AANB05090U Visual Anthropology

Volume 2014/2015
Content

The course proposes to analyze fundamental questions in the relationship between visual media and anthropology, with an emphasis on anthropological film and indigenous filmmaking practices.

Through the analysis of a series of anthropological film - both classics and "outsiders" - the course explores the relationship between visuality and anthropology, between film and anthropological knowledge, between vision and the other senses (the "synaesthetic effect"), between images and sound, registration vs. observation, between the world and the signs and images we compose to convey it, trying to determine what is the part of the anthropological in the analyzed films. Web/online-material will also provide sources of interrogation. 

During the course, we will also explore the methodological and epistemological implications of a visual approach to the field, an approach that creates particular fieldwork conditions and offers distinct insights, and we will look closer at observation as a multi-sensuous practice.

A part of the course will be concerned with the analysis of indigenous peoples' use of audio-visual and interactive media (Amazonas & Australien).

Learning Outcome

By the end of the course the student should be able to: 

• Identify and formulate central anthropological challenges to the field of visual anthropology.

• Present the potential qualities of visual methods and form to anthropology.

• Critically analyze anthropological and other films on the basis of the concepts and theories identified during the course. 

• Reflect on the methodological, epistemological and ethical questions concerning the use of audiovisual media in anthropology, both as form of exploration and of publication.

 

BSc-, Credit-, Open Education and all international students: 500 pages obligatory literature.
MSc students: 500 pages obligatory literature + 200 pages of literature chosen by students

Literature chosen by students must be relevant to the course’s subject matter.

Course literature will be available in Absalon on the course website.

Lectures combined with analysis in studygroups
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Course Preparation
  • 100
  • Exam
  • 50
  • Lectures
  • 28
  • Study Groups
  • 32
  • Total
  • 210
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Portfolio
Obligatory portfolio assignments: The course lecturer determines the number and length of portfolio assignments. A minimum of 75% thereof will be assessed as the exam. At the end of the course, the lecturer will announce upon which portfolio assignments the assessment will be based.
Exam registration requirements
It is a requirement that the student is present for at least 80% of the lectures as part of their exam for the course. Lecturers will keep an attendance list.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Re-exam
1. & 2. Re-exam
For written exams:
A new essay/portfolio with a revised problem statement is submitted at the announced date. The student must register for the re-exam.
For oral exams:
A revised synopsis with a new problem statement is submitted at the announced date. The students must hereafter participate in a new oral exam at the announced date. The student must register for the re-exam.
Criteria for exam assesment

See learning outcome