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

You will present for assessment two pieces of work, which will include:

A portfolio of photographic images with reflective assignment. (Weighted 80%; Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3,4,5).

A Reflective Presentation evidencing Visual Development and Research.
(Weighted 20%; Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5).-FINAL

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

Scheduled Learning Activities
Lectures
Practical Workshops (Feedback)
Group Production Meetings
Group Discussion (Feedback)
GSP
Technical Skills Modulettes (as appropriate)

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

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

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

Photographic Texts:
Badger, Gerry. (2007). The Genius of Photography. Quadrille Publishing.
Barratt, T. (2006). Criticizing Photographs: An Introduction to Understanding Images.
McGraw-Hill Education.
Thompson J. L. (2013) Why Photography Matters. Mitpress.
Caroll, Henry, (2014), Read This if you Want to Take Great Photographs, Laurence King.
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, Source Magazine, American Photo, Aperture, British Journal of Photography (BJP), Camera Austria, Exposure, Image (AOP Magazine), Next Level, Photographer (BIPP Magazine), Photoworks, Portfolio (Back issues only no longer published), Visual Studies.