AH30820 - HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY 2: ISSUES IN 20C PHOTOGRAPHY

Module Identifier	AH30820
Module Title	HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY 2: ISSUES IN 20C PHOTOGRAPHY
Academic Year	2001/2002
Co-ordinator	Mr Christopher Webster
Semester	Semester 2
Course delivery	Lecture	16 Hours
	Seminar	12 Hours
Assessment	Essay		50%
	Exam	2 Hours	50%

Brief description

This module is designed to develop the students' knowledge of issues in late-twentieth century photography. It aims to investigate the historical development of the camera as a tool of creative expression from its inception until the present time. In addition, students are introduced to the major theoretical approaches which have informed the work of contemporary practitioners in photographic related art.

Aims:

The module aims to:

provide a contemporary groundwork for students taking the photography option as an introduction to the most recent debates and developments.
introduce concepts such as semiotics and its application within photography.
understand the position of photography within the visual arts and in a wider cultural context.
encourage a broader understanding of the possibilities inherent within the medium as well as limitations, debates and controversies.
deepen the students ability when approaching critical thinking and writing, particularly when applied to dissertation and essay writing.
encourage an informed response to photographic imagery and criticism during seminars.

Objectives:

By the end of the module the student will possess:

an understanding of some of the major trends and theoretical bases behind much of contemporary photography. He/she should also possess an awareness of the problems and possibilities facing the photographic artist today.
a deeper awareness of the impact which photography has had on modern life and indeed on our own concepts of self and mortality.
an ability to react to and critically assess photographs as pieces of visual art in their own right outside of other two-dimensional visual art media.
the basic necessary ability to inform their own visual art/art historical work