Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The course deepens the student´s knowledge about the theory of photography, its central themes and main debates. Students become aware of the established key thinkers and their theories, as well as more controversial ones, and learn to contextualize the theories within their time and in relation to phenomena of contemporary photography. The course develops the student's ability for theoretical thinking and seeing the connections of theory to their own photographic practice. The course supports MA master thesis work and its cognitive processes, aiming at good knowledge of theoretical discourses of photography. The student's writing, research and critical thinking skills are developed in the course assignments.
Credits: 5
Schedule: 14.01.2021 - 08.04.2021
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Harri Laakso
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Harri Laakso
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
Teaching language: English
Languages of study attainment: Finnish, English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
The course explores the key concepts of photography theory, its central themes and main debates. The canonical key photography theorists and writers are introduced (e.g. Walter Benjamin, Roland Barthes, Vilém Flusser, Susan Sontag) as well as a variety of other theoretical approaches (e.g. psychoanalysis, deconstruction, theories of simulation, non-human photography). Both theories related to particular photographic practices as well as philosophies about photographic ontology are addressed. The shifts from the traditional and representational theories of photography to the fragmented contemporary ones are acknowledged. In the course attention is also given to alternative ways of theoretical writing (e.g. autoethnography, fictocriticism) and to questions of artistic research in relation to photography theory.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Attendance 80% and participation, reading assigned texts, completing required essays.
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Given during course.
Substitutes for Courses
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
The course may substitute the photography theory part (5 ects) of the course DOM-E3039 Theory of Photography and History of Contemporary Photography (9 ects)
Prerequisites
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
None
- Teacher: Laakso Harri