Visual and Sensorial Cultures
In this minor, you will focus on the political, artistic and social uses of images and art and the sensory, aesthetic, intellectual experiences they trigger. You will focus both on producers and makers as well as users of images, art and other cultural objects or events. You will be asked to analyze your own artistic, sensorial and visual experiences and relate them to theoretical considerations. This minor brings together a wide interdisciplinary spectrum of theories and methods withs regards to the visual and the sensorial.
Summary
| Number of EC | 30 EC |
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| Number of courses | 4 compulsory courses |
| Start | Block 3 |
| Coordinator | |
| Course overview | |
| Minor code | ART-MINOR-19 |
| Entry requirements | At least 45 EC for category 1 (Bachelor Introduction) |
| Associated MA-programmes |
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| Register between 3 November and 21 November 2025 |
Make sure to register for the minor as well as all its courses |
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Contents
The minor Visual and Sensorial Cultures explores key aspects of visual and sensorial cultures from 1850 to today, focusing on their experiential, political, social and artistic dimensions. It combines expertise from history, art history, visual culture and literary studies, with a strong trans- and interdisciplinary approach, drawing on historical, literary, social, psychological, philosophical, and political theories.
This minor emphasizes learning-by-doing alongside classical text- and image-based research. Students engage in sensory experiments (taste, touch, sight, smell, hearing), behavioral observation, introspection, group work and expert discussions.
Key questions include:
• Why is our culture so ocularcentric?
• How did the hierarchy of the senses arise, and what is intersensory experience?
• What roles do the lower senses play in perception?
• How are images and visual culture used politically in crises?
• How do artists, writers, designers and architects create political experiences through images and senses?
• How do we experience artworks, spaces, performances sensorially?
• How is sensory pollution addressed in art and film?
• Why is sensorial experience vital for mental and social well-being?
You will acquire methods, theories and frameworks to study the visual and sensorial experience of art, literature, film and broader cultural phenomena, and explore the political and ideological roles of images.
After completing this minor, you will:
• Have survey knowledge of theories on political uses of art, visuality and sensory experience.
• Be familiar with key conceptual and methodological approaches to studying art, images and sensory culture.
• Recognize political strategies and sensory dynamics in cultural production and experience.
• Understand current challenges and the importance of trans- and interdisciplinary approaches.
• Have practiced academic writing and research skills.
Matching bachelor's programmes
The minor represents a useful practical and theoretical addition to almost every track within the Department of History and Art History, as well as Language and Cultural studies, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Media and Culture, Gender studies and Literary Studies, Philosophy and Literature studies. It is also a good addition to some programmes within the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences as well as for students interested in Life sciences.
Curriculum
The minor in Visual and Sensual Cultures consists of 4 courses to be followed in block 3 and 4 (30 EC in total).
More information
If you wish to know more, or have questions about this minor, please contact the Student Desk Humanities.