Yearbooks

Programme: BAHons Visual Studies

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Code Faculty
01240273 Faculty of Humanities
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 120 NQF level:  08
Contact:
Prof AA du Preez
[email protected]
+27 (0)124203755

Programme information

This qualification builds on the foundation laid in the undergraduate Visual Studies programme, and offers students the opportunity to engage in research and to start developing their own field of interest and specialisation, which can then be pursued in further postgraduate studies.

Admission requirements

  • An appropriate BA degree with an average of at least 65%.

Other programme-specific information

DRA 710 may be chosen in consultation with the programme manager.

Minimum credits: 120

Elective modules

Select ONE of the following:

VKK 756 Cross-media visual

VKK 757 Visual archiving and curating

DRA 710 may be chosen in consultation with the programme manager.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    This module offers an introduction to research methodology. Applications are made to art history and visual culture where relevant. Different theoretical approaches to research in history of art and visual culture will be highlighted. Emphasis will be placed on photographic compilations, illustrated inventories, pictorial dictionaries, exhibition catalogues, the internet and electronic multimedia sources as resources for research.

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  • Module content:

    This module examines some of the seminal texts and theoretical frameworks in developing the fields of cultural studies, visual culture and the "new art history". The texts of the leading theorists are dealt with. The issues will be illustrated with reference to the South African context where applicable.

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  • Module content:

    Students must submit a research report on an approved topic.

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Elective modules

  • Module content:

    This module exposes students to the latest visual and digital research methodologies such as the use of photo diaries, interactive web documentaries, film and video clips, social media sites, mapping, visualisation of data and other multimodal scholarship skills in order to present a research portfolio/dossier aligned with the topic of their research essay (see VKK 755). A three-tiered analysis of images across media is followed, namely the site of production, the image itself and the meanings negotiated in specific social contexts.

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  • Module content:

    This module exposes students to theories and practices of the visual archive with a specific emphasis on how the digital impacts on curatorship and archiving. Students present a research portfolio/dossier, aligned with the topic of their research essay (see VKK 755), of a selected curatorial strategy within a visual archive that may include film, posters, magazines, newspapers, television, video, visual arts, postcards, photographs. The strategies may include e-curatorship or digital curatorship, as well as other traditional curatorial activities and ‘older’ technologies.

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The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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