Course detail

Visual Composition in Time 1

FaVU-VKO-ZAcad. year: 2026/2027

The course combines practice and theory and focuses on the production and critical reflection of the moving image — that is, an image in which time is intrinsic to its very existence. The winter semester provides a theoretical introduction to the possibilities and methods of working with the time-based image, particularly those that preceded digital technologies. An overview of the prehistory and history of optical devices and techniques (camera obscura, the magic lantern, the phenakistoscope and chronophotography) provides a conceptual basis for understanding the compositional principles of images in time. The course also includes an analysis of visual compositions by contemporary artists working with the moving image.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

2

Assignment to study programme types

Bachelor's

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Entry knowledge

None.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Course credit is awarded on the basis of attendance at a minimum of 70% of classes. By individual agreement, failure to meet the attendance requirement may be compensated for by completing alternative assignments.

Teaching is delivered in intensive blocks and includes workshops led by external practitioners.

Aims

The course enables students to deepen their specialist knowledge of specific approaches to audiovisual practice and its intersections with other areas of art. Students are introduced to the basic theories of audiovisual practice and learn to understand the time-based image as an autonomous artistic form rather than merely a means of recording. The course aims to familiarise students with the genealogy of optical instruments and apparatuses, deepen their understanding of how technology shapes both the image and ways of thinking about it, and develop their ability to analyse and interpret the temporal composition of audiovisual works through examples from contemporary art practice. The semester thus provides a conceptual and historical foundation for practical work in the summer semester and for students’ individual engagement with a diverse range of creative possibilities.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

AUMONT, Jacques. Obraz. Praha: Nakladatelství Akademie múzických umění v Praze, 2005.
CRARY, Jonathan. Techniky pozorovatele: O vidění a modernitě v 19. století. Praha: Academia, 2025.
MANOVICH, Lev. Jazyk nových médií. Praha: Univerzita Karlova, nakladatelství Karolinum, 2018.
YOUNGBLOOD, Gene. Expanded Cinema. 50th anniversary ed. New York: Fordham University Press, 2020.

Recommended reading

ALTSTATT, Rosanne a Ralf SAUSMIKAT, eds. Turbulent Screen: Die strukturelle Bewegung in Film und Video. Oldenburg: Edith-Ruß-Haus für Medienkunst; Frankfurt am Main: Revolver – Archiv für aktuelle Kunst, 2003.
BORDWELL, David a Kristin THOMPSONOVÁ. Umění filmu: Úvod do studia formy a stylu. Praha: Nakladatelství Akademie múzických umění v Praze, 2011.
DOANE, Mary Ann. The Emergence of Cinematic Time: Modernity, Contingency, the Archive. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2002.
CHION, Michel. Audio-Vision: Sound on Screen. New York: Columbia University Press, 1994.
KITTLER, Friedrich. Optical Media: Berlin Lectures 1999. Cambridge: Polity, 2010.
MAZANEC, Martin, ed. Manifesty pohyblivého obrazu: Barevná hudba. Olomouc: Pastiche Filmz, 2010.
MEIGH-ANDREWS, Chris. A History of Video Art. 2. vyd. London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2013.
MULVEY, Laura. Death 24x a Second: Stillness and the Moving Image. London: Reaktion Books, 2006.
ZIELINSKI, Siegfried. Deep Time of the Media: Toward an Archaeology of Hearing and Seeing by Technical Means. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2006.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme DES_B Bachelor's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    4 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    4 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    4 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    4 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme VUM_B Bachelor's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    3 year of study, winter semester, elective
    3 year of study, winter semester, elective
    3 year of study, winter semester, elective
    3 year of study, winter semester, elective
    3 year of study, winter semester, elective
    3 year of study, winter semester, elective
    3 year of study, winter semester, elective
    3 year of study, winter semester, elective
    3 year of study, winter semester, elective
    3 year of study, winter semester, elective
    3 year of study, winter semester, elective
    3 year of study, winter semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

4 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

Podrobnosti k tématům lekcí a jednotlivým blokům budou zveřejněny na začátku semestru.

Creative seminar

28 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer