Module description
This module provides conceptual and analytical tools for students to be able to systematize their experience as viewers and spectators of a range of visual representations across the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking worlds. Students will be introduced to the broad field of 'Visual Culture' in order to be able to engage critically with various forms of expression such as painting, printmaking, photography and film (including genres such as portraiture, comics and documentary). It will also consider the visual image within literary texts. Students will examine selected samples from a range of visual and, where relevant, verbal material produced in relation to the Spanish and Portuguese speaking worlds, as well as relevant theoretical and critical literature.
Sessions will focus on the ways in which images are part of the production of meaning and how vision and visuality might be culturally constructed. Students will consider the ways in which they 'see' or 'think they see' images and the ways in which the social context of viewing determines our perception.
Assessment details
One 2000 word essay (40%) and one 2000 word essay (60%)
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module students will be able to demon intellectual, transferable and practicable skills appropriate to level 4 and in particular will be able to
- demonstrate understanding of the character of the image in a range of case studies from the global Iberian world;
- demonstrate knowledge of different historical visual genres and technologies;
- begin to identify specific problems that arise from the relationship between visual culture and the global Iberian society;
- analyse visual representations as cultural constructions;
- handle key concepts and critical perspectives with regard to vision and visuality;
- discuss the nature of visual images and the historical background of their interpretation.
Teaching pattern
Two hours per week
Suggested reading list
- Nicholas Mirzoeff, An Introduction to Visual Culture, 2nd ed. London, Routledge, 2009
- Gillian Rose, Visual Methodologies: An Introduction to the Interpretation of Visual Materials, London: Sage, 2001
- Maria Sturken and Lisa Cartwright, Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009
Students are expected to purchase their own copy of the following book:
- Maria Sturken and Lisa Cartwright, Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009