Admission requirements
There are no official entry requirements for students wishing to take this module, but students are generally expected to have taken politics courses such as the BA2 module “Government and Politics of Modern China”. Good Chinese language skills are also expected. Experience with media analysis will be helpful, and students are encouraged to also take the first semester BA3 course “Political Language and Discourse in Modern China”, however students with no previous exposure to political analysis of language and visual communication will be able to acquire the necessary knowledge throughout the course.
Description
This course deals with the political dimension of visual communication in China. The course approach is topical: students will first be introduced to various theories concerning communication practices and the analysis of visual materials. They will then analyze specific visual media genres, ranging from advertisements, TV drama series, news broadcasts, and talk shows, to staged events such as the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony. Students will explore how various forces (social, political, economic) interact to create the various visual media contents, and what political messages such media products and media events relay to the audiences.
Course objectives
Participants in this course will acquire the following: – An understanding of theories dealing with visual political communication processes (including discourse analysis and semiotics). – The ability to relate visual materials content to its production, distribution, and reception. – The capacity to prepare multi-level media products such as television drama series for detailed visual analysis and academic presentation, for instance by creating transcripts, shot protocols, and shot graphics. – A toolbox of methods to identify and analyze political themes, such as security, welfare, or national identity in multi-media material.
Timetable
Tuesdays 11-13, see also timetable rooster on the website of Languages and Cultures of China
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Assessment method
In order to pass this course, the following will be required of the participants: – Regular course assignments and oral participation (40% of final mark). – Research paper (60% of final mark).
Regular, punctual attendance, thorough preparation of reading material, and continuous participation in plenary discussions are also expected.
Blackboard
Yes, Blackboard
Reading list
The general required reading will be announced throughout the course. A recommended introduction available at the Sinology library is:
- Zhu, Ying & Berry, Chris (eds.) (2008), TV China : A Reader on New Media, Bloomington : Indiana University Press.
Registration
Registration through uSis
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Study in Leiden website for information on how to apply.
Contact information
For questions or additional information please contact your study coordinator, or the lecturer:
Dr. Florian Schneider
Office Location: Arsenaal 009