Master Program with Research Focus Visual Anthropology
The Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology offers a research oriented Master Program with a focus on Visual Anthropology. Visual Anthropology deals with the production and perception of audiovisual representations. Therefore the education at the Institute is oriented towards both directions and offers classes for empirical research- and film projects.
The seminars in film practice connect (anthropological) film theory with individual research topics. Students deal with questions of ethics, representation, and perception and learn about the potential of audiovisual media in Anthropology. Beside technical skills in the use of camera, sound, and montage, they learn key skills like media literacy and critique, and to reflect their own (team)work.
The practical film seminars are accompanied by theory courses about visual representation and visual culture. Here the debate goes far beyond a narrow understanding of "ethnographic film", but instead challenges the limits of genres and opens up towards other disciplines such as film studies, art, and literature.
About 70 student productions have been realized since 2000 and almost 200 students made their first experiences with the medium film within the framework of Visual Anthropology at the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology in Munich. The results have been shown in public televisions, on anthropological film festivals, and have won several prices. Some of the former participants went to film school afterwards, realized independent film projects, or are working now in media professions.
For a list of realized film projects please visit: Productions.
Requirements
To take part in the Anthropology Master Program requires a degree in Anthropology or in a similar discipline. In addition applicants need to take part in a qualification test, please see: https://www.en.ethnologie.uni-muenchen.de/programs/master1/index.html
To specialize in Visual Anthropology, some basic practical skills with visual media and a basic knowledge in Visual Anthropology are required.
Course of study in the research focus Visual Anthropology
The first semester offers beside a general basic module a thematic module on Visual Anthropology.
In the second semester students develop in teamwork their research projects. The main goal is to experience and work with the medium film in an anthropological framework. Topics are debates on the power of representation, questions of authorship and ethics, as well as dramaturgical questions and forms of narration and montage. In theses courses students learn key skills like media literacy and critique, and to reflect their own (team)work. The courses are open to and include newer forms of representation and filmmaking styles and are accompanied by practical workshops in camera- and sound recording techniques.
In the following semester break the groups are working on their audiovisual research projects.
The third semester is about editing, postproduction, and reflection. Students learn to analyze the outcome of their audiovisual research. This course is accompanied by practical workshops in digital editing.
In the last module in semester four the master thesis is written. The thesis can draw connections to the research modules in semester two and three.
The focus Visual Anthropology can be indicated in the diploma.
For general information Master in Anthropology, please visit:
https://www.en.ethnologie.uni-muenchen.de/programs/master1/index.html
Für weitere Informationen, Zulassungsvoraussetzungen und Fristen wenden Sie sich bitte an Dr. Valerie Hänsch (valerie.haensch@ethnologie.lmu.de, 089/2180-9624).
The closing date for applications for the winter semester is July 15th.
For specific questions regarding the Visual Anthropology program, please get in touch with Dr. Miriam Remter (miriam.remter@ethnologie.lmu.de)