Photography in China (AHIS30025)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject focuses on the history of photography in greater China, from its introduction in the nineteenth century through to its use in the present. Photography will be explored as a cultural phenomenon and an art form, as well as a tool of propaganda and surveillance. Adopting a thematic approach, the subject will consider how photography was creatively adapted to suit local needs and how it has intersected with world currents.
Students will examine photography’s role in colonial and ethnographic projects, modernisation, identity formation, revolution, cultural politics, and the everyday. Using theories and concepts of looking, consideration will be given to the contexts in which photographs taken in greater China, by Chinese and non-Chinese photographers, have been understood within and outside China. The subject will include first-hand study of objects in local collections.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Analyse the historical development of photography in greater China from the 19th century to the present, identifying key periods, figures, and cultural influences.
- Evaluate the role of photography as a cultural phenomenon, art form, and tool for propaganda and surveillance in the context of greater China.
- Apply theories of visual culture and concepts of looking to interpret photographs within their social, historical, and political contexts in greater China.
- Compare the adaptation of photographic practices in greater China with international trends, assessing local innovations and global influences.
- Critically examine the impact of photography on colonial projects, modernisation, identity formation, and cultural politics in greater China through case studies and primary sources.
- Appraise photographic objects from local collections, employing appropriate methodologies for visual analysis and historical interpretation.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, student should gain the following generic skills:
- Ability to analyse and evaluate a variety of images, texts and materials
- Ability to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources
- Ability to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively
- Ability to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion
- Ability to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision.
Last updated: 18 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Prior study in art history, visual culture or a related discipline.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 18 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Short essay
| Week 6 | 25% |
Annotated bibliography
| Week 6 | 20% |
Research essay proposal
| Week 10 | 5% |
Research essay
| End of the assessment period | 50% |
| Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
| Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Last updated: 18 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Simon Soon Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total 30 hours over 12 weeks, 1 hour lecture and 1.5 hour tutorial per week. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 18 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 18 March 2025