Visual Theory 1

Subject guarantor:

Marla Beth LAZROE

Name of lecturer(s):

Marla Beth LAZROE

Learning outcomes of the course unit:

1.To present and build a basic working vocabulary with which to discuss the way visual images, particularly photographs, are constructed;

2.For students to be able to identify and understand the visual functions of each of these elements in terms of their desired effect or impact on viewers;

3.For students to analyse, explore and question:

-the relationships between the image-maker, viewer, subject and commissioning agent; and

-the various functions of images;

4. To consolidate the above material in the context of contemporary uses of images

Mode of study:

lecture/seminar

Prerequisites and co-requisites:

None.

Recommended optional programme components:

None

Course contents:

This course explores how visual images (concentrating mainly on photographs and film images) are constructed. It analyses the use of various aesthetic and design elements used by image-makers and the effects of these elements on the viewer. It is in lecture/seminar format in which students are given simple practical as well as theoretical assignments to enable them to experience the effects of these dynamics for themselves. There are both slide and video presentations to support the content of the lectures.

Recommended or required reading:

Required Reading

Lazroe, Beth, Photography as Visual Communication, a curriculum, FAMU, Prague, 1998. Available in the FAMU International Office.

Recommended Reading

1. Lazroe, Beth, Perception, Culture, Representation and the Photographic Image, World Young Photography, Ljubljana, Slovenia, 1997.

2. Hall, Stuart , Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices. Milton Keynes: The Open University, 1997.

3. Berger, John, Ways of Seeing, BBC and Penguin Books Ltd., London 1972.

4. Fiske, John, Introduction to Communications Studies, 2nd edition, Routledge, London and New York, 1990.

5. Price, Stuart, Media Studies, Pitman Publishing, London, 1994.

6. Time-Life Books, The Art of Photography, Time-Life International (Nederland), 1973.

7. Webster, Frank, The New Photography, Responsibility in Visual Education, John Calder, London, Riverrun Press, New York, 1985.

Library sections: Communications and media, Photography, Culture, Visual Culture, Social groups/classes, Visual/Cultural Anthropology.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods:

The course will be conducted in lecture/seminar format. Lectures follow a class textbook written by the instructor (Lazroe, Beth, Photography as Visual Communication, A Curriculum, FAMU, Prague, 1998) according to the weekly schedule. Copies may be purchased through the FAMU International office on the first floor.

Assessment methods and criteria:

Assessment and final grade

The course grade will be calculated as follows:

-Attendance ? 10%

-Assignments/class participation ? 40%

-final essay examination ? 50%

Course web page:

Note:

Homework assignment requirements

All images submitted for homework/seminar assignments should be in hard copy, at least A4 (8x10 inches) photocopies. All images must include citations; terminology from the lectures/coursebook may not be Googled for relevant examples. Written essays must be typed, double-spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman. All homework materials must be properly packaged, stapled and/or in plastic folders or envelopes ? no paper clips. Loose pages will not be accepted No homework assignments will be accepted by email. All of the above conditions must be met for the assignments to be accepted. As stated above, students who fail to submit homework assignments, and/or do not attend classes, will not be permitted to sit the final exam.

beth_lazroe@ yahoo.co.uk

Detailed syllabus available upon request in FAMU International office.

Schedule for winter semester 2013/2014:

	06:00–08:0008:00–10:0010:00–12:0012:00–14:0014:00–16:0016:00–18:0018:00–20:0020:00–22:0022:00–24:00
Mon
Tue	místnost 107 Učebna 1 (Lažanský palác) LAZROE M. 19:50–21:25 (přednášková par. 1)
Fri
Thu
Fri

Date	Day	Time	Tutor	Location	Notes	No. of paralel
	Tue	19:50–21:25	LAZROE M.	Učebna 1 Lažanský palác		přednášková par. 1

Schedule for summer semester 2013/2014:

	06:00–08:0008:00–10:0010:00–12:0012:00–14:0014:00–16:0016:00–18:0018:00–20:0020:00–22:0022:00–24:00
Mon
Tue
Fri	místnost 207 Učebna 2 (Lažanský palác) LAZROE M. 19:50–21:25 (přednášková par. 1)
Thu
Fri

Date	Day	Time	Tutor	Location	Notes	No. of paralel
	Fri	19:50–21:25	LAZROE M.	Učebna 2 Lažanský palác		přednášková par. 1

The subject is a part of the following study plans:

• Photography EN - Bachelor (optional subject)
• Photography EN - Master (optional subject)
• Erasmus (optional subject)
• Cinematography (optional subject)
• Cinema and Digital Media - Cinematography (optional subject)
• Cinema and Digital Media - Screenwriting (optional subject)
• Cinema and Digital Media - Directing (optional subject)