Redefining the Approach to Research Using Visual Narratives
In the heart of Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of English is making a significant stride in redefining academic research. The department is actively expanding its use of videographic criticism, a method that combines sound and moving images to explore and interpret works, as part of its current curriculum and research initiatives [1][2].
This shift in approach is reflective of a growing institutional emphasis on integrating multimedia scholarship within English studies. The aim is to influence academic research and pedagogy, broadening traditional textual analysis to include audiovisual methods, thus enriching critical perspectives and engaging diverse scholarly and public audiences [1][2].
Specifically, videographic criticism is now incorporated into courses and research projects, supporting innovative avenues for analyzing and presenting literary and cultural criticism through video essays and other forms of digital media. This approach is already influencing academic research by broadening traditional textual analysis to include audiovisual methods, thus enriching critical perspectives and engaging diverse scholarly and public audiences [1][2].
Meg Healy, a Ph.D. candidate in English, is one scholar who is benefiting from this new approach. She attended Reframing the Argument, an internationally competitive workshop held at the University of Notre Dame that explores videographic criticism as both a scholarly and creative practice. Healy found value in collaboration and feedback during the workshop, emphasizing the importance of building community [6][7].
Healy, who is researching the cultural dominance of science fiction from 1950 to the present, used videographic criticism to complement her dissertation research. The shift in approach resulted in a particularly enlightening discovery in the chapter focused on the "Star Wars" franchise, revealing elements that she had previously overlooked [8].
Future plans for the department involve further development of videographic criticism practices and recognition through academic awards and festivals [3]. This trend indicates an ongoing commitment to multimedia academic work, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and integrating digital technologies in literary and cultural studies [1][3].
In fact, the department is planning to offer a dedicated class on videographic criticism in the 2026-27 academic year. The department will also host a workshop this fall with Catherine Grant, an internationally recognized scholar and practitioner of videographic criticism [9].
Professor and chair of English, Will Scheibel, believes the accessibility of videographic criticism is part of its growing appeal due to recent advancements in technology and distribution platforms like Vimeo and YouTube [5]. Healy, who has gained proficiency in using editing software and videographic techniques at the Reframing the Argument workshop, hopes to inspire others in the field to embrace videographic criticism and build connections with fellow content creators and scholars [7].
In conclusion, Syracuse University's English department is helping redefine academic research by incorporating videographic criticism, providing scholars with innovative avenues for analyzing and presenting literary and cultural criticism through video essays and other forms of digital media. This approach is not only enriching critical perspectives but also engaging diverse scholarly and public audiences.
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