MEDIA100-21A (NET)

Understanding Visual Culture

15 Points

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Division of Arts Law Psychology & Social Sciences
School of Arts
Screen and Media Studies

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Gareth Schott

Gareth Schott
9185
I.4.27
See Moodle
gareth.schott@waikato.ac.nz

Lecturer(s)

Administrator(s)

: vanessa.mclean@waikato.ac.nz

Placement/WIL Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

Student Representative(s)

Lab Technician(s)

Librarian(s)

: anne.ferrier-watson@waikato.ac.nz

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
    • For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
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Paper Description

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Our lives are dominated by images and by visual technologies that allow for local and global communication of information and ideas. In an increasingly visual world, how do we best decipher and understand the many ways that our everyday lives are organized around looking practices? In what ways are we affected by the many images that we encounter? How do we impression manage our identity with images?Images are used to represent our worlds - real, imagined, or possible. They can be trivial, profound, persuasive, confronting or disturbing. Some images possess a universal appeal while some are censored for their (perceived) harm. This paper will seek to cover visual texts in the broadest sense, ranging from drawings, paintings, photographs, moko, film and television, to new media forms. It will constitute a key first step in learning to utilize the image by beginning to understand how they work and their impact and influence on us. It also draws on a broad range of theories that will deepen students understanding of images and guide image creation and manipulation.
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Paper Structure

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PART 1: Learning the Value of Theory and Analysis

PART 2: Analysing Aspects of Visual Culture

Week Beginning:TOPIC
101 MarchIntroduction to the Paper: Answers to practical questionsPART 1: Frameworks for Analysis
208 MarchMethods of Visual Analysis: Symbols & ContextActivity 1 - Looking and Describing
315 March

Methods of Visual Analysis: Iconography to Abstract

Activity 2 - Context /History
422 MarchMethods of Visual Analysis: SignifyingActivity 3 - Associated Meanings
529 March

Methods of Visual Analysis: Multiple Modes

605 AprilMulti-modality in ActionSubmit Assignment 1 (9.4.2021)
12 AprilWriting an Academic Essay + Example (Zombies)PART 2: Analysis in Action
19 AprilTEACHING RECESS
726 AprilTEACHING RECESS
83 MayThe Body: A Semiotic Resource (Tattooing)
910 MayClothing: Music Subcultures (Punk)
1017 MayCities and Landscapes (Bioshock 2)
1124 MayPreparation for the Test
Essay Submission (28.5.2021)
1231 MayTest Week

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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the paper should be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of socio-cultural contexts past, present and future
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  • Demonstrate ability to apply knowledge and understanding in informed and critical responses
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  • Demonstrate methodologies in decoding, deconstructing and reading images, converting tacit knowledge and experience into a visual literacy.
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  • Demonstrate the language of image construction and composition and apply this language in analysis, description, and interpretation
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  • Assimilate images into academic arguments, linking text and image in academic argumentation that exploits theory and research on aesthetics and visual culture
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  • Demonstrate historical understanding and knowledge of images and their changing roles and function in culture
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Assessment

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This paper is assessed internally. Details of the assignment are outlined in the next section.
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Assessment Components

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 0% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 0% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Image Analysis Portfolio
9 Apr 2021
5:00 PM
20
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
2. Essay
28 May 2021
4:00 PM
30
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
3. Test
4 Jun 2021
8:00 AM
30
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
4. Quizzes
4 Jun 2021
4:00 PM
20
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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Required and Recommended Readings

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Required Readings

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Any required and recommended reading will be available online via Moodle.


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Online Support

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There is an online Moodle community for this course. Moodle can be accessed via iWaikato and at

http://elearn.waikato.ac.nz/

Lecture support material, tutorial information, assignment details, important dates and the paper outline are all available from this site.

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Workload

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It is expected that students will engage with the topics and activities on a weekly basis. University study is reliant on self-discipline and sustained engagement with the coursework. It is advised that you develop a work routine early and stick to it throughout the Semester.

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Linkages to Other Papers

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Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Equivalent(s)

Restriction(s)

Restricted papers: SMST101

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