A brief history of British photography

In conjunction with the Photographers’ Gallery, this short course will introduce you to some of the key movements, developments and figures in photography in Britain, from the beginnings to the present day. Please note the dates and times have been amended since the prospectus publication. The course now runs on Saturday 16/06/2012 - 14/07/2012, 16:00 - 17:30.

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Key course information

Dates
16/06/12 - 14/07/12

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
5 weeks

Time
16:00 - 17:30

Fees
Full fee: £88
Senior fee: £88
Concession: £55

Venue
OS - Off site

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Course code
VY605

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

Enrol now

Call enrolments: 020 7831 7831

Still got questions?

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course will chart the development of British photography chronologically and thematically. The introduction will consider the early development of photographic practices. Key developments, movements and photographers will then be discussed according to three key themes within British photography and looking at their interaction and mutual influence on each other over time. These will come together in the final week looking in more detail at specific examples of contemporary British photography.

Technological innovations and photographic practices will be considered within the broader social and historical context throughout. Developments in Britain will be discussed in relation to influences from the United States and Europe as appropriate.

The course will focus on the work of key photographers and on photographs themselves and will be well illustrated. Learning and class discussions will be based around images.

What topics will we cover?

A full course outline will be given out at the first session.

- From calotype to camera: early pre-camera experiments to personal cameras.

- Photography and art: Victorian high art photography, portraiture and landscape.

- Documenting the world: the archiving urge, social reform, alternative politics, New Colour Documentary.

- Photography and the everyday: everyday photographic practices and the everyday as photographic subject

- Where are we now?: the impact of digital technology, contemporary use of early practices and ‘multi-stranded’ photography.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Have an understanding of the chronological history of British photography.
- Be aware of key developments, themes, movements, debates and practitioners within British photography, and the links between them.
- Know about the wide range of photographic practices within the British social and historical context.
- Be aware of how technological innovations and social conditions impact on developments in photographic practice and ideas.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is for all levels, for anyone with an interest in the subject.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Through a structured programme of illustrated lectures, and class discussions based around the images. Students will be encouraged to participate in and contribute to class discussion throughout the course. The photography studio uses a computer projector for viewing of images.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no extra costs. You are encouraged to take notes during the class. Suggestions for further reading and viewing photographs will be made available.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Please look in the new 2010/2011 prospective in the Photography section for specialist and practical Photography courses and in the Visual Arts section for computer courses including advanced Photoshop.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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