VIS 2012 Visual Cultures

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

Understanding and explaining the nature of contemporary culture is a difficult task. Since major technological developments occurred in the mid '60s dramatic social changes have taken place. Intrinsic to these changes are notions of difference in visual culture within the current cultural contexts of artistic communication. This unit addresses issues of social and cultural practice which challenge and shape the arts of European and non-European cultures. Positions of, and differences between, artist and audience are central concepts for deconstruction. Constructs of visual communication, constituted through the visual language of cultural codes and conventions, will be explored as they relate to agency and the transmission of cultural literacy.

SYNOPSIS:

The history of representation has cultural implications which are framed by considerations of belief, class, ethnicity, gender, nationality, and philosophy. This course addresses aspects of these issues of social and cultural practice as they challenge and shape the contemporary arts of European and non-European cultures. Visual communication through the visual language of imagery will be explored to analyse and define the position and relationship between artist, audience, and artwork within a cultural and historical context.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. develop an awareness of the formation of culture and the processes of responding to change;
2. understand the basic cultural formations and practices which shape visual arts communication;
3. acquire a knowledge of the development of contemporary artistic forms through European and non-European traditions;
4. recognise the underlying aesthetic conventions within works of art in their socio-cultural contexts;
5. clearly and logically express personal ideas pertaining to cultural awareness as they relate to the visual arts.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

The journal is to include relevant articles, reviews, tutorial research preparation and material for oral presentations during tutorials as well as notes from lectures.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriate in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval, then a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each of the first FIVE working days late, after which a zero mark will be given.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by: (i) satisfactorily completing the examination and assignments; and (ii) obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks for all summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   There is no exam for this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Given the details under (6) above, there are no deferred exams for this course. However, if any deferred/makeup work is granted, it would have to be submitted by a date set by the examiner.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES