Module Catalogue 2024/25

SOC8048 : Visual Sociologies (Inactive)

SOC8048 : Visual Sociologies (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Prof. Elaine Campbell
  • Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module introduces students to the eclectic world of visual sociologies, and positions sociological interest in 'visuality' within contemporary theories of social change and transformation.

The module:
(i) examines the centrality of 'the visual' to the cultural construction of social life;
(ii) explores key theoretical/conceptual perspectives on the 'visual';
(iii) introduces and practices a range of visual methodologies and frameworks of analytical inquiry;
(iv) critically explores the contours of 'visual cultures', noting the ethical, social and political relations and effects of visual objects and scopic regimes.

Outline Of Syllabus

Theme 1: Visual Cultures and Social Transformation (two hours - lecture, discussion and practical exercises)

The 'cultural turn'
Modernity and postmodernity
Ocularcentrism
Scopic regimes
The society of the spectacle
Hyperrealities
Seeing with critical eyes

Theme 2: Theorising The Visual (two hours - lecture, discussion and practical exercises)

Erving Goffman on dramaturgy
Roland Barthes on photography
Jean Baudrillard on simulacra
Mikhail Bakhtin on carnival
Michel Focault on panopticism
Mieke Bal on 'visual essentialism'

Theme 3: Visual cultures and the ethics of looking (two hours - lecture, discussion and practical exercises)
Symbolism
Representation
Display and exhibition
The gaze, scopophilia and voyeurism

Theme 4: Analysing The Visual I (two hours - lecture, discussion and practical exercises)

The 'good eye' and compositional interpretation
Semiotic and representational analysis
Elements of a critical visual analysis

Theme 5: Analysing The Visual II (two hours - lecture, discussion and practical exercises)

Archaeological method
Genealogical method
Non-representational approaches

Supplementary compulsory content

Fieldtrip - visual ethnography of campus
Fieldwork involving primary data collection (two hours)
Fieldwork workshop and discussion (two hours)

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

The module will enable students to acquire a knowledge and understanding of the eclectic field of visual sociologies constituted by the following:

A knowledge and understanding of visual life as a key component of social change and transformations.

A knowledge and understanding of a range of classical and contemporary theoretical and conceptual frameworks for making sense of the visual relations of contemporary social life and cultural experience.

A knowledge and understanding of key terms, and the development of a conceptual vocabulary for thinking and talking about visual life.

A knowledge and understanding of a range of visual methodologies and different approaches to visual analysis.

A knowledge and understanding of the power relations, and the ethical and political implications of the visual dimensions of social life.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Ability to critically read/reflect on sociological and cultural theories, and develop a familiarity with the diversity of academic literature constituting 'visual sociologies'.

Ability to critically analyse visual media, materials and data, through the prism of a range of theoretical and conceptual frameworks.

Ability to design research methodologies appropriate to the primary collection and analysis of visual media, materials and data.

Development of students' organisational and planning skills.

Development of students' writing, oral, presentational and team-working skills.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture52:0010:00Incorporates interactive components PiP
Guided Independent StudyProject work12:002:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops22:004:00PiP
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesFieldwork12:002:00PiP
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery10:150:15PiP
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study181:4581:45N/A
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures (five x two hours) engage students with the key theoretical, conceptual and methodological approaches to visual sociological work. These two hour sessions incorporate interactive and case study analysis components which provide students with the important 'hands-on' experience of applying theoretical understanding of visual life to a range of media, materials and data.

Workshops (two x two hours) are focused on: (i) a reflective review and discussion of the fieldtrip; and (ii) a practical and interactive session in which students present and discuss the data and findings of the fieldwork exercise.

Fieldtrip (two hours) facilitiates a focused fieldwork experience which takes students out of the classroom, and allows them to engage with, and explore in a very practical way, the material taught in lectures.

Fieldwork (two hours) will involve primary data colelction, and will further develop students' skills and confidence in undertaking a visual sociological research.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay2A1002500 words - there is a choice to undertake an essay or a case study
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Essay

Students are required to critically appraise published academic material to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of different theoretical, methodological and analytical perspectives on visual life. Students will be free to select for themselves the substantive topic of the essay.

or

Critical Case Study

Students will be required to submit a critical case study which will assess their ability to apply analytical and methodological frameworks to an area of visual life. Students will be free to select for themselves the material and focus of the critical case study.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.

You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.

Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.