Research Methods Intensive: Visual and Material Culture Studies

3.00 credits · Undergraduate

Prereq: 3 credits from VMCS 1201, 1301; or permission of the Department This course provides an opportunity for students to strengthen and diversify their research skills as applied to visual and material cultures through exploration of key terminology, methodological approaches, and ethical considerations. It introduces various procedures for collecting visual and material data from institutional collections (archives, libraries, and museums), researcher-created databases, photo-sharing websites, everyday life, and social media. By combining research and experiential activities, students are exposed to interdisciplinary and cross-cultural forms of critical thinking about and creative engagement with visual and material cultures, both historical and contemporary. Objects under consideration may include fashion magazines, film adaptations, manga, photographs, TV series, video games, visual poetry, and vlogs. (Format: Integrated Lecture/Laboratory 3 hours)