Master's Programme in Visual Anthropology, Media and Documentary Practices

Media representations shape social and political spheres; a critical understanding of media and (audio-) visual culture is crucial. The Master's programme educates students in theory and practice in the areas of visual anthropology, the documentary arts (film/photography/installation), media culture and media anthropology. Conceptual and practical knowledge within these areas can be applied in academia, the arts and culture and media industries. Students study the theoretical and practical foundations of visual anthropology and acquire skills for producing their own research projects and media output. Module 1: Introduction to Audio-Visual & Media Anthropology Students will receive a broad introduction to audio-visual and media anthropology. They will acquire a basic understanding of the theoretical foundations of visual anthropology and will be introduced to the first practical steps and techniques involved in film production. Module 2: Representation and Narrative Strategies This module centres on narrative strategies and aesthetics. The basics of imagery, image semiotics, and image composition are considered, as are concepts relating to installation and exhibition. Module 3: Anthropological Short Film Production This is a practical workshop. Students produce (individually or in small teams) short films or non-linear web documentaries. The focus is on storytelling and representation. Writing a film proposal and treatment is also practised. Module 4: Media Ethnography, Digital Anthropology & Media Practices Considering case studies of film and other media productions, the social and political construction and significance of media is debated. The analysis encompasses not only subject-generated media like indigenous media productions and other cultural media contexts but also includes the examination of social media in diverse societies. Module 5: Mediation of Human Experience & Applied Audio-Visual Anthropology This module explores the theories, methods and practices of experimental and sensory audio-visual ethnography, which are then tested by students in laboratories. Collaborative, participatory and applied film and media project approaches are elaborated upon. Module 6: Professional Project Development & Funding Strategies This module is a workshop. Students produce audio-visual assignments to experiment with their creative identities and receive training to develop a proper film/media project proposal for funding. Module 7: Project Supervision & Research Colloquium Students design a final MA project and its related media production. The proposals will be debated in the context of selected and related teachings and case studies. Module 8: Practical Work & Experience Students must complete a practical phase that can be undertaken part time or full time during the course of studies. Module 9: Fieldwork, Media Project, Final Thesis & Final Presentation Each student writes a Master's thesis and creates a media project in the form of a documentary film, photography exhibition or installation. Following this, students are invited to exhibit their work in a public exhibition.