The contemporary social world is one of media images: beamed from sources as far-reaching as the humble television set and smartphone screens to virtual reality headsets. In order to comprehend this image-saturated social universe, social researchers require a toolkit to deal with visual data. Indeed, a number of analytical methods – from visual semiotics to cognitivist spectatorship theory – have been developed to rigorously analyse and interpret visual data. However, these methodologies are often siloed within their respective disciplines, meaning that researchers from a range of fields often deal with the same problems but fail to talk to one another, share insights, and develop a unified lexicon for visual analysis.
This workshop, led by PhD researchers from Film Studies and the Centre for Language, Discourse and Communication, will attempt to synthesise disparate methodologies of visual analysis by discussing points of overlap – and contention. After an introductory talk, attendees will also be invited to take part in a practical session of visual analysis, utilising both still and moving images. By the end of the day, you will have been introduced to a number of different approaches to visual analysis, and have a solid grounding in dissecting visual data for the purposes of social research – and, of course, there will be a drinks reception!
Register at the Eventbrite page.