Courtship. A Photographic Investigation of Romantic Engagement

Table of Contents

• Title of the research project:
• Research Question:
• Aim of the project:
• Objectives:
• Investigate social behaviour in contemporary romantic courtship.
• Ascertain the potential influence of fairytale mythology in contemporary courtship.
• Produce a series of photographs exploring social constructs embodied in the mythology of fairytales in the context of contemporary courtship.
• Methodology:
• Conduct a literature search on social behaviour in everyday romantic courtship.
• Conduct a literature search of courtship ritual in fairytale mythology.
• Utilise this research in the development of the photographic series.
• Incorporate findings from photographic practice in conjunction with the exegesis.
• Methods:
• Literature search and annotated bibliography.
• Survey of relevant contemporary art in this area.
• Informed use of location, props, clothing and photographic construction.
• Rationale and context for the research:
• Timeline:

Objectives and Key Themes

The research project aims to produce a photographic series and exegesis that explores the constructs embodied in traditional fairytales in the context of social and aesthetic behaviors in courtship. The project investigates the evolution of romantic courtship with reference to the influence of fairytale conventions.

• The influence of fairytale mythology on contemporary courtship.
• Social constructs embodied in traditional fairytales.
• Contemporary social and aesthetic behaviors in courtship.
• Gender roles and stereotypes in courtship.
• The changing dynamics of power within gender in contemporary courtship.

Chapter Summaries

The project begins with a detailed explanation of the research question, objectives, and methodology. The project then delves into the rationale and context for the research, drawing on Western folklore and theories on gender, specifically Mimi Schippers’s concept of “Gender Maneuvering”. The project then outlines the timeline for the research and photographic production.

Keywords

This research project explores the concepts of romantic courtship, fairytale mythology, gender roles, social constructs, contemporary social behavior, and photographic investigation.