International branding laboratory

Within the first part of the course students study the peculiarities of a selected country or region with the invited specialists in history, culture and social sciences. This kind of an overview gives the students a better understanding of a selected region before the expedition and field research. The core visual research part of the course is an expedition and a closer acquaintance with a selected country. Within the field research students visit the museums and significant cultural and historical institutions, meet local specialists and partner universities, collect materials for their projects.

After the expedition students select a particular country, city, region or a signicant cultural institution, and complete a comprehensive project in territorial branding or branding of a cultural institution, present their visions of a tone of voice and visual communications for a selected topic. All the projects on branding are to be developed individually. A group work is focused on a documentary film and a print report on the project.

Participants for the course are selected within an open call for portfolio competition and motivation letters. Prerequisites for participation include good knowledge of English (or other language suitable for the selected region), a valid foreign passport, and, naturally, strong portfolio in branding and visual communications.

The best final projects will be presented to the partner countries authorities, and an international university community within the program of the coming HSE International Partners Week.