Visual History: 20th Century Through Film and Photography
Analyze how photographs and films shape historical interpretation. Learn to critically assess visual evidence.
Analyze how photographs and films shape historical interpretation. Learn to critically assess visual evidence.
Explore the fascinating intersection of visual media and historical interpretation in this course led by Dr. Emmett Sullivan and Dilara Scholz. You'll examine how photographs and films have shaped our understanding of 20th-century events, from propaganda to photojournalism. Learn to critically analyze images as historical evidence, understand their limitations, and recognize attempts at manipulation. Through case studies ranging from Stalin's Soviet Union to the Battle of Iwo Jima, you'll gain insight into the power of visual representation in shaping public perception and historical memory. This course equips you with the skills to interpret visual sources in historical context, essential for anyone interested in modern history, media studies, or visual culture.
4.6
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What you'll learn
Appreciate the significance of photographs as historical evidence in the 20th century
Understand the limitations of visual media as historical sources
Recognize techniques of image manipulation and censorship in historical contexts
Analyze the role of images in shaping public opinion and historical memory
Explore the concept of 'public history' through film and photographic representation
Develop critical skills in interpreting visual sources within their historical context
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
469 Minutes PreRecorded video
6 assignments
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FullTime access
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There are 6 modules in this course
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of how films and images have influenced historical interpretation in the 20th century. Students will examine various case studies, including Stalin's image manipulation, the iconic Iwo Jima flag-raising photograph, and the use of images in reporting modern conflicts. The curriculum covers the significance of photographs as historical evidence, the potential for image manipulation, and the role of visual media in shaping public perception of historical events. Through a combination of video lectures, readings, and interactive assignments, participants will develop critical skills in analyzing visual sources and understanding their impact on historical narratives.
Introduction
Module 1 · 2 Hours to complete
Images and History in the Twentieth Century
Module 2 · 2 Hours to complete
The Air-Brushing of History: Stalin and Falsification
Module 3 · 3 Hours to complete
Photojournalism, Authenticity and Matters of Public Acceptability: The Battle of Mogadishu
Module 4 · 5 Hours to complete
The Power of the Image: Mount Suribachi, 1945
Module 5 · 3 Hours to complete
From Page to Screen: Film as Public History
Module 6 · 3 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
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Instructors
PhD Candidate and Expert in Nineteenth Century Material Culture
Dilara Scholz is currently pursuing her PhD in the Department of History at Royal Holloway, where she also serves as a Visiting Tutor. She holds both a BA (Hons) in History and International Relations and an MA in Public History from Royal Holloway. Her research interests center on the material culture of death in the nineteenth century and the history of emotion. Dilara teaches courses such as "Mao to Mandela: Twentieth Century Leaders of the Non-Western World" on campus and "The Camera Never Lies" for the University of London Worldwide and Coursera. She is an active member of the Royal Historical Society and the Association of Dress Historians.
Senior Tutor in History at Royal Holloway, University of London
Dr. Emmett Sullivan is the Senior Departmental Tutor in History at Royal Holloway, University of London, where he oversees the department’s e-degree offerings and teaches undergraduate research methods and economic history courses. With 15 years of experience at Royal Holloway, he has previously held academic positions at Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand), La Trobe University (Melbourne, Australia), the Australian National University (Canberra, Australia), and the University of Leicester. Dr. Sullivan earned his doctoral degree from the economics program at the Australian National University. He teaches courses such as "Film, Images & Historical Interpretation in the 20th Century: The Camera Never Lies" and "Magna Carta and its Legacies: Freedom and Protest," focusing on the interplay between historical narratives and visual media.
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4.6 course rating
361 ratings
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