MFC5162 - Photography and History

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an ability to produce a detailed visual analysis of a selection of photographs.
Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the cultural, technological, and social history of photography.
Critically appraise ways in which the generic features of particular photographs relate to their historical context.
Communicate ideas and research findings clearly using appropriate presentational techniques and technologies.

Content:

This module explores the multiple ways photography and history interrelate and interact. Students will learn by engaging directly with significant images from the history of modernity and of photography. Students will decide whether to explore the history of photography (such as the relation between culture and image, industry, art, and technological innovation or photography and visuality); the aesthetic contribution of significant photographers; or photographs of history (photographs as historical documents), or photography as history (photographs as historical agents).

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module will be student-led and students will be choose the ways in which they explore the relationships of history to photography. A selection of photographs from a historical range will be used as a starting point for analysis and production. Seminars will summarise the possible ways of interrelating photography and history. Workshops will then support students in developing independent projects to explore ways of investigating these issues further, either through analysis or photographic production.

Seminars
Hours: 10
Intended Group Size: 35

Workshops
Hours: 22
Intended Group Size: 35

Guided independent study
Hours: 168

Further details relating to assessment
Presentation: this will outline the type of research project to be undertaken for the 2nd assignment. The presentation will also characterise and justify the project. The aim is to explore the type of relation to be established between history and photography and to identify key images and sources. This presentation may take the form of a verbal and visual presentation or a set of photographs produced by the student (such as in the form of a photo essay).

Report: this may take the form of an essay, a report, or a portfolio of photographs. The student is required to undertaken independent work in defining and developing the project. The report may deviate from the presentation given in the first assignment.

Assessment:

001 Presentation; 10 mins or 10 images; mid-semester 1 50%
002 Report; 2,000 words or 20 images; end of semester 1 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Liza Dracup
Level - 5
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 5S1

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