History and Technology of Photograph I (5 cr)

Objective

After completing the course, the student knows the history of photography and the photography as an independent artistic expression. The student knows the theory of photography and understands e.g. the negative-positive concept and principles of photographic prints/proofs as well as chemistry of photography. The student recognizes different types of photographic images (real photographs) and their materials as well as negative and film materials and is able to date them. The student is able to use the tools to study photographs. After completing the course, the student is able to evaluate the historical originality and date photographs and negatives in collections.

Content

History of photography, historical trends, styles and photographers.
Originality of the photograph, a print and a context.
Identification of different photographic methods and techniques. Theoretical understanding of developing, printing and finishing processes, basics of photographic chemistry.
Photographs, negatives, slides, various photographic prints/proofs, the process of photographs.
Tools and equipment for studying and documenting photographs.
Sources of information related to the history of photography and photographic materials as well as processes.
Photo collections.

Location and time

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, in the premises of the Degree Programme in Conservation.

Materials

Bibliography and lecture materials will be provided by the lecturer before and during the course.

Teaching methods

Lectures, contact teaching, problem-based learning, guided exercises, as well as independent exercises, independent work on literature, excursions, and an exam.
Teaching is in Finnish.

Employer connections

During the course, familiarization visits are made to various photography collections.

Exam schedules

An exam at the end of the course.

Completion alternatives

No other course.

Student workload

The student's weekly working hours are 40 hours / 1,5 credits. Which has approx. 15 - 20 hours of contact studies with a lecturer. The remaining hours are spent on a literature study or praxis work. 1 credit (cr) is equivalent to 27 hours.

Further information

The course has a visiting lecturer.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student knows the history and techniques of photographs. The student knows the process of making a photograph (developing and proofing) and is able to identify and date photographs. The student is able to use tools and methods to identify a photograph and is able to document photographs and negatives but needs tutoring.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student is familiar with the history and techniques of photography as well as photo collections. The student understands the process of developing and proofing of a photograph and is able to identify and date photographs. The student is independently able use tools and methods to identify photographs. He/she is skilled to document photographs and negatives. The student has an active attitude to the subject and acquires knowledge independently and is able to use it critically.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student is familiar with the history and techniques of photography as well as photo collections. The student understands the process of developing and proofing of a photograph and is able to identify and date them. The student is independently competent to use tools and methods to identify photographs and he/she is able to document prints and negatives. The student has an active attitude to the subject and acquires and applies knowledge independently and is able to use it critically.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student knows the history and techniques of photographs. The student knows the process of making a photograph (developing and proofing) and is able to identify and date photographs. The student is able to use tools and methods to identify a photograph and is able to document photographs and negatives but needs tutoring.

Assessment methods and criteria

Learning assignment 80 %, continuous assessment 20 %.
Assessment is based on the continuous evaluation of a student, including attendance for contact learning, study visits, and practical exercises. A minimum of 80% of contact studies must be fulfilled.