A history of photography

In partnership with the Photographers' Gallery, this 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
19/09/11 - 07/11/11

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
8 weeks

Time
18:30 - 20:00

Fees
Full fee: £163
Senior fee: £163
Concession: £100

Venue
PS - Photography Studio

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Course code
VY603

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 will provide an overview of the history of photography, following a chronological structure, from the announcement of the invention of photography in1839 to the present. We will chart what happened when, and look at some of photography’s multiple roles and uses, and their interface with a broader political and social arena.

What topics will we cover?

We will explore the medium’s identities as an art form and as a document that records and communicates. These identities shift and slip - we will consider how, when and why.

Looking at a wide range of photographs from 1839 on, we will follow technological developments and trace key themes, including the portrait, the landscape and the object. We will examine changes in approach and use, considering how the photograph can be an impassioned plea for social change or social preservation, a celebration of love, a gardener’s taxonomy, evidence of a murder - or about the imagination.

The course will survey key movements and practitioners, and examine significant exhibitions and publications, and influential institutions, curators, writers and commentators. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary voices to evoke the view of the practitioner, audience or critic at different points in time.

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

- understand a linear history of photography, and the temporal relationship between technological advances, key developments and different practices.
- know about the divergent uses of photography and place them in a historical context.
- understand major themes that have underscored the development of photography.
- identify different types of photograph and the cultural or commercial reasons for their production.

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

The course is open to all. No prior knowledge is required.

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.

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?

There will be an illustrated talk each week followed by discussions on what we have looked at and the issues raised. Handouts, and a list of books and films, will be provided, as well as suggestions for exhibitions and events that will supplement the course.

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

You will be encouraged to keep a diary throughout the course to note down your thoughts, observations or comments either during the seminars or afterwards. There will also be an opportunity at the end of each session to share your thoughts or questions.

There will be a reading list distributed in the first week but there will be a reader provided for you that fully complements the course and the areas covered.

There is however some summer homework. Please read the book below that will set the tone and approach of the course and help us to grapple with the question: what is photography history?

Carr, E. H (1961) What is History? Penguin. London.

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?

There will be further courses at City Lit on both the theory and practice of photography that complement this introduction to the history of photography.You can them in the prospectus or in the website.

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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