VISUAL ANTHROPOLOGY, MEDIA AND DOCUMENTARY PRACTICES MASTER OF ARTS NEW MASTER PROGRAM 2 WWU WEITER BILDUNG 03 INDEX OBJECTIVES OF THE MASTER PROGRAM 04 STRUCTURE AND PROGRAM OUTLINE 05 STUDY ORGANIZATION 10 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION 11 MANAGEMENT AND LECTURERS 11 YoUR STAY IN MÜNSTER 12 CoNTACT AND IMPRINT 14 04 OBJECTIVES OF THE MastER PROGRAM OBJECTIVES OF THE MASTER PROGRAM In today’s globalized world, where media representations This program is for students with a background in the social shape social and political spheres, a critical understanding sciences and humanities, especially those in cultural, media of media and (audio-) visual culture is crucial. Media studies, and communication studies. Applications are welcome from rooted in social anthropology, offers an in-depth approach both Germany and abroad. to analyzing the complex connections between media, culture and society. The Master Program trains students in theory and practice in the areas of visual anthropology, the documentary arts (film/photography/installation), media culture and media anthropology. Conceptual and practical knowledge within these areas can be applied in academia, the arts, and culture and media industries, as well as to social, applied, or educational media projects. Students study the theoretical and practical foundations of visual anthropology, they gain experience in film production, project development, and (audio-) visual installation. Ultimately, they acquire the necessary skills for producing their own research projects and media outputs. STRUCTURE AND PROGRAM OUTLINE 05 STRUCTURE AND PROGRAM OUTLINE > Structure The Master Program was designed with working professio- Students have the possibility to complete the program after nals in mind. The in-house classes will be offered as block 5 semesters (two and a half years). Overall, the program is courses which is an option for people who want to study comprised of 46 days where attendance is required in while continuing in employment or other commitments. A Münster in Germany. large part of the program requires self-study as well as the student’s own preparation and review of course material. The program consists of 6 semesters (three years), including the master’s thesis and final media project. > Timetable Semester Modules Credit Points period/days Module 1: 9 6 days Introduction to Audio-Visual and Media Anthropology 1st semester Module 2: 10 5 days Representation and Narrative Strategies Module3: 11 7 days Anthropological Short Film Production 2nd semester Module 4: 10 5 days Media Practice Research Module 5: 10 5 days Mediation of Human Experience 3rd semester Module 6: 10 10 days Media Production and Project Development Module 7: 4th semester 10 8 days Project Supervision and Research Colloquium Module 8: 10 weeks internship/ 5th semester 20 Practical Work and Experience 4 weeks editing time Module 9: 6th semester 30 6 months Fieldwork, Media Project, Final Thesis 120 CP 46 days 06 STRUCTURE AND PROGRAM OUTLINE THE MASTER PROGRAM Program: Visual Anthropology, Media and Documentary Practices University: Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Department: History/Philosophy Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.) Location: WWU Weiterbildung gemeinnützige GmbH, Königsstr. 47, 48143 Münster, Germany Start: Winter semester tuition: € 12.550 Euro for the entire three-year program Length of study: 6 semesters (Students have the possibility to complete the program after 5 semesters.) Max. no. of students admitted into the program: 22 Target Group: social, humanities, cultural, media and communication academics and scientists The master program "Visual Anthropology, Media and Documentary Practices" is accredited by AQAS. CONTENT* Module 1: Introduction to Audio-Visual Module 2: Representation and and Media Anthropology Narrative Strategies Students will receive a broad introduction to visual This module centers on narrative strategies and aesthetics. anthropology and media anthropology. They will acquire a The basics of imagery, image semiotics, and image compo- basic understanding of the theoretical foundations of visual sition are considered. The module also teaches concepts anthropology. This includes knowledge of relevant debates relating to installation and exhibition. Moreover, different and research methods, acquired through the examination of genres such as “Auto-Ethnography” and “Ethno-Fiction” films and case studies. The focus on media anthropology pro- will be discussed. A central focus is on considering these vides insights into the social and cultural relevance of media approaches themselves as cultural representations, along through empirical and theoretical anthropological analysis. with their anthropological and social relevance. Students Students will be introduced to the first practical steps and will become acquainted with the ethical considerations techniques involved in film production: Amongst others cam- of anthropological media representation of other people, era and editing techniques and audio-visual representational social groups, and foreign cultures. Theories and methods strategies rooted in anthropological theory. of cultural anthropology, postcolonial, and critical theory will be debated in detail. Film and case study analysis Courses: will be performed to learn how to recognize the complex > Introduction to Visual Anthropology relationship between aesthetical, ethical, and academic > Introduction to Media Anthropology representations. > Production and Editing Workshop Courses: > Visual Aesthetics, Framing and Narrative Strategies > Auto-Ethnography and Ethno-Fiction > Modes of Representation and Ethics *Content and titles of courses may vary. STRUCTURE AND PROGRAM OUTLINE 07 Module 3: Anthropological Short Module 4: Media Practice Research Film Production Through the consideration of case studies of cinematic, Students participate in a production workshop to learn how photographic, and other media productions, students culti- to transfer the ideas from module 1 and 2 into practice. The vate an awareness of the social and political significance of focus of this module is on dramaturgic composition and various indigenous and other cultural media. They will learn technical competences, as a deeper understanding of both to analyze these in the context of a social anthropological are required for students to ultimately implement their own framework. Concepts such as media spaces and mediatiza- project ideas. Central approaches are narrative strategies tion will be debated, while considering case studies and con- combined with anthropological, artistic and technical ducting one’s own research on media practices. By gaining knowledge. Module 3 is a prerequisite for all subsequent an understanding of the social and cultural significance and modules, in particular for the student’s creation of the complexity of media, students can implement these concepts media project in the final module. Theoretical anthropo- into their own projects and specific contexts of media logical knowledge will be reflected over the course of the research. Besides obtaining training in media anthropology, workshop. Students analyze and establish the theoretical the profound reflection on media practices and media and practical groundwork for planning their own research representations will enable us also to produce meaningful and media projects. media works ourselves. Courses: Courses: > Anthropological Short Film Production > Indigenous and Subject-Generated Media > The Anthropology of Media > Media Ethnography 08 STRUCTURE AND PROGRAM OUTLINE Module 5: Mediation of Human Experience Module 6: Media Production and Research Colloquium This module explores theories and methods for experi- mental and sensory ethnography, which are then tested by This module functions as a workshop during which students students in laboratories. In these laboratories, students produce an anthropological media product in the form of receive insights into the field and practices of sensory and a filmic or photographic project. The development, imple- experimental ethnography by performing experimental mentation and post-production of their media products are research trials. By testing various methods (e.g., visual, discussed and supervised in detail. This process serves to acoustic), students gain exposure and learn how to use teach students about the communication of anthropological different forms of experience-based research. A major knowledge to the public. Strategies concerning project emphasis of this module is also applied visual anthropol- development, financing, and marketing of products originat- ogy. Students learn to link and apply audio-visual methods ing from the documentary arts are also considered. Moreover, to anthropological research contexts. Critical visual students gain insight into the German and international anthropological knowledge and ethnological sensibility can media markets and available funding strategies. Following get applied in diverse contexts, including within social or the module, students can remain in contact with lecturers political organizations, social projects, and certainly also in over Adobe Connect, thus providing a source of continued research projects. professional support during their project development and a means of staying informed about emerging funding op- Courses: portunities. This module teaches students how to compose a > Experimental and sensory Anthropology professional proposal for requesting project funding. > Applied Visual Media