BMALX222 – Available Light: Theories of Photography
Module code
BMALX222
Module title
Available Light: Theories of Photography
Prescription
The purpose of this module provides an introduction to a selection of theory and discourse related to photography. Conceptions of photography, the medium's social and cultural weighting, semiotic analysis, and the impact of digital technology with be explored and critiqued. Emphasis will be directed towards some key visual practitioners and relevant theorists who tackle the medium in a critical, self reflexive manner.
Programmes
- BM9601
NZQA Level
Level 6
NZQA Credits
15
Delivery method
- Web-Supported
Learning hours
- Total learning hours
- 150
Resources required
- Content
- 3.1Photography and History
The medium's conception/invention
Social/cultural timing
Relationship to art history
Social/cultural implications
3.2Theoretical Framework
Reality/truth debate
Positivism
Semiotics
Class/power structures
Modernism/Post Modernism
Recent theory informing photographic practices
3.3Contemporary Discourse
New Documentary/New Objectivity
Femininity
Identity
Digital
Nostalgia
History
3.4 Contexts
Visual Works
Popular Culture
Industry/Advertising
Cultural institutions (art galleries, museums, universities)
3.5Analysis and Research
Cultural positioning of theoretical models
Dissecting theoretical models
Application of theoretical models to a range of contexts
Self-reflexivity
Study of prescribed texts
Written and visual research into complimentary additional material
How to conduct theoretical research
3.6 Communicating with a range of cultures
Content of interest to a Mori audience
New Zealand cultural identities
Content from at least one other culture
Modes of address appropriate to the audience
