In the seminars offered in this module, students become acquainted with different methods of image studies. The aim of this module is to enable students to apply these methods critically and to develop their own research questions. The focus is on the medial properties of images as opposed to texts, the historically different functioning of visual language, and the social significance of visual forms of expression and artifacts.

In the tutorials assigned to this module, students acquire basic knowledge of visual anthropology and learn to apply it practically in small project work. In the process, film, photography as well as other audio-visual media are critically discussed with regard to their value as sources, but above all, they are tested in how they function as ethnographic visual compressions.

In the courses offered in this module, students first learn the basics of visual and film language. On this basis, they familiarize themselves with the various methodological approaches to film analysis and their theoretical foundations. Using examples of selected films, which constitute meaningful samples in terms of their genre and/or subject matter, students develop film-analytical approaches to critically examine the source value of films.

The Colloquium Visual Anthropology provides a forum for bachelor and master students who are working on an audio-visual media-analytical (BA or MA) and/or media-practical thesis (MA). In addition to initial exposés and advanced research concepts, students who are creating audio-visuals as part of their master's thesis will primarily present edited versions for discussion here. Moreover, the colloquium addresses the specific needs of the participants by discussing further aspects of audio-visual work, which can range from selected visualization strategies to the financing possibilities for projects.

In the Summer School, students learn selected theories, methods and forms of mediation of ethnographic film in a practice-oriented manner. In addition to the introduction to the technical work with video, particular attention is given to the development of audio-visually feasible research questions as well as the particularities of the recording situation on site. By creating a short film on a specific topic, the Summer School provides its participants with a first insight into the medium of film as a method of research and representation.

In this first CVA module, students acquire all the prerequisites for creating a documentary-ethnographic film as a collaborative work. In doing so, they deepen their knowledge of theories and models of documentary filmmaking. They have the opportunity to try out methodological, conceptual and technical production methods of ethnographic films in a series of successive video exercises. At the same time, they acquire technical skills in camera work, lighting, sound recording and editing techniques.

In the second CVA module, students acquire the skills to conceptualize an ethnographic film based on their own field research and theoretical training. In the context of the project framework, the theme of the film can be freely chosen. In doing so, they learn to understand ethnographic film work as a part of current methodological and theoretical practices in cultural studies, to elaborate on this work in the form of exposés, shooting plans, and concepts, to present them convincingly in a pitch, to discuss them together critically, and to realize them cinematically. At the same time, the module provides in-depth knowledge of cinematic-ethnographic representation in theoretical and practical teaching units.

In the third CVA module, the films are completed, building on the film concepts and the audio-visual material created. By developing and presenting the various rough and fine cut versions, students acquire the skills to analytically problematize the medium of film regarding its distinctive construction processes and the effects that can be achieved with them. To do so effectively, the students will deal thoroughly with dramaturgical and montage-based narrative forms. They will also reflect critically on the planned release of the films, which will likewise be conceptualized by the students, and the corresponding conditions of reception.

The Colloquium Visual Anthropology provides a forum for Bachelor and Master students who are working on an audio-visual media-analytical (BA or MA) and/or media-practical thesis (MA). In addition to initial exposés and advanced research concepts, students who are creating audio-visuals as part of their master's thesis will primarily present edited versions for discussion here. Moreover, the colloquium addresses the specific needs of the participants by discussing further aspects of audio-visual work, which can range from selected visualization strategies to the financing possibilities for projects. At the earliest, master's students attend the colloquium alongside the third CVA module.