KUN2560 – Topics in Visual Studies
Course description
Course content
This course will explore how visuality and aesethetics are being reconfigured within the particular forms of capitalism that dominate our time and existence, often characterized by terms such as late capitalism, absolute capitalism, capital realism, neoliberalism, and globalisation. How are issues of desire, love, sexuality, identity, ontology, connectivity, and collectivity marked by the new rhythms and intertwinings of aesthetics, visuality, and capitalism? Are the classical approaches to and categories of aesthetics and visual culture up to the task of making sense of these new reconfigurations?
In class, we will explore a broad range of visual and textual material from contemporary life and modes of thought that will help us work through these issues in compelling ways.
Learning outcome
After the completion of the course you should be able to:
- Demonstrate a better understanding of the intersections between visuality, aesthetics, and capitalism in the last 20 years
- Work across and through disciplines in concrete and creative ways.
- Present your ideas in a clear, compelling, and thorough manner in writing.
- Identify and present the most important critical and theoretical positions in visual studies and aesthetics dealing with this period, and define the key terms and concepts in this literature.
- Analyze visual forms from this period using the terms and concepts presented in the course literature
- Have improved writing skills in academic English
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Recommended previous knowledge
It is recommended that you have passed 60 studiepoeng (equal to ECTS) in Art History, Aestethics and/or Visual studies before taking this course.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with KUN4560 – Topics in Visual Studies.
Teaching
This course will be conducted primarily as a seminar with class discussion.
Following the seminars is highly recommended. We expect you to meet prepared for classes and to participate actively.
In order to qualify to the final exam, you must complete these compulsory assignments:
- Meet with instructor by week 12 to work out an exam essay topic by a stated deadline.
- Attend 7 out of the 10 seminars.
This is how you apply for a valid absence/postponed compulsory activities.
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
The examination is a semester essay
The essay must consist of 10 pages (each page à 2300 characters without spaces, not including illustrations, notes and reference).
The assignment will be handed in using Inspera. You must familiarize yourself with the login and submission procedures in timely manner before the exam. Read more about Inspera below.
When writing a semester essay you are entitled to individual guidance by you teacher. To be eligible for this guidance you must submit a draft of your paper that meets certain requirements. More detailed information about guidance and how to submit your draft will be given by the teacher during class or in Canvas.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.