Get Real!

Information
Course Coordinator: Ann-Sophie Lehmann
ECTS: 7,5

Description
This course investigates the role of computer generated imagery and digital visual artifacts in contemporary visual culture; ranging from digital photographs, computer graphics, computer animation, and digital special effects to data visualization and imaging technologies. During the course, students will develop a technological perspective on visual artifacts in order to investigate how meaning, impact, and interpretation of visual artifacts depend on the makers, actions, materials, procedures, techniques, tools, hard- and software involved in the production of images.
The technological perspective is paired with the critical analysis of theoretical discourses central to digital visual culture:

(1) the striving for ever more realistic images in computer science and popular discourses, addressing the history and definitions of realism on the one hand and technological determinism on the other;

(2) questions concerning authenticity, indexicality, and archiving of images;

(3) the role of craft, skill, and knowledge in image making practices;

(4) new aesthetics and genres in digital visual culture, such as net.art, data visualization, database aesthetics, and synaesthetic effects through the combination of visual, aural, and haptic aspects;

(5) epistemic, ethical, social, and economic functions of images and imaging technologies in arts and sciences;

(6) definitions of visual literacy and visual practices

Goal
Students will gain insight into discourses surrounding digital visual culture and will learn to develop a critical understanding of the production and impact of visual artefacts through the integration of a technological perspective with media-theoretical approaches