The world today is full of visual images.  Mass media such as television, cinemas, films, magazines, advertisements, internet, billboards, advertisement, books, videocassettes, etc., are all inalienable from visuals. In technical communication, use of visuals is even more important. Few technical documents or presentations could be considered as effective without the help of visual elements.  Naturally, it is important that we learn to use visuals effectively. The goals of English 5313, Visual Rhetoric, are to develop students' visual intelligence and  train their visual literacy so that they are able to properly interpret, critically analyze, and effectively use   visuals both in technical communication and other fields. Specifically speaking, students will learn principles of visual perceptions such as Gestalt theories, the use of rhetorical theories, semiotic theories, and other visual analysis approaches to interpret, analyze, and create effective visuals so as to target the audience well. Specific topics cover the study of document layouts,  typographic applications, and the interpretation and analysis of pictures, films, and television.  On the whole, the course will be interesting and practical.  I hope you will enjoy yourself immensely by taking this course.