You will present for assessment three pieces of work, which will include:
1. A Reflective Assignment evidencing Visual Development and Research.
(Weighted 30%; Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4).

2. A portfolio of photographic images.
(Weighted 50%; Learning Outcomes 1,2)

3. A 1500 word, word-processed and illustrated essay on a set theme.
(Weighted 20%; Learning Outcomes 5, 6)

Please refer to the Award Handbook for a full description and rationale for assessment methods.

Key Information Set Data
100% Coursework

This module introduces you to the framework of the course and to the structures of `Creative' and `Critical Thinking' that underpin and will define your mode of study throughout the three-year degree programme. This course asks that besides making photographs you will be required to demonstrate an understanding of how photographs are used in many diverse ways as a form of visual communication. Successful visual communication depends upon the ability to produce understandable messages, and with the familiarity of the photographic image in everyday life appearing as something 'natural' it is important to ask particular questions about such messages. From newspapers, magazines, television, the Internet, books, the family album to the art gallery, photographs are a pervasive presence. This module asks a basic question 'what is a photograph' It further asks what exactly they do and how. It is taught through a lecture, practical workshop and seminar based delivery. Visual and verbal presentation skills will be developed through group structured tutorials and discussion.

The practical workshops ask students to produce various 'sets' of photographs in response to a series of briefs. This will require you to apply a wide range of creative and technical skills associated with effective visual communication. The aim is to begin the process of 'thinking' about how you photograph and why, through the development of visual and conceptual skills. You will consider the diversity of photographic practices and be introduced to a methodology of 'description' and `interpretation', which provide a framework for constructive thought and criticism.

You will learn the academic conventions used at university level to organise information whether in written, verbal or visual forms and to the methods by which you can research, evaluate and communicate both the practice, history and theory of art and design, with particular focus on photography. You will learn how to use research resources in the Thompson Library and the Design Collection and to carry out a research-based specialist project producing a short academic illustrated essay from this research.

Scheduled Learning Activities
Lectures
Practical Workshops (Feedback)
Group Tutorials (Feedback)
Group Discussion (Feedback)
The `Photo-Voices' Programme
Technical Skills Modulettes (as appropriate)

Guided Independent Study
Independent Photographic Practise and Visual Experimentation
Independent Reading and Research

Key Information Set Data
Scheduled Learning 16%
Guided Independent Learning 84%

Photographic Texts:
Badger, Gerry. (2007). The Genius of Photography. Quadrille Publishing.
Barratt, T. (2006). Criticizing Photographs: An Introduction to Understanding Images.
McGraw-Hill Education.
Frizot, M. (1998). The New History of Photography. Konemann
Shore, S. (2007). The Nature of Photographs: A Primer. Phaidon.

Study Skills Texts:
Burnham, D., et.al. (2008). Studying Independently and Producing Better Written Work. Staffordshire University: Faculty of Arts, Media and Design [Booklet]
Cottrell, S. (2008). The Study Skills Handbook. London: Palgrave Macmillan
Mather, P. and R. McCarthy. (2005). The Art of Critical Reading: Brushing Up On Your Reading, Thinking, and Study Skills. Boston: McGraw-Hill

Specialist Periodicals in Library:
AG, Amateur Photographer, American Photo, Aperture, British Journal of Photography (BJP), Camera Austria, Ei8ht (Foto8), Exposure, Image (AOP Magazine), Next Level, Photographer (BIPP Magazine), Photoworks, Portfolio (Back issues only no longer published), Visual Studies.

Specialist photographic equipment
Specialist digital printing facilities
Lecture theatre and tutorial rooms
Thompson Library
Lynda.com
Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will support this module where relevant
Word processing and output facilities
Internet access

1. RESPOND TO A VARIETY OF PROJECT BRIEFS, DEVELOPING PICTURE MAKING AND VISUAL STRATEGIES THAT CONTRIBUTES TO AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW PHOTOGRAPHS COMMUNICATE.
[Problem Solving]

2. HANDLE A RANGE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT, PROCESSES AND MATERIALS SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY.
[Application]

3. ENGAGE WITH RESEARCH PERTINENT TO THE MODULE CRITERIA. THIS WILL INCLUDE HOW PRACTITIONERS MAKE PHOTOGRAPHS FOR SPECIFIC CONTEXTS AND HOW WE UNDERSTAND HOW THEY FUNCTION WITHIN THOSE CONTEXT/S.
[Knowledge and Understanding

4. ASK RELEVANT QUESTIONS THAT STIMULATE DIALOGUE ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHIC PICTURES.
[Analysis]

5. GATHER AND EXTRACT RELEVANT INFORMATION FROM A VARIETY OF RESEARCH RESOURCES THAT CONTRIBUTES TO THE FORMATION OF INFORMED JUDGMENT ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHS.
[Enquiry]

6. USE THE CONVENTIONS OF ACADEMIC WRITING TO PRESENT INFORMATION IN THE FORM OF AN ESSAY EVALUATING HOW INDIVIDUALS HAVE MADE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHOTOGRAPHY. [Communication]