This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module will introduce students to ways of working with images for the production of sociological knowledge. It will critically discuss the proliferation and power of images in contemporary society, and explore ways of reading images to generate sociological insights. It will discuss the connections between sociology and other approaches to image-making and reading, e.g. social documentary photography, family photographs, postings on social networking websites, and explore the opportunities existing images offer for sociological analysis.
On the one hand, the module will consider the conceptual potential of the visual for sociology, and its capacity to allow for the development of theoretical understanding. On the other, it will offer students the opportunity to engage directly with the production, use and manipulation of images in their project work and thereby to learn first-hand about the issues and possibilities of working with the visual to gain insight into the social.
The module will also emphasize the relationship of the visual to other modes of sociological enquiry, e.g. photo elicitation in interviews. And it will address the capacity of the visual for communicating sociological knowledge. In their own projects, students will be encouraged to explore innovative modes of representation of the social complexity their research addresses.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
Social Sciences BSc
Main assessment methods
Coursework – essay (2000 words) – 40%
Coursework project report (3000 words) – 50%
Seminar participation – 10%
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
Berger, John (1972) Ways of Seeing, London: Penguin.
Bolton, A Pole, C and Mizen, P (2001) 'Picture This: Researching Child Workers' Sociology 35(2): 501-18.
Goffman, Erving (1976) Gender Advertisements, London: Macmillan, pp 24-31.
Halford, Susan and Caroline Knowles (2005) 'More than words: reflections on working visually' Sociological Research Online, 10 (1) Editorial and articles in special issue.
Knowles, Caroline and Paul Sweetman (2004) Picturing the Social Landscape, London and New York: Routledge.
Rose, Gillian (2007, 2nd edition) Visual Methodologies: An Introduction to the Interpretation of Visual Materials, London: Sage.
Sontag, S (1979) On Photography, London: Penguin.
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate knowledge of the development of visual sociology, and assess the usefulness of the visual in producing understanding of the
social (both at conceptual and empirical levels).
8.2 Read images sociologically.
8.3 Understand the role of the visual in social practices and performances, and gain experience of undertaking a project to explore a social
issue based on a visual technique, e.g. photography, photo elicitation in interviews.
8.4 Make use of the visual to communicate knowledge and ideas.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Show ability to present, discuss and critique different perspectives, and demonstrate improvement over the course of the module in the
organisation of ideas in clear and coherent ways in written work and in seminar discussion.
9.2 Show research skills through use of library resources and especially information technology.
9.3 Demonstrate capacity to acknowledge conflicting perspectives and interpretations
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