Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Koninklijke Academie van Antwerpen
Photo History I (part 2)34618/3298/2425/1/15
Study guide

Photo History I (part 2)

34618/3298/2425/1/15
Academic year 2024-25
Is found in:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts, programme stage 1
    Specialisation:
    • Photography
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts
    Specialisation:
    • Photography
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 3 credits
Special admission is required to enrol in this course unit under
  • exam contract (to obtain a credit).
  • exam contract (to obtain a degree).
Co-ordinator: Henneman Inge
Other teaching staff: Vanthuyne Stefan
Languages: Dutch, English
Scheduled for: Semester 2
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Possible deadlines for learning account: 15.03.2025 ()
Re-sit exam: is possible.
Possibility of deliberation: This course unit is eligible for deliberation according to the criteria as determined by the degree programme you are enrolled in.
Total study time: 62,00 hours

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Short description

The course understands the history of photography as a succession of different alliances between the medium and already existing cultural systems such as industry, the press and the museum.

Learning outcomes (list)

BA3 - The student knows about and understands the social, cultural, artistic, historical and international context of the visual arts and artistic praxis, and continues to develop this knowledge and understanding.
The student can situate the work of a photographer in its cultural-historical context.
BA5 - When developing his/her personal visual language the students starts from a searching and reflective attitude when developing one's own visual language.
The student can analyze the life and work of a photographer.
The student can independently carry out research into aspects of photo history.
BA6 - The student understands the characteristics of his/her personal designs and/or realizations and is able to communicate about this in an appropriate manner.
The student can communicate clearly (visually, verbally and in writing) about his independent research.

Course content

The course introduces the student to the Modern period in photohistory: different styles, technical evolutions, artistic strategies and approaches of the photographic medium from 1900 to 1945 are discussed. We look at images together and read essential texts on the subject.

Panoramic Overview from pictorialism to surrealism, from Atget to Sander, from Moscou to Paris and New York.

Focus on the photobook. Focus on the relation between photography and society and the different roles of photography in its relation to art, science, the archive, the industry, the commercial enterprise and the press. Focus on influences on and connections with contemporary photography.

Next to photohistorical- and theoretical classes, students conduct photohistorical research making 'a portrait of a photographer from the modern period'. Weekly assignments introduce aspects of methodology and lead to a practice of self-study and individual research resulting in a final paper.

We work together with FOMU (Antwerp photomuseum): library sessions, guided visits to the exhibitions and attending public lectures of photographers.

Study material (text): Mandatory

There is no written course. The powerpointpresentations used in class, a Reader with essential texts and webistes are made available online on Digitap. The student take notes and consults the handbook 'J Hacking, Photography. The whole story, Thames & Hudson 2012'.

The student learns to do photohistorical research on a chosen photographer from the first half of the 20st Century, and assembles him/herself the necessary sources and material for study.

Educational organisation (list)

Exam duration
Estimated time for testing2,00 hours
Learning Activities
Collaborative learning
Lectures and / or tutorials24,00 hours
  • Remark: The presence of the student during classes is required.
Practicum
Work time outside of contact hours36,00 hours

Evaluation (list)

Evaluation(s) for first exam chance
MomentForm%Remark
Eerste examenperiodeResearch Assignment100,00Students are expected to be present during classes. Absences can have a negative impact on your study results.
Evaluation(s) for re-sit exam
MomentForm%Remark
2nd examination periodResearch Assignment100,00

Evaluation (text)

1st period

PAPER 'Portrait of a photographer (1900-1945)' 

2nd period

PAPER 'Portrait of a photographer (1900-1945)'