Critical and analytic theories in photography

An introduction to some of the main ways of thinking about photography, based on cultural theory, politics, philosophy and semiotics.
** Please note that this is not in conjunction with the Photographers' Gallery as stated in the printed prospectus.

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Key course information

Dates
30/01/12 - 26/03/12

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
8 weeks

Time
18:30 - 20:00

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

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VY604

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?

Over the period of the twentieth century, photography came to touch upon and/or to reshape almost all areas of life in which images are made, used and experienced. Given its massive influence, and the many different forms and uses, it is perhaps unsurprising that those who have tried to understand it critically and theoretically have adopted a range of different approaches, drawing on different cultural and political theories, philosophies and ideas of vision and communication to aid them in thinking about this most versatile of image forms.

This course offers an introduction to some of the major influential approaches to thinking about photography that developed between the 1930s and the last decades of the twentieth century. Through readings of selected texts by key thinkers, and in discussion of a range of visual materials, this course explores some of the central issues and concepts in twentieth century criticism and theory of photography.

What topics will we cover?

The course covers a range of writers whose work has proven important for the historical, critical and theoretical understanding of photography. These include Walter Benjamin, Susan Sontag, John Berger, Roland Barthes, Allan Sekula, Abigail Solomon-Godeau, Christian Metz, Kaja Silverman and Vilem Flusser. Our exploration of the ideas put forward by these writers will be informed by group discussion of a variety of photographic practices.

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

• Understand the concepts and arguments put forward in the writings studied and in class discussion.
• Use these concepts in analysis of photographic works and have a good sense of their relevance for thinking about visual culture more generally.
• Feel confident that you have a grasp of some of the key debates, issues and ideas that shaped critical and theoretical discussions of photography in the twentieth century and that, on this basis, you can move on to further and related studies.

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

The course is open to all. No previous knowledge of the subject 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. 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?

The tutor will give introductory lectures clarifying the essential content of the text(s) in focus. You will then be given a chance to participate in discussion of visual examples and to apply the concepts studied to these.

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

You may find it useful to buy some of the books discussed 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?

Various courses in the City Lit programme for visual arts may be of interest to you after this course. Specifically courses related to the history of art and photography, such as Modern Art 1900-1950 and Modern Art 1950-2011. You may also wish to put some of the theoretical knowledge into practice through a practical course.

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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