Media Aesthetics - History and Theory

ECTS Credits

15 ECTS

Level of Study

Bachelor

Teaching semester

Spring

Objectives and Content

The aim of this course is to strengthen students' knowledge of the aesthetics of visual texts, and to develop the ability to use central theories and analytical perspectives on texts such as classic and newer Hollywood films, European films, alternative or non-Western films, art films. and documentaries, contemporary television series, and computer games. An emphasis is placed on linking the aesthetics of the texts to the institutional, technological and production framework conditions, and on placing the texts in a wider cultural-historical context. The course may also focus on particular genres, practices, and themes.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of the history and aesthetics of visual texts
• has knowledge of selected visual media and genres, such as documentaries, TV series or computer games.

Skills

The student

• can make a critical assessment of academic literature and sources to shed light on issues of media aesthetic
• can reflect on the connection between the aesthetics of visual texts and their institutional, technological and production framework conditions
• can engage in critical discussions through oral presentations and written presentations

General competence

The student

• can apply central theoretical knowledge in the analysis of visual texts, and present this in an independent written work
• can use libraries, databases and other sources of information to find relevant information in connection with a project, and to stay updated on relevant literature.

Required Previous Knowledge

None

Recommended Previous Knowledge

The course build on MEVI101 - MEVI104, especially MEVI103

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

• MEVI213 (5 ECTS)
• MEVI223B (15 ECTS)

Access to the Course

The course is open for students at the University of Bergen

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and workshops with film screenings.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Approved workshop assignments (80%). The workshop assignments can be written and/or oral, and can accommodate practical exercises in media production or dissemination. There is not time limit for approved work requirements.

Forms of Assessment

4-day home exam, approximately 4500 words +/- 10%, excluding table of content and reference list. 

Grading Scale

Graded A-F

Assessment Semester

Assessment in teaching semester and the following semester.

Reading List

The reading list will be ready before 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 Decemeber for the spring semester. 

Course Evaluation

All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.   

Course Coordinator

Course coordinator and administrative contact person can be found on Mitt UiB. 

Course Administrator

Department of Information Science and Media Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences has the administrative responsibility for the course and the study programme.