Exploring Research Approaches via Visual Narratives
In the heart of academic innovation, the Department of English at Syracuse University is actively expanding its use of videographic criticism as of August 2025. This move reflects a broader institutional commitment to this mode of analysis and creative practice, marking a significant step forward in the realm of digital humanities.
Videographic criticism, a method that uses video and multimedia tools to analyze, critique, and interpret texts or cultural phenomena, is set to become an integral part of the department's coursework and research activities. This shift towards interdisciplinary methods bridges traditional literary studies and contemporary digital media, making Syracuse's English department a trailblazer in the humanities.
While other institutions, such as Gustavus Adolphus College or Sarah Lawrence College, focus on visual arts and integrated media in theatre or art history, Syracuse's unique focus lies in English studies. This distinctive expansion in the humanities at Syracuse suggests a trend towards interdisciplinary methods that engage with visual and media forms.
The presence of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for recent syllabi implies that new or revised courses incorporating videographic criticism have been or will soon be offered. The Department of English is planning to offer a dedicated class on videographic criticism in the 2026-27 academic year. Moreover, the department will host a workshop this fall with Catherine Grant, an internationally recognized scholar and practitioner of videographic criticism.
Meg Healy, a Ph.D. candidate in English, is one of the pioneers in this new wave of scholarly practice. Healy is using videographic criticism to complement her dissertation research on the cultural dominance of science fiction from 1950 to the present. Healy attended the Reframing the Argument workshop, an internationally competitive event held at the University of Notre Dame, to explore videographic criticism as both a scholarly and creative practice.
Healy found the workshop invaluable for fostering collaboration and building community. The hands-on exercises at the workshop revealed elements she had previously overlooked. Detaching from traditional text and narration pushed Healy beyond her comfort zone, prompting a fresh examination of key areas in her dissertation.
Videographic criticism allows scholars to work directly with media by remixing scenes, layering audio, and juxtaposing visuals to uncover new insights. 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.
Healy's project examines how fans, corporations, authors, and scholars have shaped the popularity of the genre across literature and film. The faculty mentors at the workshop, including Colleen Laird, Ariel Avissar, Barbara Zecchi, and Matthew Thomas Payne, created an environment that encouraged experimentation and learning.
Healy hopes to inspire others in the field to embrace videographic criticism and keep building connections with fellow content creators and scholars. The Department of English is working to redefine academic research by employing a fresh approach that incorporates videographic criticism, setting a new standard for scholarly exploration in the digital age.
The Department of English at Syracuse University is extending its reach in education and self-development by incorporating online education and learning methods, specifically videographic criticism, into its coursework and research activities. The upcoming dedicated course on videographic criticism in the 2026-27 academic year is evidence of this commitment to online education.