Visual Arts and Film BA (Hons)

Art- and Film-Writing in Context

covers the numerous forms and venues in which people write about art and film. It will equip you with the understanding and skills required to be an effective communicator, able to write in a knowledgeable and medium-appropriate way for a variety of audiences.

Introduction to Visual Culture Studies

examines the central issues in visual culture, film studies and the history of art, paying particular attention to the relationship between these three linked areas. Central to the philosophy of the module is an emphasis on global visual cultures and the role translation plays in the study of transnational phenomena.

The Art of the Moving Image (1): Key Concepts

explores the moving image in a range of formats, genres, histories, media, national contexts, and styles. It will help to develop your ability to analyse and critique moving image texts. You will be familiarised with the complexity and specificity of the moving image by focusing on aspects such as audiences, auteurs, cinematography, editing, industries, performance, sound and staging. You will also be introduced to key theories in the fields of film and visual studies in the wider context of cultural studies. You will develop your research skills and methodologies in the field of visual cultures and the moving image. This may include animation, documentary film, narrative and short film, streaming platforms, television, video and video art.

In recent years optional modules have included: People and CulturesIntroduction to Middle Eastern CulturesCities in AntiquityMedieval to Modern: An Introduction to the Archaeology of the Medieval to the Post Medieval WorldLives of Objects – Greek and Roman AntiquityIntroduction to Chinese CultureMonuments and Memory in the Age of AugustusIntroduction to Japanese Culture: From Antiquity to the PresentGallery 101: Designing an Art Exhibition

Digital Skills for Visual Culture Research

develops your appreciation of the relationship between technology and different modes of aesthetic experience. You will explore digital technology and the digital revolution, reflecting on both the ‘therapeutic’ and ‘toxic’ dimensions. Alongside the technical skills for deploying digital methods you will consider the need for responsibility in the uses of technology.

The Art of the Moving Image (2): Theories and Contexts

explores the moving image in a range of formats, genres, histories, media, national contexts and styles. You will develop your ability to analyse and critique the art of the moving image. You will also investigate how the evolution of the moving image has intersected with political, social and cultural developments across the globe.

In recent years optional modules have included: Introduction to CurationThinking Through Art ObjectsMiddle Eastern CinemaViolence in German Literature, Film and Visual ArtThe Body and the Extremity of the Senses: Through Japanese Literature, Performance and Media ArtsIntroduction to Anime: Aesthetic, Technology, SerialityRenaissance and Baroque in Image and WordRussian and Soviet CinemaChinese CinemaRoman Buildings and their DecorationGreek Art and Architecture

Dissertation

Your 12,000-word will cultivate your independent, research-led learning and in-depth knowledge by researching and writing about a particular area of interest, for which the department can offer research supervision. It will also enhance your employability by allowing you to demonstrate your independence and your project-management experience of planning, documenting and writing an extended piece of work.

In recent years optional modules have included: Photography and Modernity Between the WarsPerformance and TopographyThe Spanish ImaginaryArt, Nature, EcologyEarly Modern New MediaPhotography and Modernity between the WarsAdvanced Curating: Theory and PracticeFilmmakingPhotography in East AsiaReligion and Film