Brief description

Module Title: HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY I

Academic Year: 2002/3

Co-ordinator: Chris Webster

Other Staff:   

Semester: 1

Course Delivery: Lectures/Seminars: 20 hrs
   
   Essay preparation: 40 hrs
   Exam preparation: 40 hrs

Assessment Essay:   50%
   Examination: 50%

Brief Description
The History of Photography presented from its inception until circa the 1940's. This module is designed to develop the knowledge of photographic history for the art history student and as an informative essential background for practical photography students. The module investigates some of the major movements, practitioners, themes and techniques employed over its historical development. The relationship of photography to other areas of art is explored through ideas of process and image.

Syllabus

This structure is given for guidance only:

1 Before Photography.
2 Securing the Shadow: Early Pioneers.
3 Seminar looking at images
4 Class test on processes
5 National library of Wales visit
5   Memento Mori: Conquering Mortality (Early Portraits).
6 War and travel.
7   School of Art Collections
8 The new art
9 Stieglitz and the Secession
10 Seminar select image discussion
11 The American vision.
12 Modernist Photography case study Man Ray
13 Social Realism: The Farm Security Administration.
14 Bill Brandt: From Journalism to Art.
15 Robert Frank, revelation America
16 Slide review and examination of the course.

Skill Development

The module will assist the development of the following academic and transferable skills:

? Self-directed project work -- through the production of the essay
? IT and information handling -- you will be expected to word-process the essay. Where appropriate, supporting work may be generated using computer-graphic software in consultation with individual tutors and subject to the availability of existing resources.
? Writing in an academic context -- The essay will be composed in accordance with academic conventions.
? Oral discussion and presentation -- These will be developed in the context of class discussions and seminars
? Self-management -- you will be expected to construct a realistic timetable for the completion of discrete phases of research and writing in consultation with their supervisors.
? Group activity ? regular seminar discussions.

Assessment

Components

Essay (50%) (2500 words minimum to 5,000 words maximum).

Exam (50%)

Conditions
Both assessed elements must be passed. Only the failed component need be resubmitted.

Bibliography
Ian Jeffery, Photography: A Concise History, London: Thames and Hudson 1981
Susan Sontag, On Photography, London: Penguin 1979
H. Gernsheim, Concise History of Photography, London: Thames and Hudson 1971
Beaumont Newhall, A History of Photography, New York: Museum of Modern Art 1982
Aaron Scharf, Art and Photography, New York: Penguin 1986
B. Coe and M. Haworth-Booth, A Guide to Early Photographic Processes, London: Victoria and Albert Museum 1983
Peter Galassi, Before Photography, New York: Museum of Modern Art 1981

Aims
The module should enable you to:
.
A. Study the development of the fine art aspects of photography from 1839 to the mid-twentieth century
B. form ideas relating to the interconnectedness of visual art disciplines
C. develop a knowledge of the major themes of photographic history
D. develop a specific program of research and a research methodology
E. undertake a systematic inquiry within a prescribed framework
F. form and test hypotheses

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module you are expected to be able to:
1. research and compose an essay that clearly demonstrates an ability to contextualize, reflect upon, and critically appraise an aspect of art history (Aims: A, B, C, D, E, F)
2. formulate ideas and opinions in a substantiated and orderly manner (Aims: B, D, E, F)
3. analyse particular photographs in order to show an informed awareness of their possible reading (Aims: A, B, C, D, E, F)
4. critique specific approaches to the medium of photography and contextualise these approaches in relation to the work of lens-based artists (Aims: A, B, C, F)

Relation to Assessment
Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4 are assessed through both the essay and the examination

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6