title: Space as an inter semiotic agent in the (de)construction of poetic meaning (El espacio como agente intersemiótico en la (de) construcción del significado poético)

authors: Lopez-Fernandez, Laura

abstract: In this study I propose a new mode of reading space in experimental poetry within the framework of visual and verbal semiotic theories (Roland Barthes 1973, 1977; Mitchell W. J. T. 1980, and Theo Van Leuwen 1996). Space can be analyzed as an agent of meaning and not as a mere mediator. Although there is a poetics of space that has been studied from a variety of heterogeneous approaches, since Gaston Bachelard (1957) who talked about the transfer of the poet's affectivity to the surrounding space and objects, to more recent cultural and gender studies on the role of spatial form in poetry, there is still much research to be done on this subject, especially considering new intermedia poetry such as fractal, hypertextual, kinetic, or biopoetry.
Many experimental artists are in dialogue with a popular understanding of non-Euclidean geometry. For instance, a major impact of modern mathematics and physics in experimental poetry is the rejection of a coordinated and fixed referential system, in favor of multiple spatial dimensions in a single (re)presentation. In this framework the topological (set of points) dimensions of an experimental poem – cubism, futurism, visual, fractal, typographic, biopoetry, concrete, etc., - usually exceed the bi-dimensional space or planar projection of the page (surface) in which the poem is arranged. Order is deliberately ambiguous encouraging multiple readings.
Experimental poets combine representational and nonfigurative space to construct or deconstruct meaning in radical new ways. But in order to access this perceptual domain we need to change our conventional expectations of a poem. In traditional poetry, space is not active, it does not have agency so it is not able to generate meaning on its own, quite the contrary; space is a tool that allows the linguistic codes to produce meaning. In this traditional context G. E. Lessing’s (Laocon 1766) classical division between painting and the plastic arts on one hand, and poetry as a literary art on the other hand, which is based on sequentiality, is still valid. But in experimental poetic practices space is not just a mediator although it is an elusive factor, and it is often disregarded in the interpretation process.
Space is neither an empty receptacle nor something independent of the objects of the poem. Space acquires a dynamic and relational value and it is determined by the interaction of those objects. We will see that one of the factors at play in the production of meaning is simultaneity over sequentiality, which minimizes conventional reading and its intuitive expectations. Space contributes to the construction of meaning by disrupting conventional borders between the work and the frame, between visual perception and participation, between the materiality of the signs and virtual space, between rhythm and chaos, between the now of the poem and its projections creating alternative forms in time and space. We will contextualize this with relevant poems by Jose Maria Iglesias, J.M. Calleja, Isabel Jover, Antonio Orihuela, Ramon Dachs and Roger Olivella

text: Space as an inter semiotic agent in the (de)construction of poetic meaning (El espacio como agente intersemiótico en la (de) construcción del significado poético) In this study I propose a new mode of reading space in experimental poetry within the framework of visual and verbal semiotic theories (Roland Barthes 1973, 1977; Mitchell W. J. T. 1980, and Theo Van Leuwen 1996). Space can be analyzed as an agent of meaning and not as a mere mediator. Although there is a poetics of space that has been studied from a variety of heterogeneous approaches, since Gaston Bachelard (1957) who talked about the transfer of the poet's affectivity to the surrounding space and objects, to more recent cultural and gender studies on the role of spatial form in poetry, there is still much research to be done on this subject, especially considering new intermedia poetry such as fractal, hypertextual, kinetic, or biopoetry.
Many experimental artists are in dialogue with a popular understanding of non-Euclidean geometry. For instance, a major impact of modern mathematics and physics in experimental poetry is the rejection of a coordinated and fixed referential system, in favor of multiple spatial dimensions in a single (re)presentation. In this framework the topological (set of points) dimensions of an experimental poem – cubism, futurism, visual, fractal, typographic, biopoetry, concrete, etc., - usually exceed the bi-dimensional space or planar projection of the page (surface) in which the poem is arranged. Order is deliberately ambiguous encouraging multiple readings.
Experimental poets combine representational and nonfigurative space to construct or deconstruct meaning in radical new ways. But in order to access this perceptual domain we need to change our conventional expectations of a poem. In traditional poetry, space is not active, it does not have agency so it is not able to generate meaning on its own, quite the contrary; space is a tool that allows the linguistic codes to produce meaning. In this traditional context G. E. Lessing’s (Laocon 1766) classical division between painting and the plastic arts on one hand, and poetry as a literary art on the other hand, which is based on sequentiality, is still valid. But in experimental poetic practices space is not just a mediator although it is an elusive factor, and it is often disregarded in the interpretation process.
Space is neither an empty receptacle nor something independent of the objects of the poem. Space acquires a dynamic and relational value and it is determined by the interaction of those objects. We will see that one of the factors at play in the production of meaning is simultaneity over sequentiality, which minimizes conventional reading and its intuitive expectations. Space contributes to the construction of meaning by disrupting conventional borders between the work and the frame, between visual perception and participation, between the materiality of the signs and virtual space, between rhythm and chaos, between the now of the poem and its projections creating alternative forms in time and space. We will contextualize this with relevant poems by Jose Maria Iglesias, J.M. Calleja, Isabel Jover, Antonio Orihuela, Ramon Dachs and Roger Olivella

year: 2014

title: The excellence in research for Australia Scheme: An evaluation of the draft journal weights for economics

authors: Anderson, David L.

subjects: economics department

abstract: In February 2008, the Australian government announced its intention to develop a new quality and evaluation system for research conducted at the nation’s universities. Although the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) scheme will utilize several measures to evaluate institutional performance, we have chosen to focus on one element only: the assessment of refereed journal article output based on ERA’s own journal weighting scheme. The ERA weighting scheme will undoubtedly shape the reward structure facing university administrators and individual academics.
Our objective is to explore the nature of the ERA weighting scheme for economics, and to demonstrate how it impacts on departmental and individual researcher rankings relative to rankings generated by alternative schemes employed in the economics literature. In order to do so, we utilize data from New Zealand’s economics departments and the draft set of journal weights (DERA) released in August 2008 by ERA officials. Given the similarities between Australia and New Zealand, our findings should have relevance to the Australian scene. As a result, we hope to provide the reader with a better understanding of the type of research activity that influences DERA rankings at both the departmental and individual level.

text: The excellence in research for Australia Scheme: An evaluation of the draft journal weights for economics In February 2008, the Australian government announced its intention to develop a new quality and evaluation system for research conducted at the nation’s universities. Although the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) scheme will utilize several measures to evaluate institutional performance, we have chosen to focus on one element only: the assessment of refereed journal article output based on ERA’s own journal weighting scheme. The ERA weighting scheme will undoubtedly shape the reward structure facing university administrators and individual academics.
Our objective is to explore the nature of the ERA weighting scheme for economics, and to demonstrate how it impacts on departmental and individual researcher rankings relative to rankings generated by alternative schemes employed in the economics literature. In order to do so, we utilize data from New Zealand’s economics departments and the draft set of journal weights (DERA) released in August 2008 by ERA officials. Given the similarities between Australia and New Zealand, our findings should have relevance to the Australian scene. As a result, we hope to provide the reader with a better understanding of the type of research activity that influences DERA rankings at both the departmental and individual level.

year: 2009-07

title: Barriers to and supports for success for Maori students in the Psychology Department at the University of Waikato

authors: Hunt, Hanna

subjects: Maori students

abstract: The overall objective for this evaluation was to investigate the barriers to participating in tertiary education for Maori, and supports for academic success for Maori students in the Psychology Department. With this objective in mind, we set out to:
Investigate the barriers that impede success for Maori students in the Psychology Department. 
Identify variables of success and how they can be more effectively managed within the Psychology Department. 
Identify factors that contribute to Maori students continuing their studies through to graduate level. 
Provide recommendations for future development of a supportive environment for Maori students in the Psychology Department.

text: Barriers to and supports for success for Maori students in the Psychology Department at the University of Waikato The overall objective for this evaluation was to investigate the barriers to participating in tertiary education for Maori, and supports for academic success for Maori students in the Psychology Department. With this objective in mind, we set out to:
Investigate the barriers that impede success for Maori students in the Psychology Department. 
Identify variables of success and how they can be more effectively managed within the Psychology Department. 
Identify factors that contribute to Maori students continuing their studies through to graduate level. 
Provide recommendations for future development of a supportive environment for Maori students in the Psychology Department.

year: 2001-01-01