Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

All forms of media, as powerful and persuasive communicators of ideas, beliefs and stereotypes in our contemporary world, will be analysed. Answers will be sought to many questions including: Who speaks? Who listens? Who is silenced? Who profits? What are the social, environmental and ethical responsibilities of visual communicators? Is it permissible to appropriate other visual practitioners' images and ideas? What are the points of connection and divergence between popular culture and contemporary art? Semiotics, structuralist and post-structuralist theories will be used in an attempt to decode and interpret images.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, students will

1. be familiar with the salient ideas and methodologies of semiotics, and how these may contribute to an understanding of art and design;
2. be familiar with the salient ideas and differences between structuralist and post-structuralist thought, and be able to make connections between these ideas and art and design practice;
3. be able to use semiotics to critically decode and analyse the images and texts of popular culture;
4. have an awareness and understanding of the cultural roles and responsibilities of professional communicators in today's society;
5. comprehend all OHS&E requirements in this unit area.

Assessment

Research essay (2000 words): 40%
Short analytical essay (1000 words): 30%
One tutorial paper (1000 words): 25%
Class participation: 5%

Chief examiner(s)

Daniel Palmer (First semester)
John Gregory (Second semester)

Contact hours

One 1 hour lecture and one 2 hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

Must have passed 12 credit points in Theory of Art and Design, Visual Culture or Cultural Studies

Prohibitions

TAD3207, TAD3217