Short course
Anthropology and Photography Short Course
Course description
Course overview
This is an introductory course to visual anthropology and the medium of vernacular photography: the everyday, informal photographs taken to document every day and personal life, rather than for artistic or professional purpose. It investigates the impact of photography on people’s lives, how it shapes their identities, and how it reflects their day-to-day social and cultural realities.
The course invites students to partake in the practice of visual anthropology and the evolving role of photography, from a tool people use to document their lives to a form of artistic expression and a means of storytelling.
Taught through a combination of illustrated lectures, discussions, and practical exercises, this five-week course invites students to create their photo diaries displaying ordinary life inside their own environments.
Who this course is for
This course is designed for anyone with an interest in anthropology and photography. No previous knowledge of anthropology is required.
Key information
Topics covered
- Introduction to visual anthropology
- Theories of everyday life
- Practical exercises in photography
- Presentations and critical feedback
- Summary and group discussion
Learning outcomes
- Gain ground knowledge of the theory of anthropology and photography and learn about the history of everyday life
- Be equipped to analyse images critically in regard to questions of representation and identity
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
- Laptop or iPad
- Mobile phone with camera
- You may also want to bring a notebook and some pens for taking notes
Tutor
Barbara Knorpp
Dr Barbara Knorpp is a visual anthropologist with a special interest in film history based in London. She has taught and done research in higher education in the UK, Germany, Australia, Austria, and Japan for nearly two decades and has worked as a curator in museums and art galleries, and as a picture researcher in commercial photography. Her background lies in theatre, film, and television studies and art history. She is currently associated with Open City Docs UCL.
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