INDICATIVE CONTENT
This module addresses how diverse the photographic process has been and continues to be in the formation of an 'image world'. Photography is primarily utilised in the formation of 'mass produced' imagery that contributes fundamentally to how things and ideas are distributed and consumed through the media. In addition to these industry usages, photographs have been made in order to persuade, to reveal and to evidence our relationship to the world and to each other. You will be asked to reflect upon some of these relationships and possibilities in the making and consideration of photographic work. Through practice-based workshops and tutorials you will be involved with the strategic concerns that a particular practice/s requires. "The ability to interpret, critique, create, and use visual communication on sophisticated levels". (Williams, Newton, Visual Communication: Integrating Media, Art and Science) are the working methods being explored in this module.
Producing photographs means that we also consider some of the questions, debates and issues that have raged around the medium of photography, its nature and purpose, since its invention. Is it art, or merely a mechanical recording device? Is it objective and scientific, coolly analytical, or is it an emotionally charged trigger to subjective memory and contemplation? What is photography for? How do we make sense of photographs? Through a series of lectures, you will learn to relate your developing practice to a body of theories, ideas, thoughts, and strategic approaches.
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
You will present for assessment three pieces of work, which will include:
1. A Reflective Assignment evidencing Visual Development and Research.
(Learning Outcomes 1,2,3)
2. A word-processed and illustrated essay, length 2,500 words.
(Learning Outcomes 4,5).
Please refer to the Award Handbook for a full description and rationale for assessment methods
LEARNING STRATEGIES
Scheduled Learning Activities
Lectures
Group Production Meetings (Feedback)
Group Discussion (Feedback)
Verbal Reasoning Presentations (Feedback)
The Guest Speaker Programme
Technical Skills Modulettes
Guided Independent Study
Independent Photographic Practise and Visual Experimentation
Independent Reading and Research
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE PROCESSES OF PHOTOGRAPHY HAVE BEEN APPLIED THROUGH A DIVERSITY OF `INDUSTRIAL' AND/OR INDIVIDUAL PHOTOGRAPHIC PRACTICES. Application
2. APPLY APPROPRIATE RESEARCH FINDINGS TO YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF PARTICULAR PHOTOGRAPHIC PRACTICES. Knowledge & Understanding
3. PHOTOGRAPH USING APPROPRIATE VISUAL COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES IN ADDRESSING A PARTICULAR AUDIENCE/S. Communication
4. DEMONSTRATE A CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF SOME OF THE MAIN DEBATES AROUND THE MEDIUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY. Learning
5. WRITE A WELL-ARGUED AND ACADEMICALLY REFERENCED ESSAY ON AN IDEA INFORMING PHOTOGRAPHIC PRACTICE/S AND/OR PRACTITIONERS. Analysis
RESOURCES
Specialist digital/analogue photographic equipment
Specialist digital printing, studio and darkroom 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
REFERENCE TEXTS
Students will determine their own reading list appropriate to their personal approaches to photographic work, with tutor guidance. Students are expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities available within the University, keeping abreast of current developments through appropriate books and periodicals and being aware of the work of relevant practitioners both historical and contemporary in their chosen field.
Critical/Theoretical Texts:
Campany, D. (2020). On Photographs. Mitpress. Elkins. James. (2011). What Photography Is. Routledge. Simon Morley, (2010). The Sublime. Whitechapel:Documents of Contemporary Art, Mitpress.
Barthes, R. (1981). Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography. Cape
Bate, D (2009). Photography (Key Concepts). Berg
Burgin, V. (1982). Thinking Photography. Macmillan
Specialist Periodicals in Library:
AG, American Photo, Aperture, British Journal of Photography (BJP), Camera Austria, Creative Review, Design Week, Ei8ht (Foto8), Image (AOP Magazine), Next Level, Photographer (BIPP Magazine), Photoworks, Portfolio (Back issues only no longer published).
Specialist Periodicals not held in Library
Source, Eyemazing, Professional Photographer, Photo Raw
Online Magazines
Camera Obscura, Lens Culture, Musarium, Potpourri, Travel Photographers, Zone Zero
WEB DESCIRPTOR
This module addresses how diverse the photographic process has been and continues to be in the formation of an 'image world'. Photography is primarily utilised in the formation of 'mass produced' imagery that contributes fundamentally to how things and ideas are distributed and consumed through the media. In addition to these industry usages, photographs have been made in order to persuade, to reveal and to evidence our relationship to the world and to each other. You will be asked to reflect upon some of these relationships and possibilities in the making and consideration of photographic work. Through practice-based workshops and tutorials you will be involved with the strategic concerns that a particular practice/s requires. "The ability to interpret, critique, create, and use visual communication on sophisticated levels". (Williams, Newton, Visual Communication: Integrating Media, Art and Science) are the working methods being explored in this module.
Producing photographs means that we also consider some of the questions, debates and issues that have raged around the medium of photography, its nature and purpose, since its invention. Is it art, or merely a mechanical recording device? Is it objective and scientific, coolly analytical, or is it an emotionally charged trigger to subjective memory and contemplation? What is photography for? How do we make sense of photographs? Through a series of lectures, you will learn to relate your developing practice to a body of theories, ideas, thoughts, and strategic approaches.