Visual, Sensory and Digital Anthropology (860L6)
Visual, Sensory and Digital Anthropology
Module 860L6
Module details for 2022/23.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
This VSDA module will familiarise students with theories and applications of visual, sensory and digital anthropology. The module will also enable students to critically and self-reflexively apply what they have learnt to their individual projects, which might concentrate on one or more of the visual, sensory and digital media.
The module will include the study of:
• complex legacies of visual and sensory representation in anthropology as well as contemporary, activist visual and related work through on- and offline means.
• visuality itself as a domain of anthropological inquiry, exploring ways of seeing in culturally and historically specific contexts as well as noting its limitations and exploring other sensory ways of engaging with the environment.
• cross-overs between anthropological and other relevant visual and sensory epistemologies in the arts, humanities and social sciences.
• the use of multisensory material and methods in anthropological research.
• how virtual worlds, social media, netnography and multi-situated fieldwork have been used for anthropological knowledge and practice.
Full Module Description
The relationships between media and cultural contexts in terms of methods, representation and reception is a growing and attractive field of interest for a wide range of people in academia and beyond. Their relevance to social media and digital worlds has also escalated and been further pronounced by the pandemic when even face-to-face and performance-based events transferred to digital avenues.
The VSDA module builds on the 2nd year module, Visual Anthropology, convened over the last few years by Professor Raminder Kaur and Dr Giuila Grassilli, which has been very successful in terms of stimulating students’ interests in this growing field. The undergraduate module is proving to be a seeding ground and creating an appetite to pursue the subject at the postgraduate level. Feedback from undergraduate students reveal that some are going to try for the already oversubscribed University of Manchester Granada Centre MA that is practice-based. Others might try UCL or Goldsmiths but they would prefer not to be in London, a fair amount wanting to remain at Sussex for its interdisciplinary approach and lively habitus. The UCL programme is less focused on films, however. This MA module will go some way to whet this appetite, a module that students can combine with others in Anthropology and related programmes.
At Sussex there is no equivalent MA module or programme offered by the School or University. Media and Humanities offer a range of media, film and digital MA modules and programmes but none are from anthropological or global culturally diverse perspectives. The nearest would be the MA in Media Practice for Development and Social Change that is orientated towards development studies.
Module learning outcomes
A critical understanding of different theoretical, cultural and contextual traditions and practical applications within anthropology (with a focus on photography, audio-visual, multisensory and virtual media).
A wide understanding of different theories of perception, visual cultures and other sensory engagements in cultures across the world, within anthropology and across the humanities and social sciences.
An expanded understanding of ethnographic practice and scope (e.g. within virtual environments)
Enhanced abilities to develop critical arguments based on (audio-)visual and other sensory material
Enhanced abilities to apply theory and lessons learnt from examining case studies to practice-based assessments
Enhanced abilities to critically use and analyse media in presentations and other platforms
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (3000 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 2 Tue 16:00 | 60.00% |
| Coursework | 40.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Presentation | T2 Week 10 (15 minutes) | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Workshop | 3 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Raminder Kaur
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/158815
Miss Camila Supervielle
Assess convenor
/profiles/535431
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