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Short course

Anthropology and Photography Short Course

<p>Anthropology and Photography Short Course | On campus</p><p>Image: Cassia Clarke, 2024 BA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, London College of Communication, UAL | Photograph: Ben Turner</p>
Discover the discipline of anthropology through the medium of photography. Build your knowledge through illustrated lectures, discussions and practical exercises.

Next start months
April 2026
January 2027
Tutor(s)
Barbara Knorpp
Price
From £520.00

Course description

Course overview

This introductory course explores the discipline of anthropology and its main concerns through the medium of photography.

Anthropological photography explores how photography is interwoven with everyday life, examining its use as a form of documentation, communication and cultural expression. It also investigates the impact of photography on people’s lives, how it shapes their identities and how it reflects their social and cultural realities. This field recognises the evolving role of photography, from a tool of recording to a form of artistic expression and a means of storytelling.

This 5-week course is taught through a series of illustrated lectures, discussions and practical exercises, combining theories of everyday life and photography. During the course, students will be expected to complete some reading outside of class and will produce photo diaries in their own time.

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. She has taught and done research in higher education in the UK, Germany, Australia, and Japan for two decades and has worked as a curator and picture researcher. She is currently working with Open City Docs, UCL.

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