Course Title: Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practice
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2024
Course Code: VART6518C
Course Title: Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practice
Important Information:
Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.
To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.
Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.
Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus
Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.
School: 515T Creative Industries
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5411 - Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging
Course Contact: Nat Morawski
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5583
Course Contact Email: nat.morawski@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Jess Schwientek
jess.schwientek@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 55
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None required.
Course Description
In this course you will cover the skills and knowledge required to research, implement and evaluate the role of visual communication theory in photo imaging work.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUAPHI531 Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practice |
Element: |
1. Research role of photo imaging in visual communication |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Investigate theories and commentators on conceptualisation, production and use of photo images 1.2 Investigate use of photo images in various modes and media 1.3 Evaluate meaning of photo image in context of its use and effectiveness with target audience 1.4 Critique a range of photo images and themes according to visual communication theory |
Element: |
2. Use visual communication in photo imaging practice |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Determine target audience and intent of work for photo images 2.2 Apply photo image themes and selected aspects of visual communication theory to photo images 2.3 Produce photo images using range of visual communication modes and media |
Element: |
3. Evaluate visual communication in photo imaging practice |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Evaluate effectiveness of visual communication in production of photo images 3.2 Evaluate how applying visual communication theories to photo images impacts on own creative practice, equipment needs and work opportunities |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.
Details of Learning Activities
Learning Activities may include but are not limited to:
- class exercises to review discussions/lectures
- practical demonstrations in studio
- analysis/critique of relevant reading material
- seminars/workshops
- design activities or projects
- group projects
- peer learning
- guest lecture/presentation
- class presentations
- group discussion
- research
- independent project-based work
- group activities/projects
- ‘workshopping’ of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback
- visits to galleries and events
- practical placement
- simulated workplace activities.
Teaching Schedule
Please refer to Canvas.
Note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources
| Week 1 |
Lecture: What is Visual Communication? Reading images Content vs context Finding messages in well-known images Introduction to Typologies Class Activity: Typology photo walk to the NGV |
Introduction to the unit & visual communications theories.
Class Activity: Typology photo walk to the NGV
Assignment 01 Briefing Complete Typology images and insert into assignment template |
|
| Week 2 |
Lecture: Modes of photography How different modes of photography are perceived. Rhetoric & Moral Content vs context extended How we read images based on the contents and the related contexts. The 6 photographic perspectives Class Activity: Research artist and artwork for Homage task. Plan Homage shoot for Week 3 |
Presentation on visual communication theories. Allocation of Homage images
Time for research and disseminating images. Image analysis and markup.
Plan Homage shoot for Week 3 |
|
| Week 3 |
Lecture: Visual communication theory and photography What makes powerful images. Aldous Huxley The art of seeing. Gestalt & Constructivism Introduction Semiotics & Cognitive Introduction Class Activity: Students to photograph their Homage images during class. |
Presentation on visual communication theories.
Allocated studio time: Photographing homage images in the studio
Complete Homage images and submit to CANVAS discussion board for Week 4 |
|
| Week 4 |
Presentation: Typologies, Homage images & class evaluations Lecture: Perspectives and theories continued Similarity, proximity, continuation & common fate Images with messages Paul Martin Lester chapters 3, 6 & 11 Class Activity: Students to photograph an image showing a gestalt theory. A02 Theories & Practice briefing |
Presentation on visual communication theories.
Class Activity: Students to photograph an image showing a gestalt theory.
Assignment 01 DUE: Submission via CANVAS |
|
| Week 5 |
Lecture: Gestalt & Constructivism Continuation Semiotics & Cognitive Continuation Iconic, indexical and symbolic signs. Images with messages Paul Martin Lester chapters 3, 6 & 11 Class Activity: Students to photograph an image showing a semiotic theory. |
Presentation on visual communication theories.
Allocated studio time: Photographing gestalt & semiotic images in the studio
Students to plan ideas for photographing Gestalt & Semiotic images in the studio in Weeks 6-8. |
|
| Week 6 |
Lecture: Gestalt & Constructivism Continuation Semiotics & Cognitive Continuation Visual communication commentators Codes: Metonymy, Analogy, Displaced, Condensed Class Activity: Students to photograph their Gestalt & Semiotic images during class. |
Presentation on visual communication theories.
Allocated studio time: Photographing gestalt & semiotic images in the studio |
|
| Week 7 |
Lecture: Research techniques Developing own ideas Class Activity: Students to photograph their Homage images during class. |
Allocated studio time: Photographing gestalt & semiotic images in the studio |
|
Mid semester break |
|||
| Week 8 |
Presentation: Gestalt & Semiotic images & class evaluations Ideation session for folio concepts. A03 Concept Development briefing |
Allocated studio time: Photographing gestalt & semiotic images in the studio Assignment 02 DUE: Submission via CANVAS |
|
| Week 9 |
Lecture: Concept development Writing project briefs Expanding concept ideas and incorporating visual communications. Class Activity: This period is self-directed time to do further work on your research, concept trials & consult with your mentors. |
Allocated studio time: Photographing project concept trials |
|
| Week 10 | Class Activity: This period is self-directed time to do further work on your research, concept trials & consult with your mentors. |
Allocated studio time: Photographing project concept trials |
|
| Week 11 | Class Activity: This period is self-directed time to do further work on your research, concept trials & consult with your mentors. |
Allocated studio time: Photographing project concept trials |
|
| Week 12 |
1 on 1 appointments to review proposed concept development Class Activity: This period is self-directed time to do further work on your research, concept trials & consult with your mentors. |
Allocated studio time: Photographing project concept trials
|
|
| Week 13 | Class Activity: This period is self-directed time to do further work on your research, concept trials & consult with your mentors. |
Allocated studio time: Photographing project concept trials |
|
| Week 14 |
1 on 1 appointments to review proposed concept development Class Activity: This period is self-directed time to do further work on your research, concept trials & consult with your mentors. |
Allocated studio time: Photographing project concept trials |
|
| Week 15 |
Attendance is REQUIRED Presentation: Pitching Folio concepts with both test & final images for two concepts Whole Group Critique and Review A04 Pitch Proposal briefing |
Assignment 03 DUE: Submission via CANVAS |
|
| Week 16 |
Class Activity: This period is self-directed time to complete assignment 4. Reflect on pitch feedback, identify opportunities and plan first four weeks of semester 2. Introduction to A01 for The Folio |
Assignment 04 DUE: Submission via CANVAS |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
The library provides free study support services and resources to help you build your academic skills. This includes subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and other services. You can also access one-on-one consultations through the library. For further information:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/study-support
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.
Assessment Tasks
Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.
To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.
You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria and due dates
Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:
CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.
Other Information
Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises
It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
Information about your studies:
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Assessment:
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview