Photography: Issues and Debates (U02949)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : ACE-3-HPhoto

This course is not a chronological overview of the history of photography. Rather, it is an issue based course, structured around a series of key debates relating to the production and consumption of the photograph.

From the impact of photography and its contested status in the nineteenth century, to the repercussions of the digital revolution and image manipulation, we examine the historical, social, political, aesthetic, and, where appropriate, technical aspects of photography. Material for discussion is drawn from both fine art, lens-based gallery work, and the commercial world of photography the photograph in the context of popular culture and the mass-media.

Close analyses of a wide range of visual material, and theoretical texts which have either informed or evolved from the ideas and practices of photography, are used to illuminate a series of issues relating to the representation of race, gender and femininity, as well as questions regarding commodity culture, exploitation, voyeurism and the contested area of ethics, rights and responsibilities - the uses and abuses of photography.

This course does not assume a prior knowledge of the history or practice of photography.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : A pass in either History of Art 2 or Architectural History 2a and 2b

Subject Areas

Home subject area

History of Art, (School of Arts, Culture and Environment, Schedule A)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	11:10	12:00	Central

? Additional Class Information : Seminars will take place on Wednesdays, 9000-1050 and 1110-1300. Students will attend one of these.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this course the student will have:
-A knowledge and understanding of the key issues and arguments in photographic history
-A knowledge of the work of selected key photographers and movements within the history of the medium
-A familiarity with the critical theory associated with photography, which will have featured very little to date in their studies of History of Art.
-A familiarity with part of the photographic collection at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery
-An understanding of the range of methodologies associated with the study of Art History in general, and photography in particular
-An understanding of the important role of materials and techniques in the development of photography

In terms of applications, the student will be able to:
-engage at a deeper level in critical thinking
-display enhanced powers of argument and inquiry, in both written and verbal form
-demonstrate more extensive research skills, in terms of accessing information on his/her own initiative
-demonstrate an ability to work both individually and as part of a team/group of students
-develop his/her skills of delivering verbal presentations