly and creative practice. Faculty mentors, including Colleen Laird, Ariel Avissar, Barbara Zecchi, and Matthew Thomas Payne, encouraged experimentation and learning from "so-called failures".
In the 2026-27 academic year, the Department of English plans to offer a dedicated class on videographic criticism, further solidifying its commitment to this innovative method of scholarly work. The department is poised to make major inroads in videographic criticism, redefining the landscape of academic research and education.
[1] Syracuse University News, "Syracuse University's Department of English Embraces Videographic Criticism", August 2025, link
[2] The Reframing the Argument Workshop, "2025 Workshop Participants", link
- This innovation in teaching and research methodologies, such as the use of videographic criticism at Syracuse University's Department of English, signifies a compelling fusion of education-and-self-development with online-education, as scholars learn and perfect their skills in video essay creation.
- The Departments' growing emphasis on online-education, particularly in the form of videographic criticism, not only encourages learning and intellectual growth but also fosters a global community of scholars and content creators, thereby expanding the boundaries of academic research and cultivating fresh perspectives in learning.
