GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

How can photography help to understand the world around us? Can it support or shape the way in which we interact with it? This course looks at the role of photography in an increasingly digital and time-poor society. Through “rephotography”, a set of visual practices for expanding conversations about place over time, the course explores the dual pressures upon today’s camera users to evidence and record reality while embodying authentic acts of personal expression.

Students carry out an independent rephotography project from conception to publication under a broader research agenda to visually record time and place in Tokyo. Through producing a photo book, students will develop critical perspectives toward contemporary image-making while learning to articulate research methodologies and give constructive feedback.

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

This course uses a practical approach. Workshops, assignments and supporting lectures are employed to develop students’ understanding of contemporary photography and improve critical skills regarding the production of images (i.e. visual literacy). Students produce and print a contact sheet of 36 photographs every week which is used for discussion in class. Final submission comprises a photo book and evidence of participation (12 submitted contact sheets). Attendance is recorded weekly using visual media (e.g. photograph). Feedback is given through ongoing dialogue between students and instructor during production of the contact sheets and photobook.

あり / Yes

あり / Yes

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Slow Glass

Introducing the course and expectations.

2[対面/face to face]：Looking Again

Photographing the campus ‘in’ time.

3[対面/face to face]：The Landscape of Rephotography

Discussing rephotography as a diverse set of visual strategies.

4[対面/face to face]：Re-entering the Past

Discussing the relationship between rephotography and place.

5[対面/face to face]：Now and Again

Discussing the relationship between rephotography and time.

6[対面/face to face]：Conversations with the future

Sharing ideas for visually exploring time and place in Tokyo.

7[対面/face to face]：Photo Book Research

Analysing photo books in the university library.

8[対面/face to face]：Developing Strategies

Discussing and reviewing work-in-progress in terms of strategies.

9[対面/face to face]：Developing Sequences

Discussing and reviewing work-in-progress in terms of sequences.

10[対面/face to face]：Refining Selections

Discussing and reviewing work-in-progress in terms of selections.

11[対面/face to face]：Expanding Horizons

Discussing and reviewing work-in-progress in terms of outcomes.

12[対面/face to face]：Draft Photobook

Making preparations for producing a booklet.

13[対面/face to face]：Photobook Review

Reviewing reflection and notation in workbooks.

14[対面/face to face]：Final Photobook Review

Making final improvements to books prior to submission.

Students must regularly take photographs throughout the semester. Every week students are required to bring a contact sheet containing 36 photographs made during the week before, which will be discussed in class. They are also expected to use the photo book resource in the library and do assigned readings. Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each.

No textbook will be used. Handouts and reading materials will be will be uploaded on Hoppii or distributed in class.

Batchen, Geoffrey (2008) William Henry Fox Talbot, Phaidon.
Berger, John (1977) Ways of Seeing, Penguin Books.
Flusser, Vilém (2014) Gestures, University of Minnesota Press.
Ruetz, Michael (2008) Eye on Infinity, Steidl.
Ritchin, Fred (2013) Bending the Frame, Aperture.
Sagami, Tomoyuki (2018) YKTO, Steidl.
Tomiyasu, Hayahisa (2018) TTP, Mack Books.
Watanabe, Toshiya. (2018) Thereafter, Steidl.
Additional references will be provided by the instructor in class.

Participation: this applies to weekly contact sheets (minimum of 12) More than 2 unexcused absences will result in failure of this course.

Photo book: each student must produce a small photo book (min. 96 pages) that communicates ideas relating to the city and time.

The final grade is based on: Participation 40% and Photo book 60%. As a variety of predictable and unpredictable factors are involved in the process of creating a photobook, evaluation considers a blend of concept, research, originality, visual communication ability and tenacity.

Changes have been made in response to student feedback, thank you.

Students will need a laptop with photo-editing software and a camera. Please note that the use of a smartphone camera is acceptable for this course. However, if you have regular access to a better camera (and wish to use it), please bring it and the instructor will show you how to use it.

Being naturally creative is not a requirement for this course. However, students are expected to come to class on time, participate and show interest.

None.