Algonquin College
ENL1726
Symbols, Text and Meaning
Course Outline
2021-2022
- Pre-requisite(s)
- N/A
- Co-requisite(s)
- N/A
- Prepared by
- Heidi Upson Ferris
- Approved by
- Katherine Root, Academic Chair, Business Administration
- Normative hours
- 42.00
- Grading system
- A+ Through F
| Applicable Program(s) | Level | Core/Elective |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Programs | Multiple Levels | Multiple Core/Elective |
Course Description
Symbols and text are used to express, evoke, and manipulate an entire range of human emotions and reactions. In this interactive, discussion-based course, students will explore historical and contemporary approaches to using symbols, text, and language in conceptual and contemporary art, graphic design and advertising, poetry and lyrics, and in online technology. Through discussion, analysis, informal debate, and critical thinking, students will explore how symbols and text influence individuals, society and culture.
General Education Theme Area(s)
This is a General Education course that supports learning in the following theme area(s): Arts in Society
Essential Employability Skills
This course contributes to your program by helping you achieve the following Essential Employability Skills:
| EES 1 | Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience. (T, A) |
|---|---|
| EES 2 | Respond to written, spoken or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication. (T, A) |
| EES 7 | Analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. (A) |
| EES 8 | Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems and contributions of others. (T, A) |
| EES 9 | Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals. (A) |
Assessment Levels —T: Taught A: Assessed CP: Culminating Performance
Course Learning Requirements / Embedded Knowledge and Skills
When you have earned credit for this course, you will have demonstrated the ability to:
1. Summarize the influence of signs and symbols on individuals, society, and culture.
- Describe the attributes of symbols, icons, indexes, and other sign systems in terms of their communication potential and the subsequent impacts on individuals and society.
- Explore the personal roles individuals have when using and reacting to sign systems.
- Assess the unconscious impact of signs and symbols on personal communication.
2. Evaluate the use of symbols, text, and language in advertising and mass media to affect consumer choices.
- Categorize examples of slogans, subliminal messages, and double entendres used in mass media to influence individuals.
- Discuss the impact of typography styles, typefaces, and fonts used in mass media and advertising on individuals, society, and culture.
- Judge selections of popular advertising for their efficacy in terms of using symbols, text, and language to influence individuals.
- Examine the impact of advertising on self-image.
3. Critique the influence of text in fine art beginning in the late 1800s and ending with contemporary conceptual art.
- Analyze the use of symbols and text in various art pieces spanning the past 150 years.
- Examine the origins and progression of applying text to visual art and the subsequent impact this has had in a societal and cultural context.
- Evaluate meaningful examples of conceptual art pieces that contain text.
4. Compare and contrast specific text and language changes that have been made to poetry and lyrics over the past 100 years.
- Discuss the progression of poetry and literature through the 1800s and 1900s due to shifting language, changing text styles, and emerging forms.
- Examine experimental poetry styles for their creative uses of symbols, language, and text.
- Compare the similarities and differences between poetry and song lyrics.
- Analyze song lyrics from different eras and genres in terms of their lyrics and language.
5. Interpret the impact of online technology on individuals, society, and culture.
- Describe the relationship between social media and the use of symbols and text in personal expression.
- Investigate the use of emojis as a non-verbal communication device as well as a kind of language.
- Classify positive and negative outcomes of using online technology for individuals, society, and culture.
6. Create a symbols and text-based visual art project to demonstrate the impact symbols and text have on individuals, society, and culture.
- Analyze a chosen combination of symbols and text to illustrate their influence on individuals, society, and culture.
- Design a concrete example that shows the effect symbols and text have on individuals, society, and culture.
- Annotate a visual art project to reflect the influence symbols and text have on individuals, society, and culture.
Pre-defined Evaluation / Earning Credit
The following list provides evidence of this course's learning achievements and the outcomes they validate:
Assignment(s) (40%)
Validates Outcomes: CLR 1, CLR 2, CLR 3, CLR 4, EES 1, EES 2, EES 7, EES 8, EES 9
Discussion Forum (15%)
Validates Outcomes: CLR 1, CLR 2, CLR 3, CLR 4, EES 1, EES 7, EES 8
Project(s) (20%)
Validates Outcomes: CLR 1, CLR 6, EES 1, EES 7
Online Activity(ies)/Assignment(s) (25%)
Validates Outcomes: CLR 1, CLR 2, CLR 3, CLR 4, CLR 5, EES 1, EES 2, EES 7, EES 8
Learning Resources
Over the duration of the course, students may to refer to resources available in the following formats:
- Online articles and journals
- Videos
- Online magazines
- Online newspapers
- Internet searches
Learning Activities
- Individual reading and research
- Experiential exercises and activities
- Review of symbols, text, and language in visual art
- Small and large group discussions
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Students who wish to apply for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all outlined course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievement for PLAR candidates includes:
- Portfolio
Other Information
Grade Scheme
| Final Grade | Mark Equivalent | Numeric Value | Final Grade | Mark Equivalent | Numeric Value |
| A+ | 90% - 100% | 4.0 | A | 85% - 89% | 3.8 |
| A- | 80% - 84% | 3.6 | B+ | 77% - 79% | 3.3 |
| B | 73% - 76% | 3.0 | B- | 70% - 72% | 2.7 |
| C+ | 67% - 69% | 2.3 | C | 63% - 66% | 2.0 |
| C- | 60% - 62% | 1.7 | D+ | 57% - 59% | 1.4 |
| D | 53% - 56% | 1.2 | D- | 50% - 52% | 1.0 |
| F | 0% - 49% | 0 | FSP | 0 | 0 |
Course Related Information
Please refer to the Course Section Information (CSI) / weekly schedule for specific course-related information as provided by your professor.
Program Information
Department Information
School of Business Procedures
The School of Business Procedures file is located under “Course Information” in your course Brightspace site. These procedures are specific to School of Business programs and either cover issues not included in College Policies and Directives or elaborate on them.
Student Academic Responsibilities
Each student is responsible for:
• Knowing the due dates for marked out-of-class assignments.
• Knowing the dates of in-class marked assignments and exercises.
• Maintaining a folder of all work done in the course during the semester for validation claims in cases of disagreement with faculty.
• Keeping both paper and electronic copies of all assignments, marked and unmarked, in case papers are lost or go missing;
• Regularly checking both Brightspace announcements as well as one's Algonquin e-mail account for important messages from both professor and college administration.
• Participating in on-line and classroom exercises and activities as required.
Exemptions
Exemptions may be granted to students who have successfully passed an equivalent course at a post-secondary institution. If you wish to apply for an exemption contact the coordinator of the course for academic advice. To apply for an exemption, you must contact the Registrar’s Office before the deadline listed on your timetable.
Withdrawing From The Course
The last date for withdrawing from courses without academic penalty is printed on your timetable. The student is responsible for notifying the instructor and completing the appropriate form for withdrawal with the College Registrar.
Software Copyright
In the past few years, the Copyright Act has been updated to cover computer software. If the police lay charges against someone infringing copyright, the maximum penalties for a
summary conviction are "a fine not exceeding $25,000 or imprisonment for a term not
exceeding six months or both." The maximum penalties for an indictable conviction are "a fine not exceeding one million dollars or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both." Making a copy of software package for your own use, other than a backup copy of package that you have purchased as allowed in your license agreement, would make you liable for the above penalties.
Harassment/Discrimination/Violence
Harassment, discrimination and violence will not be tolerated. Any form of harassment (sexual, racial, gender or disability related), discrimination (direct or indirect), or violence, whether towards a professor or amongst students, will not be tolerated on the college premises. Action taken will start with a formal warning and proceed to the full disciplinary actions as outlined in Algonquin College policy. For further information, refer to the Student Instaguide or get a copy of the official policy statements from the Student Association (Directive A8).
Plagiarism Detection Software
"Turnitin" and "Safe Assign" plagiarism detection software is in use in the School of Business. Professors may require students to submit their work for review. Students are accountable to Plagiarism Policy AA20 found at http://www2.algonquincollege.com/directives/policy/plagiarism/
Retention of Student Work
Students are advised that original, electronic, or copied samples of their work may be retained for the purpose of program quality review by assessment panels. Unless students have otherwise granted permission, anonymity will be respected for all work retained for the purpose of quality review. Original work samples, may be retained with student agreement and will be returned to students upon request.
Academic Probation or Withdrawal from Academic Program
As per College Policy AA14, which can be found at http://www3.algonquincollege.com/directives/policy/aa14-grading-system/
"A student is on academic probation when the term cumulative grade point average falls below
1.7, or when a student carries 2 or more "F" grades. A student on academic probation may
continue in the program, subject to conditions set by the Academic Administrator. In some
cases, there may be program specific progression requirements which supersede the foregoing.
The transcript message reads:
Academic Probation - Please see your Program Coordinator"
"A student on probation may be required to:
a. reduce his/her course load,
b. withdraw from full-time status within the program, or
c. withdraw completely from the program.
A student required to withdraw completely from Level 01 must reapply through the Ontario
College Application Services. A student required to withdraw from an advanced level of the program must have the approval of the Academic Administrator prior to resuming his/her studies."
The School of Business Procedures file is located under “Course Information” in your course Brightspace site. These procedures are specific to School of Business programs and either cover issues not included in College Policies and Directives or elaborate on them.
Student Academic Responsibilities
Each student is responsible for:
• Knowing the due dates for marked out-of-class assignments.
• Knowing the dates of in-class marked assignments and exercises.
• Maintaining a folder of all work done in the course during the semester for validation claims in cases of disagreement with faculty.
• Keeping both paper and electronic copies of all assignments, marked and unmarked, in case papers are lost or go missing;
• Regularly checking both Brightspace announcements as well as one's Algonquin e-mail account for important messages from both professor and college administration.
• Participating in on-line and classroom exercises and activities as required.
Exemptions
Exemptions may be granted to students who have successfully passed an equivalent course at a post-secondary institution. If you wish to apply for an exemption contact the coordinator of the course for academic advice. To apply for an exemption, you must contact the Registrar’s Office before the deadline listed on your timetable.
Withdrawing From The Course
The last date for withdrawing from courses without academic penalty is printed on your timetable. The student is responsible for notifying the instructor and completing the appropriate form for withdrawal with the College Registrar.
Software Copyright
In the past few years, the Copyright Act has been updated to cover computer software. If the police lay charges against someone infringing copyright, the maximum penalties for a
summary conviction are "a fine not exceeding $25,000 or imprisonment for a term not
exceeding six months or both." The maximum penalties for an indictable conviction are "a fine not exceeding one million dollars or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both." Making a copy of software package for your own use, other than a backup copy of package that you have purchased as allowed in your license agreement, would make you liable for the above penalties.
Harassment/Discrimination/Violence
Harassment, discrimination and violence will not be tolerated. Any form of harassment (sexual, racial, gender or disability related), discrimination (direct or indirect), or violence, whether towards a professor or amongst students, will not be tolerated on the college premises. Action taken will start with a formal warning and proceed to the full disciplinary actions as outlined in Algonquin College policy. For further information, refer to the Student Instaguide or get a copy of the official policy statements from the Student Association (Directive A8).
Plagiarism Detection Software
"Turnitin" and "Safe Assign" plagiarism detection software is in use in the School of Business. Professors may require students to submit their work for review. Students are accountable to Plagiarism Policy AA20 found at http://www2.algonquincollege.com/directives/policy/plagiarism/
Retention of Student Work
Students are advised that original, electronic, or copied samples of their work may be retained for the purpose of program quality review by assessment panels. Unless students have otherwise granted permission, anonymity will be respected for all work retained for the purpose of quality review. Original work samples, may be retained with student agreement and will be returned to students upon request.
Academic Probation or Withdrawal from Academic Program
As per College Policy AA14, which can be found at http://www3.algonquincollege.com/directives/policy/aa14-grading-system/
"A student is on academic probation when the term cumulative grade point average falls below
1.7, or when a student carries 2 or more "F" grades. A student on academic probation may
continue in the program, subject to conditions set by the Academic Administrator. In some
cases, there may be program specific progression requirements which supersede the foregoing.
The transcript message reads:
Academic Probation - Please see your Program Coordinator"
"A student on probation may be required to:
a. reduce his/her course load,
b. withdraw from full-time status within the program, or
c. withdraw completely from the program.
A student required to withdraw completely from Level 01 must reapply through the Ontario
College Application Services. A student required to withdraw from an advanced level of the program must have the approval of the Academic Administrator prior to resuming his/her studies."
College Related Information
Algonquin College’s policies have been developed to ensure the health, safety and security of all students, faculty and staff, and the proper and fair operation of the College as an academic institution and employer. Please refer to the Algonquin College Policies website for the most current policy information available at http://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/.
Students are especially encouraged to be aware of the following College expectations
Academic Integrity
Algonquin College is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, and students are expected to uphold these standards as part of the learning process. Any academic work submitted by a student is expected to be their own work, unless designated otherwise and all sources must be attributed. All students should be familiar with the Algonquin College policy AA48: Academic Integrity . In some courses, online proctoring may be used to discourage cheating. Additional information can be found at https://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/student-learning-kit/preparing-to-learn-online/. Students with any questions about the course expectations for academic dishonesty and plagiarism are encouraged to speak to their professor.
Centre for Accessible Learning
Students with visible and/or non-visible disabilities are encouraged to register with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) in order to be eligible for appropriate learning supports and/or accommodations. Students are strongly encouraged to make an appointment at the Centre for Accessible Learning as early as possible when starting a program. Once your needs are identified, a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) will be issued which you can share with your professors. If you are a returning student, please ensure that professors are given a copy of your LOA each semester.
College Email
Students at Algonquin College are provided with a college email account. This is the address that will be used when the College, your professors, or your fellow students communicate important information about your program or course activities. Your network credentials can be found in the ACSIS portal and you are expected to check your Algonquin email regularly and to use it to send and receive college-related email. Support is available through the college Information Technology Service (ITS) at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/its/
Retroactive Accommodations
Students are expected to meet evaluation and completion deadlines as stated in course outline and course section information documents. In circumstances where evaluation and/or completion deadlines are missed or student performance has been affected by a temporary or permanent disability (including mental health), interim or retroactive accommodations may be considered. In such instances, please consult your course faculty member. For other situations where deferral of evaluations may be warranted, please consult Algonquin College Policy AA21: Deferred Evaluation.
Student Course Feedback
Algonquin College’s invites students to share their course experience by completing a student course feedback survey for each course they take. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA25: Student Course Feedback.
Use of Mobile Devices in Class
With the proliferation of small, personal mobile devices used for communications and data storage, Algonquin College believes there is a need to address their use during classes and examinations. During classes, the use of such devices can be disruptive and disrespectful to others. During examinations, the use of such devices may facilitate cheating. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA32: Use of Mobile Devices in Class
Technology Requirements
As Algonquin College continues to respond to public health guidelines, many courses will be offered through remote delivery. As such, students will be required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related resources required to participate in a course that are not included in the course materials fee, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software, etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the Course Section Information of the course outline for each course available on Brightspace.
Transfer of Credit
It is the student’s responsibility to retain course outlines for possible future use to support applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions.
Students are especially encouraged to be aware of the following College expectations
Academic Integrity
Algonquin College is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, and students are expected to uphold these standards as part of the learning process. Any academic work submitted by a student is expected to be their own work, unless designated otherwise and all sources must be attributed. All students should be familiar with the Algonquin College policy AA48: Academic Integrity . In some courses, online proctoring may be used to discourage cheating. Additional information can be found at https://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/student-learning-kit/preparing-to-learn-online/. Students with any questions about the course expectations for academic dishonesty and plagiarism are encouraged to speak to their professor.
Centre for Accessible Learning
Students with visible and/or non-visible disabilities are encouraged to register with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) in order to be eligible for appropriate learning supports and/or accommodations. Students are strongly encouraged to make an appointment at the Centre for Accessible Learning as early as possible when starting a program. Once your needs are identified, a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) will be issued which you can share with your professors. If you are a returning student, please ensure that professors are given a copy of your LOA each semester.
College Email
Students at Algonquin College are provided with a college email account. This is the address that will be used when the College, your professors, or your fellow students communicate important information about your program or course activities. Your network credentials can be found in the ACSIS portal and you are expected to check your Algonquin email regularly and to use it to send and receive college-related email. Support is available through the college Information Technology Service (ITS) at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/its/
Retroactive Accommodations
Students are expected to meet evaluation and completion deadlines as stated in course outline and course section information documents. In circumstances where evaluation and/or completion deadlines are missed or student performance has been affected by a temporary or permanent disability (including mental health), interim or retroactive accommodations may be considered. In such instances, please consult your course faculty member. For other situations where deferral of evaluations may be warranted, please consult Algonquin College Policy AA21: Deferred Evaluation.
Student Course Feedback
Algonquin College’s invites students to share their course experience by completing a student course feedback survey for each course they take. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA25: Student Course Feedback.
Use of Mobile Devices in Class
With the proliferation of small, personal mobile devices used for communications and data storage, Algonquin College believes there is a need to address their use during classes and examinations. During classes, the use of such devices can be disruptive and disrespectful to others. During examinations, the use of such devices may facilitate cheating. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA32: Use of Mobile Devices in Class
Technology Requirements
As Algonquin College continues to respond to public health guidelines, many courses will be offered through remote delivery. As such, students will be required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related resources required to participate in a course that are not included in the course materials fee, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software, etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the Course Section Information of the course outline for each course available on Brightspace.
Transfer of Credit
It is the student’s responsibility to retain course outlines for possible future use to support applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions.