Visual, Sensory and Digital Anthropology (860L6)

30 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Spring teaching

This module explores the imaginative worlds that we inhabit through visual, other sensory and digital media. It investigates how they form a part of everyday practices. It also examines how researchers have used such tools to understand, collaborate and represent these practices.

Drawing on empirical material produced by anthropologists and others, it covers a wide range of case studies from across the world. This includes ethnographic, activist and creative examples. Covering contextual studies of photography, film, graphic narratives, soundscapes, performances, virtual media and much more, the module will provide theoretical, ethnographic and practical insights on the media from their production and their significance, to their reception.

The module will equip you with critical insights and skills in key issues on the relationships between media and cultural contexts – a growing field of interest for a wide range of people in academia and beyond.

Teaching

100%: Practical (Workshop)

Assessment

40%: Coursework (Presentation)
60%: Written assessment (Essay)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 300 hours of work. This breaks down into about 33 hours of contact time and about 267 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2022/23. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.