how arrival of photography and film changed architecture and art

What can film reveal about art, architecture and the city? There is a multitude of possible answers—and possible dissertations—depending on the discipline in question and on the works examined. Film has used architecture for its symbolic power (Jia Zhangke), or to convey ideas about individual and collective memory (Allain Resnais), or as an artificial setting which imposes moods and alters the course of stories (Michelangelo Antonioni).

On the other hand, filmmakers have for a long time refrained from filming paintings, but recent films, like Jem Cohen’s Museum Hours, are beginning to break this taboo and to recognize some of the hidden possibilities in the relationship.

Looking at it from the opposite end, we see that lately architects have recognized film as a useful tool in exploring or explaining architecture; fine artists increasingly turn to film to accompany exhibition pieces or installations; performance arts challenge their own boundaries by incorporating projections, etc. In other words, film may be the most reliable agent for the reincarnation of the Baroque dream to consolidate various art forms and integrate them in the fabric of society—not least because of its political power (see Benjamin).

Books

1. Benjamin, Walter, Illuminations: Essays and Reflections, English Language edition (New York: Schocken, 1969)
2. Boyer, M. Christine, The City of Collective Memory: Its Historical Imagery and Architectural Entertainments, 1st tr pbk edition (Cambridge, Mass.: The MIT Press, 1996)
3. Foster, Gwendolyn Audrey, Identity and Memory: The Films of Chantal Akerman (Trowbridge, Wiltshire, Eng.: Flicks Books, 1999)
4. Kracauer, Siegfried, Theory of Film (Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1997)
5. Sontag, Susan, Against Interpretation: And Other Essays, 1st edition (New York, N.Y.: Picador, 2001)

Films

1. Akerman, Chantal, Chantal Akerman Collection (Cinéart, 2007)
2. Cohen, Jem, Museum Hours (Soda Pictures, 2014)
3. Jia, Zhangke, The World (Eureka Entertainment Ltd, 2012)
4. Resnais, Alain, Hiroshima Mon Amour (Optimum Home Entertainment, 2011)

Module summary

The module is framed in terms of a dissertation. The student undertakes a genuine and worthwhile enquiry into a topic of his or her own choice and, based on this enquiry, develops an extended critical study. The module involves individual supervision designed to support the student’s ambitions and confidence in becoming an independent learner, building on techniques and knowledge developed in previous years, and providing scope for initiative and development. The dissertation demonstrates the student’s ability to thoroughly research a topic, use appropriate methods of investigation, and work methodically and productively.

The subject matter of the dissertation can be theoretical, technical, or historical, and should be closely related to the student’s main field of study. It may be envisaged as one of several different types: for example, visual, technical or other non-written material may form the subject of the enquiry and comprise an integral part of the whole; the dissertation may be professionally oriented and include field-work; or it might be academic and theoretical in its source material and methodology.

Students may develop their topic independently or, as an option, within a specific dissertation Interest Group. The Interest Groups provide the equivalent of a block of taught programme. They are offered on an annual basis and incorporate:

• research based specialisms
• areas of scholarly interest in history and theory
• industry related practice
• workshop, digital or media based technical studies
Prior learning requirements

Pass & Completion of Prior Level
(AMD–ASD courses Only)

Module aims

The aim of this module is twofold: it provides a platform for ambitious individual work; and it calls for graduate levels of achievement across a range of professional and transferrable skills.

The dissertation mode affords a sophisticated instrument for exploring, testing and presenting ideas at graduate level: it encourages the student to deploy a variety of skills and to show how well they can conduct and present an investigation, from researching sources to analysing evidence. It requires that the student constructs and interprets their chosen material and present it as an integrated and coherent whole. Depending on the aim and choice of subject and material, this may take the form of an argument, a discussion, a critical reflection or exposition.

Syllabus

The syllabus will depend on the student’s field of study and specific topic.
Learning and teaching

After a series of three introductory seminars or workshops, students have regular individual or group tutorials in which they are given detailed guidance in the development of their topic and in the form and content of their final document. This may be undertaken within an Interest Group that offers the equivalent to a block of taught programme in the first term.

The student is free to propose his or her specific topic, which will be refined and approved during the induction period. Students undertaking the Interest Group option will develop their individual dissertation topic within the scope specified by the Interest Group. The topic, the form and content of the dissertation must be negotiated with the appointed supervisor and approved, together with the programme of interim submissions, for the purposes of formative feedback. Interim submissions will be required as written drafts but may also include other forms of presentation. Students will receive moderated written feedback and a diagnostic grade as part of a formal ‘Progress Review’ half way through the programme. The Progress Review will operate in a similar way to the Interim Portfolio Review for the purposes of establishing parity.

Students will have access to a detailed Dissertation Handbook (see above).

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

Select, manage and produce a thorough and penetrating investigation into a historical, theoretical, practice based or technical question;
Identify and explore the context and formulate the key arguments or issues at play in the selected topic;
Research, analyse, evaluate and make appropriate use of original evidence, scholarly materials, current research and techniques;
Order material in a coherent manner, constructing a clear argument or line of thought whilst recognising the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge.
Work professionally in terms of attendance, participation and contribution to class; prompt submissions; time management; communications, notes and record keeping.

Assessment strategy

The module is assessed entirely on the final document.

Assessment criteria

Criteria for assessment include:

1. Ambition, originality and scope of approach;
2. Depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding;
3. Analysis of original work, texts, images, data, other media or material;
4. Clarity of the position or argument, and its critical force;
5. Clarity and appropriateness of the dissertation design, structure and methodology;
6. Use of appropriate scholarly conventions, e.g. references and bibliography;
7. Management, development and progress of the work.
Bibliography

The bibliography will developed as part of the student’s field of study.

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