Overall objectives:

1 - To deepen knowledges acquired in predecent courses, particularly in the areas of Visual Communication Science of Art, leading to an extended concept of the image in the context of Visual Culture.
2 - Understand and interpret concepts and paradigms related to the field of Visual Culture Studies, as well as the various methods of image analysis.
3 - Participate actively in the debate about the role of visuality in contemporary society.
4 - Autonomous research revealing critical attitude towards the information available.

Syllabus:

1 - Analysis of the image. The major approaches: anthropological, sociological, psychological, iconological and semiotical. Methods of analysis and image search. Language and context. The origins of semiotics. The classifications of signs. The iconic and plastic signifiers.
2 - Introduction to Visual Culture. Definition of the field and study areas. Visual studies: scope and limits. Visual culture in the contexts of information, globalization and multiculturalist society. Culture, image and mediation.
3 - Art and Visual Culture. Theory and practice. Crossed models: interdisciplinarity and multidisciplinarity. The integrated practices.

Literature/Sources:

J Berger , s/d , Modos de ver , Edições 70
JOLY, Martine , 2002 , A imagem e os signos , Edições 70
W Benjamin , 2006 , A Modernidade , Assírio & Alvim
ELKINS, James , The Object Stares Back. On The Nature of Seeing , Harvest Book
MIRZOEFF, Nicholas , An Introduction to Visual Culture , Routledge
MONDZAIN, Marie­José , A imagem pode matar? , Vega
WALKER, John A, CHAPLIN, Sarah , Una introducción a la Cultura Visual , Octaedro­EUB
E. T. Vilar , 2013 , Design et al , D. Quixote
BARTHES, Roland , O Grau Zero da Escrita seguido de Elementos de Semiologia , Edições 70
ECO, Umberto , 2017 , O signo , Presença

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
1. Expository and Explanatory methods: By PowerPoint presentations (images, timelines, diagrams, schematics, etc.), texts, audiovisual materials and online resources. 2. Dialogical method: Through discussion of ideas and reasoning of various contents. 3. Active method: Based on research and independent student work, resulting in the presentation in class the themes developed in the Course. Periodic evaluation: research papers and oral presentations (none of which will exceed 50%), through which the student must demonstrate the knowledge acquired during the semester; and a frequency corresponding to points 1 and 2 of the syllabus (which shall not exceed 50%). Continuous assessment participation in class and attendance (15%).