The course provides the theoretical tools to introduce the field of Visual Sociology as an autonomous discipline.

It also provides the principles of empirical research methodology based on the main techniques of Visual Sociology.

- Introduction to Visual Sociology

- The visual dimension of the social

- The antecedents of visual sociology

- The design of visual research: working on images and working with images

- Visual research techniques: subjective image production; stimulus photos

- Content analysis of interviews

1. Knowledge and ability to understand: the knowledge to be acquired relates to the issues concerning the connotation of the image society and its development, the relationship between cultural and technological dimensions, understanding is achieved through the acquisition of theoretical skills on models with particular attention to the dynamics relating to the socio-cultural transformations of the contemporary iconosphere.
1.1. Students acquire this basic knowledge through attendance of lectures and seminars, the study of texts discussed in the classroom and in class exercises.

1.2. Students undertake in-depth study and empirical analysis of one of the proposed paths identified on the basis of their interest.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: through the ability to analyse visual cultural products by applying the main methodologies of analysis from Visual Sociology.
2.1. Skills acquired through laboratory exercises in the classroom.
3. Capacity for judgement: critical reflection on the evolutionary dynamics of the image society and visual culture as well as the ongoing transformations affecting communication as a whole and the forms of communication through images in particular.
3.1. This capacity for judgement is to be applied in the classroom discussion with the lecturer and colleagues, during the exercises, in the choice of one of the in-depth courses and in the preparation of the final examination.
4. Communication skills: students are called upon to interact in the classroom by means of questions, exchanges with colleagues and fellow students, drafting short presentations during the exercises, also starting from the choice of the in-depth thematic pathway.
4.1. Skills that are practised in the classroom by organising moments of discussion and exercise.
5. Learning ability: students are required to adopt a critical learning method capable of connecting theoretical competences and empirical analysis, moving towards the specification of autonomous thinking.
5.1. Skills to be enhanced through argumentation with the lecturer and fellow students.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Lectures and in-depth seminars with the aid of audiovisual materials. 
The course includes in-class, individual and group practice phases.

Innovative teaching methods

• flipped lesson on some topics of the course;
• individual and group exercises and in-depth studies, which students will carry out using the University's Moodle platform.

Attendance

Participation in exercises.

Course books

Harper D. (2012), Visual Sociology, Routledge, London-New York.

Assessment

The assessment takes place during lectures through the presentation of the research work carried out during class exercises.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Access to the material provided.

Attendance

Study of the indicated text.

Course books

Harper D. (2012), Visual Sociology, Routledge, London-New York.

Assessment

Discussion on course topics from the text.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.