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Film, Images & Historical Interpretation in the 20th Century

The Camera Never Lies

Dr Emmett Sullivan and Dilara Scholz

This course is a short taster on the topic of the use of Images, Film, and their use in historical interpretation in the 20th century. It is primarily provided for those who have a general interest in history that draws on photojournalism as primary evidence, and films based on historical events.

Once you have completed this course we hope you will be equipped to:

Appreciate the significance of photographs as historical evidence in the twentieth century.

Understand the limitations of the medium, and how we can attribute meaning to these individual records of 'one moment in time' while taking into account the circumstances in which any particular image was taken.

Understand how individuals and institutions have looked to manipulate images to their own ends – through alteration and/or censorship – and what that meant to contemporary interpretation, as well as subsequent historical interpretation.

Put individual images into a wider context, and in particular with reference to history written, or portrayed, beyond academia: public history.

Do be aware that part of the contents of this course regard images and depiction of war. Real wars and real images.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

We will explore the issues associated with the use of images as a source for historical research and consider a number of examples where image manipulation has been uncovered

Images and History in the Twentieth Century

We will review a number of cases studies where images have either shaped our opinion of events or have been suppressed from the public at the time, to avoid adverse or negative reaction.

The Air-Brushing of History: Stalin and Falsification

The cause célèbre' of historical manipulation - Joseph Stalin. The 'air brushing' of historical records, and in this case the literal airbrushing of Soviet images in the 1930s and 1940s

Photojournalism, Authenticity and Matters of Public Acceptability: The Battle of Mogadishu

With respect to Reportage and the use of images as a evidential record, should we condemn Stalin in the last 20th and early 21th century? We use an example from 1993 to illustrate this point.

The Power of the Image: Mount Suribachi, 1945

The photograph of the raising of the flag at Mt. Suribachi was a Pulitzer Prize winning image, and the base of the film 'The Flag of our Fathers'. We will explore the use of the still and the motion picture to influence our opinion.

From Page to Screen: Film as Public History

What is 'Public History'? How do photographs and films with an historical theme shape our awareness of historical events and our memories?

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches how to understand and analyze the historical manipulation of images, a skill needed by history students, historians, and those in the public history field

Helps history enthusiasts and students develop the skills to work with historical images and film as evidence

Offers insights into the use of history in film, relevant to public history scholars and students

Suitable for learners with a background in history, especially with interests in film and photojournalism

Involves exposure to graphic images of war, which may not be suitable for all learners

This course requires learners to be familiar with historical events and public history, which may not be the case for all students

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Reviews summary

Camera, image, history

Students say this largely positive course explores how images and films are important in interpreting 20th century history. They particularly value the interviews with historians and photojournalists. Learners warn that the course focuses on wars.

Each week, students read articles and watch videos to supplement class lectures.

"The reference material (additional reading) though (that’s my only “ remark” ) contains some corrupt ( expired) links."

"Just a suggestion: some links provided in the reading material seem to be broken or do not open for certain locations, and the lack of availability of the prescribed matter has a negative impact on the overall understanding of the week's content, and sometimes the quiz too. Perhaps this could be verified/ rectified?"

The lectures are engaging and informative.

"It was an unexpected delight and had very little to do with the actual title which sounded like it would cover multiple aspects of image fakery. Turned out to be more of a societal study of the use of fabricated images to tell a story (or sell a lie)."

"I would have liked to have explored more of his work, and also that of other photographers throughout the 20th Century, covering a wider range of historical events, not just wars."

The course includes interviews with experts in the field.

"Emmett Sullivan is a legend. This course was a huge eye-opener and has provided me with a much larger scope for media research."

"The interview with Julio Etchart in the final week was the highlight for me."

The quizzes are uninspiring and irrelevant

"The quizzes are very precise, data concretos por sobre una reflexión personal."

"Also time was wasted on listening to grad students talking about their own research and assignments."

The course focuses more on history than on images.

"I took the course wanting to learn more about what I was actually seeing in historical photos and cinema, particularly documentary films of World War II."

"The Course was extremely insightful, and gave a superb initiation into photojournalism and its connection to public history. The course provided critical ways of viewing an image from history, and explained how a current image could also work as a historical source."

The course focuses too much on wars.

"It was more a course about the history of wars (Guernica, WW1, Iwo Jima, The Battle of Mogadishu) than a discussions of images."

"But way too much of the class was devoted to the flag raising at Iwo Jima and the subsequent book and films. Ditto the events around Black Hawk Down."

Career center

Learners who complete Film, Images & Historical Interpretation in the 20th Century: The Camera Never Lies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Photojournalist

Photojournalists are responsible for capturing and reporting on newsworthy events through the use of photographs. This course will help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Photojournalist, including how to use images as historical evidence, understand the limitations of the medium, and how to put individual images into a wider context.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photojournalist

Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. They use a variety of sources to learn about the past, including images, films, and other documents. This course will help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Historian, including how to use images as historical evidence, understand the limitations of the medium, and how to put individual images into a wider context.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Archivist

Archivists are responsible for the care and management of historical documents and artifacts. They use their knowledge of history and archival practices to preserve and make accessible these materials for research and other purposes. This course will help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Archivist, including how to use images as historical evidence, understand the limitations of the medium, and how to put individual images into a wider context.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators are responsible for the care and management of museum collections. They use their knowledge of history and museum practices to preserve and make accessible these collections for research and other purposes. This course will help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Museum Curator, including how to use images as historical evidence, understand the limitations of the medium, and how to put individual images into a wider context.

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Filmmaker

Filmmakers use images and sound to tell stories and communicate ideas. This course will help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Filmmaker, including how to use images as historical evidence, understand the limitations of the medium, and how to put individual images into a wider context.

See salaries and explore the career path for Filmmaker

Journalist

Journalists report on current events and issues. They use a variety of sources to gather information, including images, films, and other documents. This course will help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Journalist, including how to use images as historical evidence, understand the limitations of the medium, and how to put individual images into a wider context.

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Teacher

Teachers use a variety of methods to educate students, including lectures, discussions, and assignments. This course will help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Teacher, including how to use images as historical evidence, understand the limitations of the medium, and how to put individual images into a wider context.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and use information. They use their knowledge of library resources and services to assist patrons with their research and other needs. This course will help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Librarian, including how to use images as historical evidence, understand the limitations of the medium, and how to put individual images into a wider context.

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Researcher

Researchers use a variety of methods to gather and analyze data. They use their findings to develop new knowledge and insights. This course will help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Researcher, including how to use images as historical evidence, understand the limitations of the medium, and how to put individual images into a wider context.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to clients on a variety of topics. They use their knowledge and expertise to help clients solve problems and make decisions. This course will help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Consultant, including how to use images as historical evidence, understand the limitations of the medium, and how to put individual images into a wider context.

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Writer

Writers use words to communicate ideas and stories. They use a variety of techniques to engage readers and convey their message. This course will help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Writer, including how to use images as historical evidence, understand the limitations of the medium, and how to put individual images into a wider context.

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Editor

Editors review and revise written material to ensure that it is clear, concise, and error-free. They also work with writers to develop and refine their ideas. This course will help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Editor, including how to use images as historical evidence, understand the limitations of the medium, and how to put individual images into a wider context.

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Publisher

Publishers oversee the production and distribution of books, magazines, and other printed materials. They work with authors, editors, and other staff to ensure that publications are of high quality and meet the needs of readers. This course may be useful for those who wish to learn more about the use of images in historical publications.

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Art historian

Art Historians study the history of art and its impact on society. They use a variety of methods to research and analyze works of art, including images and films. This course may be useful for those who wish to learn more about the use of images in art history.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the cultures of human societies. They use a variety of methods to research and analyze human behavior, including images and films. This course may be useful for those who wish to learn more about the use of images in anthropology.

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Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Film, Images & Historical Interpretation in the 20th Century: The Camera Never Lies.

Gods of War

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the American Civil War, from its origins to its aftermath. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the history of the American Civil War.

Gods of War: History's Greatest Military Rivals

Hardcover

Gods of War

Kindle Edition

Africans

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Africa, from its pre-history to the present day. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the history of Africa.

Film, Images & Historical Interpretation in the 20th Century

The Camera Never Lies

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Camera, image, history

Career center

Reading list

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