The dates vary and are announced in the course catalogue (EKVV).
3 Credit points
For information on the duration of the modul, refer to the courses of study in which the module is used.
A Focus Academy
This programme was developed with university partners of the European University Alliance ‘NEOLAiA’ (https://neolaiacampus.eu/).
This Focus Academy on “Visual Competence and Gender in the Digital World” is all about the gender-specific aspects of visual culture from pre-modern times to now. It's focused on questions about how images are shown, seen, and digitized in pop culture, media, art, advertising, and social networks.
Particular emphasis is placed on the ethical, social, and political dimensions of digital visuality and on the role of artificial intelligence in visual design.
A detailed description of the competencies and objectives of this Focus Academy can be found in the long version of the following PDF: https://neolaiacampus.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Syllabus-Visual-Competence.pdf
The didactic objective of this Focus Academy is to foster critical visual competence. Students are encouraged to interpret visual messages not only in terms of form and aesthetics, but also through their historical, ethical, social, gender-related, and cultural-political dimensions.
The online component introduces theoretical and methodological foundations of visual culture studies, addressing the ethics of digital image production and the analysis of gender representation in media, art, and advertising. It aims to enhance students’ understanding of the role and power of visual communication within an increasingly digital and image-oriented society.
The on-site component deepens these perspectives through practice-based workshops employing AI-supported tools for image creation and manipulation. By producing and critically deconstructing visual materials, students examine how technological innovation reshapes notions of authorship, originality, and representation, while reflecting on the ethical, social, and algorithmic implications of digital visuality.
A detailed outline of modules and workshop activities is available in the extended version on the following PDF: https://neolaiacampus.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Syllabus-Visual-Competence.pdf
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The course of the module is offered in English. It is offered in a combination of face-to-face and virtual phases with the participation of other international partner universities and can also take place in the form of block dates.
Full participation is required to complete the module. Nominated students travelling to the venue can be funded via Erasmus+. Detailed information on the programme and how to proceed can be found in the course catalogue (EKVV).
Module structure: 1 SL, 1 bPr 1
1. Active Participation- Regular attendance, active involvement in discussions, online and onsite sessions, and collaboration during group tasks and workshops. 40 %
2. Practical Workshop Participation- Engagement in creative activities, critical reflection during and after practical work, and contribution to peer feedback. 30 %
3. Final Oral Reflection / Presentation- Short oral reflection (individual or in pairs) summarizing personal learning outcomes: ethical awareness, gender aspects, and development of visual competence. 30 %
For further details: https://neolaiacampus.eu/for-students/focus-academy-courses/
| Degree programme | Recommended start 3 | Duration | Mandatory option 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEOLAiA / Individueller Ergänzungsbereich im Bachelor | 1. o. 2. o. 3. o. 4. o. 5. o. 6. | one or two semesters | Compulsory optional subject |
| Sociology - Courses offered for the Individual Subsidiary Subjects / Individueller Ergänzungsbereich im Bachelor | 1. o. 2. o. 3. o. 4. o. 5. o. 6. | one or two semesters | Compulsory optional subject |
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