Joint attention, semiotic mediation and literary narrative

In this paper I discuss the importance for narrative theory of the concept, drawn from developmental psychology, of “joint attention”. In the first part, I explain the basic concept and its significance for the emergence of narrative in young children. In the second part I draw out the implications of this genetic approach for our understanding of the nature of narrative signification: where classical narratology is based on a chain of representational and “communicative” dyads (signifier/signified and sender/receiver), joint attention integrates these functions into a triadic semiotic by which the sign mediates between three poles: the producer of the sign, the receiver of the sign and the object of their joint attention. In the third part, taking Boccaccio’s Decameron as an example, I illustrate how this approach to the semiotics of narrative elucidates aspects of literary narrative that are obscured by the classical semiotic. Joint attention offers affordances for quasi-recursive re-contextualization, since the object of joint attention may consist of another act of joint attention: literary narrative can create complex joint attentional structures by which the story is “seen” through nested perspectival prisms of embedded narrative and character

Closure, observation and coupling: on narrative and autopoiesis

An examination of how narrative fiction can be thought of as a form of Autopoiesis (self-organizing system), drawing on Aristotle, Czech structuralism and Niklas Luhmann's systems theory

The ABCs and NTBs of GMOs: The Great European Union-United States Trade Debate - Do European Restrictions on the Trade of Genetically Modified Organisms Violate Internaitonal Trade Law

The genetic engineering of agriculture has spurred a lively worldwide discussion, and the technology has found both enthusiastic fans and formidable foes. Specifically, the United States has signed on as a proponent of the genetic modification of agriculture. In fact, the United States has become the largest producer of genetically modified organisms ( GMOs ) and is consequently the leading exporter of genetically modified goods. On the other side of this debate lies the European Community ( EC ). The European Community is much less enthusiastic about GMOs and effectively questions their presence in our environment and food products. The European Community has focused on the risks that GMOs potentially pose to environmental and human health, and accordingly, have regulated GMO trade. These markedly different positions have created strained trade relations between the United States and the European Community. The European Community believes that, in light of the scientific uncertainty and consumer mistrust surrounding GMOs, it is of utmost necessity to regulate GM goods in order to protect and preserve consumer and environmental health. The United States points out that the risks posed by GMOs are only potential, and that the prospective benefits of GM agriculture may be too great to sacrifice to precautionary measures. It appears, then, that the United States believes the European Community\u27s GMO regulation scheme to be simply thinly veiled protectionism in violation of international trade law, which ultimately reigns supreme over Community law. Consequently, the United States has looked to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade ( GATT ) and its accompanying Agreements, the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures ( SPS ) and the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade ( TBT ), to end the European Community\u27s restriction on GMO trade and to demonstrate that Europe\u27s protectionist measures amount to illegal Non-Trade Barriers ( NTBs ) according to the current international trade regime

Joint attention, semiotic mediation and literary narrative

In this paper I discuss the importance for narrative theory of the concept, drawn from developmental psychology, of “joint attention”. In the first part, I explain the basic concept and its significance for the emergence of narrative in young children. In the second part I draw out the implications of this genetic approach for our understanding of the nature of narrative signification: where classical narratology is based on a chain of representational and “communicative” dyads (signifier/signified and sender/receiver), joint attention integrates these functions into a triadic semiotic by which the sign mediates between three poles: the producer of the sign, the receiver of the sign and the object of their joint attention. In the third part, taking Boccaccio’s Decameron as an example, I illustrate how this approach to the semiotics of narrative elucidates aspects of literary narrative that are obscured by the classical semiotic. Joint attention offers affordances for quasi-recursive re-contextualization, since the object of joint attention may consist of another act of joint attention: literary narrative can create complex joint attentional structures by which the story is “seen” through nested perspectival prisms of embedded narrative and character

The Coupled: A Graphic Novel Proposal

Identity, especially in a creative environment, is something which we are encouraged to grasp by the end of our college careers. I’ve found, however, that this is a big question. College alone is a major step towards autonomy which entirely shifted my sense of self, and I’m sure that many in my situation can relate. As a result, I want to center a story around this idea of autonomy, and what it means to find one’s personal identity. I will be creating a graphic novel proposal, titled The Coupled, which will consist of both a written and digitally illustrated portion. The Coupled is an Industrial Fantasy centering around Dorje, a 16-year-old boy who is bound to a deity of chaos. Dorje deals with conflicts of morality and autonomy and must work with the Resistance to prevent a fascist empire from initiating the “Second Restoration”. I hope to create a compelling fantasy world that pulls from the ideas of political and personal freedom. My intention with this project is to create a story which relates to and inspires those who, like me, are undergoing a major shift in their independence. Not only do I want to establish a voice in the world of fantasy, but I also want to create something that I can use to kick start my graphic novel career and catch the eye of potential publishers

The ABCs and NTBs of GMOs: The Great European Union-United States Trade Debate - Do European Restrictions on the Trade of Genetically Modified Organisms Violate Internaitonal Trade Law

The genetic engineering of agriculture has spurred a lively worldwide discussion, and the technology has found both enthusiastic fans and formidable foes. Specifically, the United States has signed on as a proponent of the genetic modification of agriculture. In fact, the United States has become the largest producer of genetically modified organisms ( GMOs ) and is consequently the leading exporter of genetically modified goods. On the other side of this debate lies the European Community ( EC ). The European Community is much less enthusiastic about GMOs and effectively questions their presence in our environment and food products. The European Community has focused on the risks that GMOs potentially pose to environmental and human health, and accordingly, have regulated GMO trade. These markedly different positions have created strained trade relations between the United States and the European Community. The European Community believes that, in light of the scientific uncertainty and consumer mistrust surrounding GMOs, it is of utmost necessity to regulate GM goods in order to protect and preserve consumer and environmental health. The United States points out that the risks posed by GMOs are only potential, and that the prospective benefits of GM agriculture may be too great to sacrifice to precautionary measures. It appears, then, that the United States believes the European Community\u27s GMO regulation scheme to be simply thinly veiled protectionism in violation of international trade law, which ultimately reigns supreme over Community law. Consequently, the United States has looked to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade ( GATT ) and its accompanying Agreements, the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures ( SPS ) and the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade ( TBT ), to end the European Community\u27s restriction on GMO trade and to demonstrate that Europe\u27s protectionist measures amount to illegal Non-Trade Barriers ( NTBs ) according to the current international trade regime