Part-time adult education, evening classes: London: City Lit

Introduction to the history of photography

This one-day course introduces key themes and figures in photographic history. Explore social and cultural contexts, and some alternative histories of photography.

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Key course information

Dates
13/01/12 - 20/01/12

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
2 weeks

Time
18:00 - 21:00

Fees
Full fee: £57
Senior fee: £57
Concession: £35

Venue
PS - Photography Studio

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Course code
VY647

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course examines the origins of photography, starting from experiments before formal photographic inventions in the 1820s and 1830s up to digital imaging. It will consider how technological innovations and social conditions impact on the emergence of new forms of photographic practice.

What topics will we cover?

– What photography has been used for in the past and today – Technical, social, cultural and aesthetic developments. – Early photographic processes and key figures. – The early uses of photography in the arts and sciences. – Travel photography then and now. – Studio photography and the rise of the portrait. – Photography and modernity: imaging the city, the everyday and other themes. – Becoming an art form: early and contemporary strands in photography. – The acceleration of capture, camera innovations and documentary. – Developments in colour photography. – The impact of digital imaging.

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

- Identify the developments that led to the invention of photography
- Understand how photography has been used since its invention in the 1820s/30s and how it can be used today
- Identify the impact of technological innovations on the creation of new fields of photographic practice
- Assess the cultural, social and aesthetic uses of photography at different stages of its history
- Identify key figures in various domains of the history of photography.

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

Introductory level, for all those with an interest in the subject.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for 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?

You will be taught via illustrated lectures using projected images and video, and the internet where appropriate. During discussions you will benefit from a positive group dynamic where you can share your ideas and thoughts.

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

None as handouts will be given during the course.

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?

A longer course in the same subject jointly run by City Lit and the Photographers Gallery – details in our course guide and online.

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.

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Visual arts