308004 (v.1) Introduction to Visual Culture 061

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Area:	Curtin Sarawak
Credits:	12.5
Contact Hours:	3.0
Lecture:	1 x 1 Hours Weekly
Tutorial:	1 x 2 Hours Weekly
Syllabus:	Structured to accommodate and foster the theoretical as well as the practical. Conveys a basic understanding of how visual culture is variously produced, circulated and consumed - both within the local and international context. The critical examination and analysis of diverse everyday visual media texts, from television, cinema, newspapers and magazines. Enables the investigation and identification of how powerful meanings and messages are constructed, represented and inscribed in visual texts. Interaction with visual media and practice of communication processes, through the production of visual media texts in particular, is meant to further enhance familiarity with the language of contemporary visual culture.
Unit Outcomes:	On completion of this unit, students are expected to have a pronounced awareness of various forms of and practices associated with contemporary visual culture. Become familiar with a specific body of fundamental concepts and analytical tools, as well asa technical vocabulary. Develop the ability for critical and analytical thinking, in their engagement with visual media texts, as well as through the discussion and interrogation of ideas, theories and practices relevant to contemporary visual culture. Have the ability to use their personal creativity and basic practical skills for the production of visual media texts of their own. Develop effective and independent learning skills and interpersonal communication skills.
Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.
Unit References:	Aitchison, Jim. (1999). Cutting Edge Advertising. Singapore, Prentice-Hall. Armstrong, Steven. (1997), Advertising on the Internet. London, Kogan Page. Biagi, Shirley. (2001). Media/Impact: An Introduction to Mass Media. Belmont, Wadsworth. Craft, John. Frederic Leigh and Donald Godfrey. (2001). Electronic Media. Belmont, Wadsworth. Cronin, Anne. (2002). Advertising and Consumer Citizenship - Gender, Images and Rights. London, Routledge. Harper, Christopher. (2002). The New Mass Media. New York, Houghton-Mifflin. McKay, Jenny. (2002). The Magazines Handbook. London, Routledge. McMahon, Barrie and Quin, Robyn. (1995). Real Images: Film and Television. Melbourne, Macmillan. Parsons, Bill. (1998). Graphic Design with PageMaker 6.5. New York, Delmar. Rodman, George. (2001). Making Sense of the Media: An Introduction to Mass Communication. Needham Heights, Allyn and Bacon. Stovall, James, (2002). Writing For The Mass Media. Nerdham Heights, Allyn and Bacon. Straubhaar, Joseph and LaRose, Robert., (2002) Media Now - Communication Media in the Information Age. Belmont. Wadsworth. Turow, Joseph. (2003). Media Today: An Introduction to Mass Communication. New York, Houghton-Mifflin.
Unit Texts:	No prescribed texts. Introduction to Visual Culture 061 Unit Study Guide. Introduction to Visual Culture 061 Unit Reader. (Handouts provided by lecturer).
Unit Assessment Breakdown:	Advertising (Group) Project 20%. Essay Writing 20%. Final Examinations 20%. Photo-essay Project 20%. Tutorial Participation and Exercise 20%. This is by grade/mark assessment.