Information Package / Course Catalogue
Theories of Photography
Course Code: RTS151
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 5
Objectives of the Course

The purpose of this lesson: photo for the understanding of the technical disclosure of each element constituting the process and equipment used in this stage, and features practical teaching is done .

Course Content

In this lesson first camera , lenses and other equipment help the work of principles, explaining the main features and types; shutter speed , aperture, ISO setting, the basic elements of photography will be taught , such as white balance adjustment . In this light exposure, the light usage and types of digital photo processing issues related to the composition and technique ; long exposure, depth of field , macro , technical issues on night photography and studio shooting practice will be explained .

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Explains the historical development of photography and its main theoretical approaches.
2.Evaluates photographic theories in social, cultural, and artistic contexts.
3.Identifies different photographic movements and forms of representation.
4.Applies photographic theories to visual analysis practices.
5.Relates knowledge of photographic theory to contemporary photography practices.
Recommended or Required Reading
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Course Introduction and Definition of Photography – Photography as an Art and Documentary Medium
Week 2 - Theoretical
Historical Development of Photography – From Camera Obscura to Digital Photography
Week 3 - Theoretical
Fundamentals of Photographic Theories – Relationship between Aesthetics, Documentation, and Art
Week 4 - Theoretical
Modernism and Photography – Formalism, Straight Photography, and New Objectivity
Week 5 - Theoretical
Postmodernism and Photography – Fragmentation of Meaning, Simulation, and Interpretation
Week 6 - Theoretical
Documentary Photography – Reality, Objectivity, and Ethical Debates
Week 7 - Theoretical
Art Photography – The Place of Photography in the Visual Arts
Week 8 - Theoretical
Photography and Ideology – Representation, Identity, and Power Relations
Week 9 - Theoretical
Photography and Media – Photojournalism, Propaganda, and Mass Communication
Week 10 - Theoretical
Photography Criticism – Formal, Content-Based, and Contextual Approaches
Week 11 - Theoretical
Photography and Technology – Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence, and New Image Production Methods
Week 12 - Theoretical
Sociological and Cultural Readings of Photography
Week 13 - Theoretical
Photography and Space – Urban Photography, Architectural Photography, and the Representation of Space
Week 14 - Theoretical
The Future of Photography – NFTs, Metaverse, and New Trends in Visual Culture
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Attending Lectures5%5
Quiz1%10
Midterm Examination1%25
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory140228
Assignment2201672
Individual Work1055
Quiz1000
Midterm Examination110010
Final Examination110010
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)125
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
PÇ-14
PÇ-15
PÇ-16
OÇ-1
5
5
3
3
3
3
OÇ-2
4
2
2
4
5
3
OÇ-3
3
4
5
4
3
4
OÇ-4
2
5
3
5
4
5
OÇ-5
3
4
3
3
4
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026