6267 - ARTS AND CULTURE I - VISUAL CULTURES

This module focuses on key theoretical readings and in class viewings that enable students to form complex, critical and analytical understanding of the photographic image as expressed in contemporary culture. Emphasis will be made on exploring the photographic image in a variety of contexts such as documentary, artistic, fashion, editorial and news. The theoretical approaches will deal with visual studies, semiotics, mythology, history, sociology, religion and psychology.
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate a detailed understanding of key theoretical approaches to the study of the photographic image on a visual, aesthetic, social and psychological level; to identify key areas of debate concerning self-identity and the photographic image; to synthesize and communicate in English their own theoretical evaluation of a photographic project using relevant theoretical and personal evaluation techniques.

This module provides a theoretical and practical approach to understanding photography and contemporary visual culture and aims to:

• Provide students with the key theoretical tools to evaluate and challenge complex photographic usage that highlight contemporary ethical concerns and issues of sociology and psychology relevant to the concept of self-identity;
• Enable students to engage and debate with professional analyses and critiques of pho- tographic works as complex and contextualized visual events;
• Encourage students' ability to articulate their own discursive approaches to the study of the photographic image orally and in written form to their peer groups;
• Direct students to identify areas in the study of photography relevant to their interests and to develop appropriate strategies for conducting research from a range of textual and visual sources.

Detailed description of the exam will be communicated dat the beginning of the course.

• Howells Richard (2003), Visual Culture, Polity Press, Cambridge
• Szarkowsky John (1963), The photographer's eye, MoMa New York
• Berger John (1990),Ways of seeing, Penguins Book, London
• Barthes Roland (1993),Mythologies, Vintage Classics, New York