SOC4057 Visual SociologyBahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs ENERGY SYSTEMS ENGINEERINGGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementNational QualificationsBologna Commission
ENERGY SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Bachelor TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
SOC4057 Visual Sociology Spring 3 0 3 5
This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction: English
Type of course: Non-Departmental Elective
Course Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery: Face to face
Course Coordinator : Prof. Dr. AYŞE NİLÜFER NARLI
Recommended Optional Program Components: "."
Course Objectives: This course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the use of visual media tools in quantitative research methods. Students will develop a critical perspective for analyzing visual media, enabling them to scrutinize its various dimensions effectively. Through practical exercises, participants will engage in photography and short film production to explore these media as research instruments.
Additionally, students will analyze the extent to which sociocultural conditions influence the production, distribution, and interpretation of visual media. The course will also focus on enhancing students' research methodology skills, help them to develop qualitative research skills, ensuring they are well-prepared to apply these techniques in their future academic and professional endeavors.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
1)Use visual materials for research purposes
2)Make short films (documentary)and photos
3)Develop an analytical thinking for the active role of photography and film to analyse social formations
4)Examine and analyze sociological formations through visual media

Course Content

Visual Sociology course aims to develop necessary skills to analyse and use visual media for sociological research. In this course, students are introduced several ways of conducting a qualitative social research using visual methods, as well as how to select and analyze different forms of visual works. Visual Sociology course offers various means to visualize, interpret and represent dynamics of society and social problems. In that sense, after covering basic theories on the use of visual media for sociological research, students will focus on analysis and production of still photographs, short documentaries and web page designs/blogs. Students are required to prepare Visual Sociology Projects combining written and visual work on the topics assigned or chosen.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Introduction to the course Basic Concepts “Visual Sociology, Documentary Photography, and Photojournalism” Telling About Society, H.S. Becker, pp. 186-203.
2) Visual Data & Visual Theory “Visible materials, visualised theory and images of social research” Visual Studies (2006) Vol. 21, No.1, Jon Wagner, pp. 55-69 “The Status of Image-based Research” Jon Prosser, Image – based Research: A Sourcebook for Qualitative Researchers pp.97-112. “Visual Sociology Reframed: An Analytical Synthesis and Discussion of Visual Methods in Social and Cultural Research”, Sociological Methods & Research (2010) 38(4) Luc Pauwels, pp. 545-581.
3) Planing A Visual Research & Ethical Issues “The Visual Ethnography: Photography, Video, Cultures and Individuals” Doing Visual Ethnography. S. Pink. pp. 17-29 “Planning and Practicing Visual Methods: Appropriate Uses and Ethical Issues” Doing Visual Ethnography. S. Pink. pp. 30-46 “Photo-documenting the needle exchange: methods and ethics” D. Barret. Visual Studies 19(2), 2004
4) Photography & Sociology 1 Assignment 1: Picturing “Urban Space/Identities”, displaying pictures in blogs & writing comments to peers. “Two Dimentional Visual Data: Images, Signs and Representations” Researching the Visual, M. Emmison & P. Smith, pp. 57-106. “All Photos Lie” B.M. Goldstein, Visual Research Methods. pp. 61-81. “Photography and Sociology” Doing Things Together, H.S. Becker, pp. 223-271. “The photo-survey research method: capturing life in the city” Visual Studies Vol. 23 (2008)
5) Photography & Sociology 2 Assignment 2: Photo Essay: Documentary Photography versus The Analysis of Existing Images. (Topic: Specific Groups / Subculture) “Photography in Ethnographic Research” Doing Visual Ethnography. S. Pink. pp. 49-76 “Documentary Photography, Fieldwork, and Social Research” Jon Wagner, Visual Research Methods (pp. 23-60).
6) Photography & Methodological Issues 1 : Photo-Elicitation Method Assignment 3: Photo-Elicitation Midterm “Using Photography in Studies of Immigrant Communities” Stephen J. Gold, Visual Research Methods (pp. 141-166) “Inner – city Children in Sharper Focus: Sociology of Childhood” Marisol Clark Ibanez, Visual Research Methods (pp. 167-196)
7) Photography & Methodological Issues 2 : Photo-Diary Interview Method Assignment 4: Article Review (Group Work) “Researching and Writing Everyday Accounts of the City” Picturing the Social Landscape. C. Knowles, P. Sweetman.. pp. 117-132. “The Visual & The Verbal: The Interaction of Images and Discussion in Exploring Cultural Change” Picturing the Social Landscape. C. Knowles, P. Sweetman pp. 166-178. “Signs of Resistance: Marking Public Space Through a Renewed Cultural Activism” Emmanuel A David Visual Research Methods (pp. 225-254) “Participatory Photo Interview” Bettina Kolb Forum: Qualitative Social Research” Vol 9 (3) 2008.
8) Video & Sociology 1 Short Documentary Screening 1: Silikozis (E. Özgüvenç, 2009) “Video in Ethnographic Research” Doing Visual Ethnography. S. Pink. pp. 77-85.
9) Video & Methodological Issues : Video Diaries Short Documentary Screening 2: 4857 (E. Özgüvenç, 2008) “Performances, Confessions, and Identities Using Video Diaries to Research Sexualities” Ruth Holliday, Visual Research Methods (pp. 225-254) “Walking with Video” S. Pink. Visual Studies Vol. 22(3) 2007.
10) Video & Sociology 2 Assignment 5: Shooting 5 min. Social Documentary “The Symbolism of Video” G. Stanczak. Visual Research Methods. pp. 281-307. “Website Design: The Precarious Blend of Narrative, Aesthetics, and Social Theory” Stephen Papson et.al. Visual Research Methods. pp 307-345. “Spatial Montage and Multimedia Ethnography: Using Computers to Visualise Aspects of Migration and Social Division Among a Displaced Community” Judith Aston. Forum: Qualitative Social Research. Vol 11(2), 2010.
11) Web Pages as Visual Data “Website Design: The Precarious Blend of Narrative, Aesthetics, and Social Theory” Stephen Papson et.al. Visual Research Methods. pp 307-345. “Spatial Montage and Multimedia Ethnography: Using Computers to Visualise Aspects of Migration and Social Division Among a Displaced Community” Judith Aston. Forum: Qualitative Social Research. Vol 11(2), 2010.
12) Visual Research Design Discussions Students’ Short Documentary Screening Review
13) Visual Sociology Project and oral presentataion Design & Conduct a Visual Sociology Research 1
14) Visual Sociology Project and orasl presentation Design & Conduct a Visual Sociology Research 2

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: Harper, D. (2012) Visual Sociology, Routledge
Banks,M. (2001) Reading Pictures in Visual Methods in Social Research
Becker H.S. (1974) Photography and Sociology

Note: Please note that the articles may change during the semester. In either case, the instructor will upload the additional readings and articles every week to itslearning system.

Not: Dikkatinize sunulur ki, makaleler dönem içinde değişebilir. Bu gibi durumlarda, eğitmen ek okumaları ve makaleleri her hafta Itslearning sistemine yükleyecektir.
References: Stanczak, Gregory C. (2007). Visual Resarch Methods – Image, Society and Representation. USA: Sage Publication

Visual Sociology Project 1 : Documentary Photography versus The Analysis of Existing Images Project

Visual Sociology Project 2: Photo-Elicitation Project
Browne, M. Neil and Stuart M. Keeley. 2004. Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. 7th edition or newer.

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Attendance 14 % 10
Field Work 1 % 10
Homework Assignments 5 % 10
Presentation 1 % 10
Midterms 1 % 20
Final 1 % 40
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 60
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 40
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Duration (Hours) Workload
Course Hours 14 3 42
Field Work 1 10 10
Study Hours Out of Class 14 3 42
Presentations / Seminar 1 10 10
Homework Assignments 5 4 20
Midterms 1 2 2
Final 1 2 2
Total Workload 128

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) Build up a body of knowledge in mathematics, science and Energy Systems Engineering subjects; use theoretical and applied information in these areas to model and solve complex engineering problems.
2) Ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex Energy Systems Engineering problems; select and apply proper modeling and analysis methods for this purpose.
3) Ability to design complex Energy systems, processes, devices or products under realistic constraints and conditions, in such a way as to meet the desired result; apply modern design methods for this purpose.
4) Ability to devise, select, and use modern techniques and tools needed for solving complex problems in Energy Systems Engineering practice; employ information technologies effectively.
5) Ability to design and conduct numerical or pysical experiments, collect data, analyze and interpret results for investigating the complex problems specific to Energy Systems Engineering.
6) Ability to cooperate efficiently in intra-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams; and show self-reliance when working on Energy Systems-related problems
7) Ability to communicate effectively in English and Turkish (if he/she is a Turkish citizen), both orally and in writing. Write and understand reports, prepare design and production reports, deliver effective presentations, give and receive clear and understandable instructions.
8) Recognize the need for life-long learning; show ability to access information, to follow developments in science and technology, and to continuously educate oneself.
9) Develop an awareness of professional and ethical responsibility, and behave accordingly. Be informed about the standards used in Energy Systems Engineering applications.
10) Learn about business life practices such as project management, risk management, and change management; develop an awareness of entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development.
11) Acquire knowledge about the effects of practices of Energys Systems Engineering on health, environment, security in universal and social scope, and the contemporary problems of Energys Systems engineering; is aware of the legal consequences of Energys Systems engineering solutions.