Communications Studies (COMS) 367 - Lecture 02
Introduction to Visual Culture
Winter 2007
T,R 15:30-16:45  

Instructor:	Dr. Robert Milthorp
Office Location:	SS347
Office Phone:	220 3239
E-Mail:	milthorp@ucalgary.ca
Web Page:
Office Hours:	by appt

Additional Information

This course will use a Blackboard site. Introduction will be given in the first class.

Course Description

Students in this course will examine contemporary western visual culture, as it is constituted by visual modes of communication. The course begins by questioning the philosophic and ideological significance of “seeing” in western culture, and examines methods of interpretation and representation in the visual realm. Through analysis of images in art, print advertising, documentary photography, and a range of television, video and film genres, students will investigate the relation of cultural practices, ideologies and institutions to the production and reception of visual messages. Aesthetic philosophy, semiotics, psychoanalysis, discourse analysis, feminist and postmodern criticism, will be considered as research methods.

Students will engage in individual and team activities that synthesize theory and practice.

Objectives of the Course

The objective of this course is to increase the student's ability to describe and interpret visual messages within a contemporary cultural context. Interpreting images through written assignments and group discussion will be complemented by a visual production connecting critical reflection to visual practice.

Textbooks and Readings:

Visual Methodologies: an introduction to the interpretation of visual materials. Gillian Rose. Available in the Campus Bookstore

Assignments and Evaluation

It is the student's responsibility to keep a copy of each submitted assignment.

Visual Journal 25% due February and April 10; Mid term Quiz 20% 13; Team Presentation 25% due April 3, 5, 10; Essay 30% due April 10

Descriptions:

Visual Journal 25% due February 27 and April 10

In a notebook or binder, you are asked to collect images on a “regular” basis throughout the duration of the course. These images are to be accompanied by critical analyses or commentary, which link the images to methods of visual analysis, cultural discourse or other disciplinary fields with which the student has experience or interest.

The visual journals should contain approximately 15 pages of written entries, in addition to at least 15 -20 attached images. The individual journal entries may be of any length. The journals should start on the first day and be updated weekly and maybe used to focus discussions during class.

Mid-term test 20% February 27

This is a diagnostic test that will help to focus your application of visual methods of analysis, particularly aesthetic and semiotic methods. The test will ask you to analyse an image drawn from advertising or journalism, using the vocabulary and criteria presented in Rose’s text.

Team Presentation 25% April 3,5,10 as assigned

Students will be asked to form teams of 3-5 and will examine a visual cultural phenomen of interest and relevance to the course. The teams will research the phenomenon using methods and ideas gathered during the course and will produce a 10 minute predominantly visual presentation which reflects upon or demonstrates directly the issues researched. The team will lead the class in a short discussion of the process and content of their production

Holistic evaluation criteria will include: depth of research, meaningfulness of questions posed, quality of application and critical reflection upon the methods of analysis, creativeness and synthesis of learning and observation, ability to communicate and work successfully in a team situation, organisation of the presentation and clarity of the discussion.

Visual Analysis Essay 30% due April 10

In an essay of approximately 2000-2500 words you will examine in depth a visual image or phenomena. This can involve one or more images, or series of images, in any media. You are asked to analyse and discuss these images applying methods drawn form Rose's text offering a critical analysis of the relationship of the images to cultural practices, values or issues, and a reflection upon the strengths and limitations of the critical methods chosen.

Completion of all assignments except in class responses required to pass course. A+ grades will be awarded in exceptional circumstances to acknowledge outstanding achievement.

Final papers may be picked up at SS347 Friday July 28 if marking has been completed, otherwise at the COMS office SS110. Please inquire regarding these arrangements at the end of the course.

Registrar-scheduled Final Examination: No

Please note: If your class is held in the evening, the Registrar's Office will make every attempt to schedule the final exam during the evening; however, there is NO guarantee that the exam will NOT be scheduled during the day.

Policy for Late Assignments

Assignments submitted after the deadline may be penalized with the loss of a grade (e.g.: A- to B+) for each day late.

Writing Skills Statement

Faculty policy directs that all written assignments (including, although to a lesser extent, written exam responses) will be assessed at least partly on writing skills. (Please see the Writing Across the Curriculum Statement in the University of Calgary 2003-04 Calendar, p. 40, http://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/How/HOW_GB.htm). Writing skills include not only surface correctness (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc) but also general clarity and organization. Research papers must be properly documented. If you wish help with your writing at any stage, including drafts, you are invited to contact the Writing Centre, SS110, 220-7255.

Grading System

The following grading system is used in the Faculty of Communication and Culture:

A+/A (4.0); A- (3.7); B+ (3.3); B (3.0); B- (2.7); C+ (2.3);
C (2.0); C- (1.7); D+ (1.3); D (1.0); F (0)

 

Plagiarism

Using any source whatsoever without clearly documenting it is a serious academic offense. For details see the University of Calgary 2003-04 Calendar p. 51, http://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/How/HOW_LB.htm. Consequences include failure on the assignment, failure in the course and possibly suspension or expulsion from the university.

You must document not only direct quotations but also paraphrases and ideas where they appear in your text. A reference list at the end is insufficient by itself. Readers must be able to tell exactly where your words and ideas end and other people’s words and ideas begin. This includes assignments submitted in non-traditional formats such as Web pages or visual media, and material taken from such sources.

Please consult your instructor or the Writing Centre (SS110) if you have any questions regarding how to document sources.

Students with Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability who may require academic accommodation, it is your responsibility to register with the Disability Resource Centre (220-8237) and discuss your needs with your instructor no later than fourteen (14) days after the start of the course.

Students' Union

For details about the current Students' Union contacts for the Faculty of Communication and Culture see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info

"SAFEWALK" Program -- 220-5333

Campus Security will escort individuals day or night -- call 220-5333 for assistance. Use any campus phone, emergency phone or the yellow phone located at most parking lot booths.

Schedule of Lectures and Readings

Schedules and outlines will be available on Blackboard by the beginning of the course.