Textual and Visual Studies MPhil:
General Information
General Regulations
1. Introduction : This programme explores the complex relationship between textual and visual forms of apprehension and expression in the modern world and their impact on European culture post-1900. The focus of the two core modules will be on the graphic arts (poster, postage stamp, typography), photography, cinema, and contemporary digital-based media. Various theoretical approaches will be explored in relation to the word/image problematic as manifested in a number of European cultural traditions. Optional modules will focus on specific media (photography, cinema) or themes (the city, avant-gardes, national identity). The aim of the course will be to bring students to a high level of theoretical and practical awareness of the text-image relation in cultural expression, to equip them to analyse and evaluate the various forms text/image interaction takes, and to provide them with a training that will enrich their practice in other areas of study or professional engagement.
2. Admission Requirements : Open to students with a BA (II 1 grade or above) in any area of the arts and humanities. Applicants should normally have a reading knowledge of at least one language other than English from among those offered by the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies at Trinity College Dublin. A reading knowledge of French would be desirable.
3. Duration : The course is taken full-time in one calendar year, starting in September of each year. Teaching takes place over two semesters, followed by a five-month dissertation-writing period.
4. Programme structure : The programme consists of a two-module core component taken by all students, together with four options from the range offered in a given year, and a dissertation of 15,000 to 20,000 words on a subject approved by the Programme Coordinator.
5. Assessment : Student performance in each module is assessed by coursework. All students are additionally assessed by dissertation. In order to pass at programme level, students must obtain an overall pass in the two core modules, an overall pass in their four options, and a pass in the dissertation. The pass mark for all elements is 40%. The core modules carry 20% of the total mark, each option carries 10%, and the dissertation carries 40%.
6. ECTS : The total ECTS for the programme is 90:
2 core modules at 10 ECTS each = 20 ECTS
4 optional modules at 10 ECTS each = 40 ECTS
Dissertation at 30 ECTS = 30 ECTS
Total = 90 ECTS
7. Course Coordinators : Professor David Scott, Professor Johnnie Gratton