VA524 Critical Practice
Syllabus | International University of Sarajevo - Last Update on Feb 02, 2026
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Visual Arts and Visual Communications Design
Emir Hambo
Course Lecturer
Course Objectives
This course focuses on developing critical thinking skills through interactive in-class activities and discussions. Students will explore visual and performing arts, analyze cultural spaces, and engage with critical theories. The classroom will become a creative space where students collaborate, debate, and apply their learning to hands-on projects, with occasional guest speakers and multimedia content.
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Course Materials
Required Textbook
To be determined according to the students’ individual topic and research of the artwork and/or design
Additional Literature
To be determined according to the students’ individual topic and research of the artwork and/or designTeaching Methods
Active Learning
Interactive Discussions
Multimedia Analysis
Collaborative Learning
Group Projects
Group Discussions and Peer Review
Creative and Hands-On Learning
Art-Based Assignments
Problem-Based Learning
Reflective Learning
Personal Reflections
Art Criticism Techniques
Student-Centered Approach
Autonomy and Creativity.
Weekly Topics
| Week | Topic | Readings / References |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What is Critical Practice? | FAQ, Course manual |
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Focus: Critical thinking beyond opinionDiscussion: What makes analysis critical?
Exercise: Analyze a short film scene and a game intro sequence without context. Task:Write a 500-word structured critical reflection separating:
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| 2 | Observation as Method | discussions |
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Focus:
Fieldwork:Observe a cultural space (cinema, gaming café, exhibition, or public event). Deliverable:Observation log:
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| 3 | Space, Audience & Experience | discussions |
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Theory: Audience reception & experiential designFilm: cinematic space & spectatorshipGame: interactive immersion & player agency
Comparative Debate:Is the viewer passive or active? Assignment:Map the audience journey for:
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| 4 | Industry Mapping | discussions |
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Focus: Industry structure
Task:Create a visual ecosystem map of:
Include:
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| 5 | Competitor Analysis | discussions |
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Focus: Positioning & differentiationEach student selects:3 competitors in their niche
Analyze:
Present as 10-minute critical briefing. |
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| 6 | Critical Theory Applied | discussions |
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Introduction to:
Application:Film: gaze theory & authorshipGame: power structures in interactive systems Task: Apply one theory to one competitor. |
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| 7 | Fieldwork: Festivals & Events | discussions |
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Visit (or digitally analyze):Sarajevo Film Festival (structure & positioning)Reboot Develop Blue (industry positioning)
Analyze:
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| 8 | Midterm | discussions |
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| 9 | Narrative & System Design | EXAM |
|
Film: narrative structuresGame: systemic storytelling
Compare:
Exercise:Redesign a scene/game mechanic from competitor perspective. |
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| 10 | Visual & Aesthetic Strategy | discussions |
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Comparative visual analysis:Film Aesthetic ExampleGame Aesthetic Example
Discussion:
Task: Write aesthetic positioning statement for your own MA project. |
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| 11 | Economics & Sustainability | discussions |
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Analyze:
Each student prepares:Financial positioning hypothesis for their future project. |
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| 12 | Ethics & Cultural Responsibility | discussions |
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Topics:
Debate:Should creators be neutral? Apply to:Bosnian post-war narrativesGlobalized game violence structures |
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| 13 | Personal Critical Manifesto | discussions |
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Each student writes:"My Position in the Industry"
Includes:
Peer critique session. |
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| 14 | Final Industry Simulation | discussions |
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Simulation exercise:You are pitching your MA project to:
Present:
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| 15 | Final Presentation | discussions |
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Final Submission:
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Course Schedule (All Sections)
| Section | Type | Day 1 | Venue 1 | Day 2 | Venue 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VA524.1 | Course | Monday 16:00 - 18:50 | B F1.16 | - | - |
Office Hours & Room
| Day | Time | Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 15:00 - 17:00 | B F2.25 | |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 12:00 | B F2.25 | |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 12:00 | B F2.25 | |
| Friday | 09:00 - 17:00 | B F2.25 | Research |
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Assessment Components
Final Exam
AI: Consult InstructorAlignment with Learning Outcomes : LO1 2 3 4 5 6
Mid-Term
AI: Consult InstructorAlignment with Learning Outcomes : LO1 2 3 4 5 6
Fieldwork & Observation
AI: Consult InstructorAlignment with Learning Outcomes : LO1 2 3 4 5 6
Competitor & Industry Mapping
AI: Consult InstructorAlignment with Learning Outcomes : LO1 2 3 4 5 6
IUS Grading System
| Grading Scale | IUS Grading System | IUS Coeff. | Letter (B&H) | Numerical (B&H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 44 | F | 0 | F | 5 |
| 45 - 54 | E | 1 | ||
| 55 - 64 | C | 2 | E | 6 |
| 65 - 69 | C+ | 2.3 | D | 7 |
| 70 -74 | B- | 2.7 | ||
| 75 - 79 | B | 3 | C | 8 |
| 80 - 84 | B+ | 3.3 | ||
| 85 - 94 | A- | 3.7 | B | 9 |
| 95 - 100 | A | 4 | A | 10 |
Late Work Policy
Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.
ECTS Credit Calculation
📚 Student Workload
This 6 ECTS credit course corresponds to 150 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:
Lecture hours
45 hours ⏳ (15 week × 3 h)
Participation/Activities
45 hours ⏳ (15 week × 3 h)
Mid-Term
32 hours ⏳ (8 week × 4 h)
Final exam study
28 hours ⏳ (7 week × 4 h)
150 Total Workload Hours
6 ECTS Credits
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.
Technology & AI Policy
Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.
Communication Policy
All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [VA524] in the subject line.
Academic Quality Assurance Policy
Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.
Learning Tips
Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.
Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.
Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.
Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.
Syllabus Last Updated on Feb 02, 2026 | International University of Sarajevo
Print Syllabus
Referencing Curricula Print this page
| Course Code | Course Title | Weekly Hours* | ECTS | Weekly Class Schedule | ||||||
| T | P | |||||||||
| VA524 | Critical Practice | 3 | 0 | 6 | Monday 16:00 - 18:50 | |||||
| Prerequisite | None | It is a prerequisite to | - | |||||||
| Lecturer | Emir Hambo | Office Hours / Room / Phone | Tuesday: 15:00-17:00 Wednesday: 10:00-12:00 Thursday: 10:00-12:00 Friday: 9:00-17:00 Research |
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| ehambo@ius.edu.ba | ||||||||||
| Assistant | Assistant E-mail | |||||||||
| Course Objectives | This course focuses on developing critical thinking skills through interactive in-class activities and discussions. Students will explore visual and performing arts, analyze cultural spaces, and engage with critical theories. The classroom will become a creative space where students collaborate, debate, and apply their learning to hands-on projects, with occasional guest speakers and multimedia content. | |||||||||
| Textbook | To be determined according to the students’ individual topic and research of the artwork and/or design | |||||||||
| Additional Literature |
|
|||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: | |||||||||
| Teaching Methods | Active Learning,Interactive Discussions,Multimedia Analysis,Collaborative Learning,Group Projects,Group Discussions and Peer Review,Creative and Hands-On Learning,Art-Based Assignments,Problem-Based Learning,Reflective Learning,Personal Reflections,Art Criticism Techniques,Student-Centered Approach,Autonomy and Creativity. | |||||||||
| Teaching Method Delivery | Face-to-face | Teaching Method Delivery Notes | ||||||||
| WEEK | TOPIC | REFERENCE | ||||||||
| Week 1 | What is Critical Practice? | FAQ, Course manual | ||||||||
| Week 2 | Observation as Method | discussions | ||||||||
| Week 3 | Space, Audience & Experience | discussions | ||||||||
| Week 4 | Industry Mapping | discussions | ||||||||
| Week 5 | Competitor Analysis | discussions | ||||||||
| Week 6 | Critical Theory Applied | discussions | ||||||||
| Week 7 | Fieldwork: Festivals & Events | discussions | ||||||||
| Week 8 | Midterm | discussions | ||||||||
| Week 9 | Narrative & System Design | EXAM | ||||||||
| Week 10 | Visual & Aesthetic Strategy | discussions | ||||||||
| Week 11 | Economics & Sustainability | discussions | ||||||||
| Week 12 | Ethics & Cultural Responsibility | discussions | ||||||||
| Week 13 | Personal Critical Manifesto | discussions | ||||||||
| Week 14 | Final Industry Simulation | discussions | ||||||||
| Week 15 | Final Presentation | discussions | ||||||||
| Assessment Methods and Criteria | Evaluation Tool | Quantity | Weight | Alignment with LOs | AI Usage |
| Final Exam | 1 | 30 | LO1,2,3,4,5,6 | Consult Instructor | |
| Semester Evaluation Components | |||||
| Mid-Term | 1 | 25 | LO1,2,3,4,5,6 | Consult Instructor | |
| Fieldwork & Observation | 1 | 25 | LO1,2,3,4,5,6 | Consult Instructor | |
| Competitor & Industry Mapping | 1 | 20 | LO1,2,3,4,5,6 | Consult Instructor | |
| *** ECTS Credit Calculation *** | |||||
| Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | |||
| Lecture hours | 3 | 15 | 45 | Participation/Activities | 3 | 15 | 45 | |||
| Mid-Term | 4 | 8 | 32 | Final exam study | 4 | 7 | 28 | |||
| 0 | ||||||||||
| Total Workload Hours = | 150 | |||||||||
| *T= Teaching, P= Practice | ECTS Credit = | 6 | ||||||||
| Course Academic Quality Assurance: Semester Student Survey | Last Update Date: 23/02/2026 | |||||||||
Detailed Weekly Plan
Exercise: Analyze a short film scene and a game intro sequence without context.
Task:Write a 500-word structured critical reflection separating:
- What you saw
- What you think it means
- Why it matters
- Training the eye
- Introduction to ethnographic observation
- Silent observation exercise (public space)
Fieldwork:Observe a cultural space (cinema, gaming café, exhibition, or public event).
Deliverable:Observation log:
- Spatial design
- Audience behavior
- Emotional atmosphere
- Power structures
Comparative Debate:Is the viewer passive or active?
Assignment:Map the audience journey for:
- One film festival screening
- One game experience
- How film and game industries function
- Funding models
- Distribution channels
Task:Create a visual ecosystem map of:
- Bosnian film industry
- Regional game industry (or chosen market)
Include:
- Production
- Distribution
- Marketing
- Festivals / platforms
Analyze:
- Visual language
- Narrative strategy
- Market positioning
- Target audience
- Technological approach
Present as 10-minute critical briefing.
- Roland Barthes
- Michel Foucault
- Laura Mulvey
Application:Film: gaze theory & authorshipGame: power structures in interactive systems
Task: Apply one theory to one competitor.
Analyze:
- Branding
- Sponsorship structure
- Audience segmentation
- Strategic communication
- Observation log (fieldwork)
- Industry ecosystem map
- Competitor analysis
- Theoretical application
Compare:
- Linear storytelling vs branching systems
- Emotional control vs player agency
Exercise:Redesign a scene/game mechanic from competitor perspective.
Discussion:
- Mood construction
- Color politics
- Environmental storytelling
Task: Write aesthetic positioning statement for your own MA project.
- Budget structures
- Funding models
- Monetization (box office vs in-app economies)
- Independent vs AAA / studio systems
Each student prepares:Financial positioning hypothesis for their future project.
- Representation
- Cultural narratives
- Political messaging
- Trauma aesthetics
Debate:Should creators be neutral?
Apply to:Bosnian post-war narrativesGlobalized game violence structures
Includes:
- What I refuse
- What I challenge
- What I build differently
Peer critique session.
- Producer (film)
- Game publisher
Present:
- Market analysis
- Competitor gap
- Audience strategy
- Cultural positioning
- Followed by critical interrogation.
- Critical Practice Portfolio
- Industry & Competitor Analysis Report
- Fieldwork Documentation
- Theoretical Reflection (2,000 words)