An Introduction to Visual Communication

Barnes (Lab for Social Computing, Rochester Institute of Technology) presents an undergraduate-level introductory textbook on visual literacy and communication that incorporates a broad array of approaches--including historical, semiotic, and cognitive approaches--to understanding visuality. She addresses visual literacy in relation to signs and symbols, written symbols and typography, and graphic design; visuality in print media, photographs, motion pictures and television, and digital media; and visual communication in cultural contexts. Chapters incorporate a variety of pedagogical devices, including side boxes focusing on specific theorists or illustrative case studies, chapter summaries, glossaries of key terms, and student exercises. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Susan B. Barnes is a full professor in the College of Liberal Arts and Associate Director of the Lab for Social Computing at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She has received numerous grants for both applied and theoretical research on the impact of computers in society. Her publications include Online Connections: Internet Interpersonal Relationships (2001), Computer-Mediated Communication: Human-to-Human Communication Across the Internet (2003), and Web Research: Selecting, Evaluating, and Citing with Marie Radford and Linda Barr (2002).