Module GEOG3907: VISUAL GEOGRAPHIES: REPRESENTING AFRICA

Department: Geography

GEOG3907: VISUAL GEOGRAPHIES: REPRESENTING AFRICA

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To explore geographies of visual culture in order to expand students knowledge and understanding of the politics of representation in the construction of people and places
• To enhance students grasp of theoretical and methodological approaches to the analysis of visual geographies
• To promote critical reflection on the cultural geographies of identity, representation and geopolitics with respect to ‘Africa’

Content

• Theoretical and methodological approaches to visual culture
• Historical trends in the enactment and performance of ‘Africa’ and the legacies of empire in visualising the continent
• Analysis of the visual representation of African people and places
• Constructions of identity and difference in visual culture and media
• The global image economy: analysis of the visual economy of documentary photography, photojournalism and African cinema

Learning Outcomes

• Application of theoretical approaches to the analysis of visual culture and geographies
• Critical awareness of the historical and political dimensions of cultural production and consumption

• Constructing visual analyses of geographical issues with respect to ‘Africa’
• Demonstrating the role of photography and cinema in constructions of place and identity

• Assessing the merits of contrasting theories and methodologies used in the analysis of visual culture
• Critically interpreting visual culture
• Demonstrating an ability to formulate critical and sophisticated arguments and analysis
• Demonstrating a capacity to communicate effectively in written assignments
• Demonstrating an ability to gather, evaluate and synthesise information obtained from a variety of sources

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures will be used to impart basic information (empirical and conceptual) necessary to fulfil the aims of this course
• Concepts introduced in lectures will be explored in more depth in workshops, which will be conducted by the lecturer and form the core of the course
• Students will select one of three workshops, each workshop will be limited to 1/3 of the course enrolment to ensure small group teaching, and last nine hours over three weeks
• Group work skills will be developed in a practical project, the results of which students present in a workshop talk that constitutes the formative assessment
• When not in a workshop students will be undertaking course reading and contributing to the course blog
• Students understanding of relevant visual methodologies and their ability to undertake critical analysis of visual materials will be assessed through a formative group presentation in the final workshop session
• Students understanding of relevant theoretical and conceptual approaches to the study of visual geographies will be assessed through a summative essay

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Workshop presentations, with written feedback