module specification

In this module you will be introduced to the foundations of communications and image studies. The module explores different frameworks for understanding communications, and the role of the visual image in media, marketing and communications. It will introduce you to semiotics. You will also have the opportunity to apply your learning in the form of a photographic portfolio that will demonstrate theories of the image. The module combines theory and practice-based learning in a fully integrated way and provides a foundation to key theoretical ideas.

The module aims to:
• Provide you with an introduction to theories of communication and theories of the image.
• Promote your critical understanding of the role of images in communications, marketing and media.
• Develop your photographic practice and understanding the role of critical theories in media practice.
• Develop and encourage your confidence in the use of appropriate learning, analytical and discursive skills in both oral and written argument, and help you acquire key academic research skills.

This module provides an introduction to communication and image studies. It will introduce you to theories of communication and theories of the image and provide you with opportunities to apply these through discussion and analysis of examples drawn from a range of creative media practice contexts, and through your own creative photographic practice. The weekly teaching schedule will be divided into lectures, that will introduce the focus of each session and provide context and theoretical background, and seminars in which you will be able to apply the ideas discussed in the lecture through analysis and discussion of key examples and develop your own photographic practice. The module is divided into two blocks: 1 Communications and 2 The Image. The indicative curriculum will include:

Block 1: Communications
• Types of communication and communications technologies
• Modes of communication
• Communications, language and linguistics
• Communications models
• Visual communications

Block 2: The image
• Digital photography skills
• Semiotics and the sign
• Introduction to visual aesthetics
• The image in marketing and advertising
• The image in journalism and publishing
• The image in digital and social media

Seminars in the communications block will focus on applying theories; seminars in the image block will focus on developing your creative photographic practice and presenting your photographic work.

Teaching methods include formal lectures, seminar discussion, screenings, library sessions and tutorials.  Students are expected to attend lectures and seminars: in the seminars they will at times work in small groups and be given practice in listening to each other’s contributions and offering constructive criticism, and in chairing and reporting discussion to the plenary seminar group. The teaching and learning strategy aims to encourage an inclusive and supportive learning environment that respects and values the contributions of individual students, and provides opportunities for individual intellectual development through a variety of learning opportunities.

The module booklet will be available online, as will lecture outlines and some readings. Weblearn or its equivalent will also be used for communication with students individually and as a cohort. In addition to guided reading, students are expected to read and to use variety of sources (primary and secondary) and use seminars and tutorials to raise issues, questions and seek feedback.

A blended learning strategy will be employed to enhance the learning experience, facilitate communication between students and tutors and develop collaboration among students. The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) will be used as a platform to support online activities including on-line discussions, evaluation of online resources, and access to electronic reading packs. The VLE will also be used to facilitate formative assessment and related feedback, as well as a tool to integrate useful online learning materials provided by research institutions, academic publications, professional organisations and other relevant sources.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate your understanding of the role of image in communication.
2. Apply theories of communication and theories of the image to this understanding
3. Demonstrate your understanding of communications conventions through the ways in which you present and deliver your academic work in the module.
4. Demonstrate your ability to produce a written critique addressing theories of communication and the image
5. Develop creative photographic practice and demonstrate appropriate presentation of practice-based work

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/445C5667-A2E9-7B56-A008-5BA374643476.html?lang=en&login=1

• Abertazzi, D. & Cobley, P. (2015), The Media, and introduction, London: Taylor and Francis.
• Campany, D. (2018) So Present, So Invisible: Conversations on Photography. Rome: Contrasto.
• Campany, D. (2020) On Photographs. London; New York: Thames and Hudson.
• Cobley, P. (1997), The Communications Theory Reader, London: Routledge.
• Cobley, P. (2014). Introducing semiotics: A graphic guide. Icon Books Ltd
• Dyer, G. (2021) See/Saw: Looking at Photographs. Edinburgh: Canongate.
• Kovarik, B. (2021), Revolutions in Communication: media history from guttenberg to the digital age, London and New York: Bloomsbury,. 
• Nelson, G. (2017) How to See: Visual Adventures in a World God Never Made. London; New York: Phaidon.
• Purger, K. (2021), Palgrave Handbook of Image Studies, Cham: Springer Nature.
• Sturken, M and Cartwright, L (2018) Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture. Oxford: OUP.

Online Resources:
Photographers’ Gallery: https://thephotographersgallery.org.uk/learn
Victoria and Albert Museum Photography Centre: https://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/photographs