Units / AHT2440
AHT2440 · History and theory of photography, film and video
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 2Department of Fine Art
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit surveys the history of photography, film and video from the mid-19th century until today. It introduces important theories of how photography, film and video function socially and artistically, and considers how they relate to one other. It examines how the use and understanding of photography, film and video have differed over time and between cultures, and concludes with a detailed examination of their role in the digital era.
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Caulfield | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weekly critical responses | Written | 15% | — |
| 2 | Critical analysis | Written | 30% | — |
| 3 | Final research essay | Written | 55% | — |
100% in-semester assessment
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
corequisite
- OHS1000 — Introduction to art and design health and safety
prohibitions
- AHT3440 — History and theory of photography, film and video
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate your knowledge of key developments in the history of photography, film and video;
- Explain how photography, film and video have influenced society since the 19th century;
- Provide examples of how photography, film and video have been used and understood in different ways over time and across cultures;
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of key theories relating to photography, film and video;
- Critically interpret a broad range of photographs, films and videos.
Workload
12 hours per week including 3 contact hours plus 9 hours of independent study.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Tutorials | 24 hours |
| Seminars | 12 hours |
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