Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2022 - 2023

Module Title	Analysing Visual Media Texts
Module Code	CM135
School	School of Communications
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Prof. Patrick Brereton	Office Number	C142A
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The aim is to develop core foundational skills for reading and interpreting the still and moving image – primarily photography and film – by examining characteristics of formal/stylistic composition and media conventions alongside the interpretative frameworks of semiotic and representational (ideological) analysis

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically engage with visual methodologies literature
2. Understand the relationship between media texts and their historical, political and cultural contexts
3. Develop the grammar and language of media analysis to interpret a range of visual media
4. Apply a study of the signs and meanings of still and moving images
5. Complete a close textual analysis of a range of media texts

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Weekly class contact
Seminars	11	Weekly presentations and discussion
Group work	35	Group assignment - visual image analysis
Assignment Completion	35	Individulal assignment - textual analysis of film
Online activity	40	Use of course-related material on Moodle
Directed learning	30	Curated visits to art galleries and exhibitions
Independent Study	30	Accessing media studies and film journals
Independent Study	47	General research and writing
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Visual Media Literacy

Compositional Interpretation

Semiology and Advertising Images

Media Literacy

Ideology & Photography

Film Form

Film Story-telling: story structure, film narrative and narration

Film Genres: genre tropes, mythology and marketing

Documentary & Music Videos: moving image media

New Smart/Postmodern Film TV

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Rose, Gillian: 2001, Visual methodologies: an introduction to the interpretation of visual materials,
Geiger and Rutsky: 2005, Film Analysis: A Norton Reader,
Croteau & Hoynes: 2014, Media/Society: Industries, Images & Audiences,
P. Brereton: 2001, Continuum Guide to Media Education, Continuum,
G. Branston and R. Stafford: 2006, The Media Studies Guide, Routledge,
P. Long and T. Wall: 2009, Media Studies:, Pearson,
J. Nelmes (ed): 2007, Introduction to Film Studies, 3rd ed, Routledge Press,
J. Hill and P. C. Gibson: 1998, The Oxford Guide to Film Studies, Oxford Press,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

BAJL	Bachelor of Arts (BAJL)
BAJM	Bachelor of Arts (BAJM)
BSSA	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAO	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSCI	BA Social Sciences & Cultural Innovation
CS	BA in Communication Studies
HMSA	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAO	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
SHSA	Study Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAO	Study Abroad (Science & Health)

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