Overview

This module will look at a number of visual media and artefacts exploring individual texts as well as looking at the organizations and individuals that produce them, and the social and political context around them. It will discuss debates about the nature of different visual culture, explore the relationship between the medium and the text, and learn to analyse visual culture. We will examine posters, TV, film, graffiti, homes and houses, paintings, maps, TikTok’s, photojournalism, and documentary film. Key objectives of this module are to equip students with a knowledge and understanding of key debates about the past, present and future of visual media; and to prepare you to critically analyse visual culture.

This module will cover a range of topics, including: - approaches to the study of visual culture - the relationship between the medium and the message, and the specificity of particular media - uses of visual culture for persuasion - visual culture's relationship to nation-building, race, class, gender and sexuality - intertextuality and intratextuality in visual culture - memes, posters, grafitti, photography, film, TV, etc.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D GradeSubmitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows:-Generally accurate but with omissions and errors-Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning-Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions-Draws on a relatively narrow range of material

-good -B gradeSubmitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates:-Very good structure and logically developed arguments-Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student-Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning-Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style

-excellent -A gradeSubmitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways:-Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent-Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study-Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions

-another level-C GradeSubmitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates:-Good structure and logically developed arguments-At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student-Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and reasoning-Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style

Learning Outcomes

• You will be able to compare and appraise key theoretical concepts that can be applied to the study of visual culture.

• You will be able to conduct close textual analysis of different media forms in accordance with your understanding of critical and theoretical models.

• You will be able to offer critiques regarding substantial issues within visual culture around medium specificity and digitalisation.

• You will examine different forms of visual culture in terms of their historical, social, political and institutional specificity.