This course provides a general theoretical introduction to ‘Visual Ethnography’, as well as hands on training regarding the anthropological use of video. Students are introduced to the ways in which video recordings can be used in anthropological research. They are also familiarized with the ways in which ethnographic films are made.
Objectives:
Introducing students to the main debates in Visual Anthropology, discussing how audiovisual data may be used in academically relevant ways.
To provide an overview of the theoretical and practical consequences of the use of video in anthropological research, and of the production of ethnographic films.
To consider the possibilities that the integration of texts, video images, sound, and stills offers for the creation of multi-media applications (e.g. CD-rom, DVD-video and web based applications).
Coördinator
Drs. Steef Meyknecht, Pieter de la Bourt Building, room nr: 3A29
Drs. Metje Postma, Pieter de la Bourt Building, room nr: 3A31
Onderwijsvormen
In a number of lectures, relevant academic texts are discussed. A number of ethnographic films will be screened.
Introduction to essential video technique such as formats and their compatibility, lenses, and lighting. Basic conventions of film language: conceptualizing frames, shots, the condensation of time and transitions between shots. These technical skills are treated as far as they are relevant for the realities of anthropological fieldwork. By means of simply assignments students will practice the techniques discussed.
Becoming acquainted with the possibilities offered by video for anthropological research. This involves minute ethnographic observation, as well as the use of video images as a stimulus for interviews (often referred to as ‘video elicitation’).
In groups of two, students conduct fieldwork and make a short ethnographic video film. The ethnographic film has to be recorded and edited at a technically satisfactory level, and should bear evidence of ethnographic insights that have been acquired during the research phase.
lectures 18 hours = 27 sbu
tutorials 36 hours = 72 sbu
short video film 8 minutes = 104 sbu
written work 3 pages = 24 sbu
literature 318 p. = 53 sbu
TOTAL: 280 sbu ( 10 ECTS)
Studiemateriaal
Book: Collier, John jr and Malcolm Collier (1986), Visual Anthropology: photography as a research method._ Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press.
Articles: to be announced.
Toetsing
written exam about the lectures and the literature discussed.
ethnographic film, accompanied by a short paper.
participation in the lectures and tutorials.
Admission
A maximum of twenty four (24) students can be admitted to ‘Visual Ethnography I’. Other students can attend the lectures, but do not have access to the tutorials. If there are more applicants than seats available, preference is given to students from the Leiden Department of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology.
Financial contribution per student: € 50.=, to be paid during the first week of the course.
Rooster
Wednesdays and Fridays, 17 October - 3 December 2008, 14-17 h
Friday 28 November: no class
Friday 5 December: 14-16 h
Location: Filmzaal, Pieter de la Courtgebouw