University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Revised November 2002)

Code: UAAAC7-40-1	Title:		INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHIC PRACTICE		Version: 4
Level: 1	UWE credit rating: 40				ECTS credit rating: 20
Module type: Project
Owning Faculty: FCA	Field: Art			Field Leader: Mandy Ure
Faculty Committee Approval: Q & S Committee				Date: 24 June 2010
Valid from: September 2010		Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: BA (Hons) Photography
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Excluded combinations:

Learning Outcomes:

To enable students to:

Knowledge and Understanding

i) identify basic techniques in photography;

ii) research and analyse historical photographic practices in relation to their cultural contexts;

iii) understand accepted terminology and conventions in relation to the techniques covered.

Intellectual Skills

iv) reflect on the effectiveness of practical outcomes in the communication of meaning;

v) begin to recognise the place of photography within other visual practices;

vi) analyse and evaluate the work of others.

Subject/Practical Skills

vii) engage with a range of techniques used to resolve issues around the use of the photographic medium;

viii) employ relevant photographic techniques and approaches which are appropriate for their context of work;

ix) demonstrate the development and resolution of their ideas through the presentation of their work.

x) communicate their ideas visually;

Transferable Skills

xi) show personal organisation and time-management skills;

xii) participate constructively in group activity.

Syllabus Outline:

This module supplies students with an environment in which to develop their skills as producers of photographic work. Students will be required to develop an understanding of basic photographic techniques (such as basic 35mm camera skills, black and white film and paper, pinhole photography and allied techniques). Students will be expected to apply their understanding of these technical skills and how they have been used by other practitioners to their own projects. The module will provide students also with a forum to begin the debate around working methods and critique in photography which will continue throughout the course.

Teaching and Learning Methods:

A series of workshops/demonstrations will run during the module to support the development of practical skills and encourage students to experiment conceptually and question their perception of photographic practice. Progress will be guided by group and individual tutorials and research files will form a key part of the student’s learning; as they will throughout the course. Assessment will be through the delivery of a project in response to a set brief and research file which outlines their contextual research (‘supporting material’). The contextual research includes the student’s project outline in reaction to the brief and their response to peer and self-assessment tasks set throughout the module as well as research for practice.

All students engage in the Graduate Development Programme (GDP) through their self reflection of their work processes through self evaluations, timetabled sessions and end of semester review meetings.

Assessment criteria (how learning relates to the elements of assessment):

Students will be assessed according to their fulfilment of the learning outcomes in respect of the

following criteria

CRITERIA	Relation to learning outcomes	Source of Evidence
The ability to understand basic techniques and accepted terminology in photography, in relation to the topics covered;	i), iii)	Research file
The ability to research, analyse and evaluate historical photographic practices and products in relation to photographic contexts;	ii), v), vi), viii)	Research file
Evidence of undertaking wide-ranging practical experimentation throughout project, demonstrating willingness to explore creative solutions working towards final resolution;	vii), viii), ix), x),	Project and Research file
Demonstration of a final body of work which uses the photographic medium in the engagement of visual communication and presentation of ideas.	viii), ix), x),	Project
Evidence of personal organisation, time-management, and participation in group activity.	xi), xii)	Project and Research file

:

Reading Strategy:

The ‘Set Text’ is the required reading for this module. The ‘Essential Reading’ is indicated to supplement student understanding of the subjects covered throughout the module. ‘Further Reading’ will guide students through their selected assessment topics and will therefore be based on student interests under the guidance of staff.

Indicative Sources:

Set Text:

On Photography Chapter One – Plato’s Cave

Susan Sontag

Oxford [1996], Penguin [1978]

Essential Reading:

The Photograph	Graham Clarke	Oxford [1996]
On Photography	Susan Sontag	Oxford [1996], Penguin [1978]

Roland Barthes Camera Lucida Hill & Wang [1981]

Basic Photography	Michael Langford	Focal Press [2000]
Pinhole Photography: rediscovering a historic technique	Eric Renner	Focal Press [2004]

Further Reading:

Assessment

Element 2 – Research File – is classed as the final element of assessment for this module. Non-submission of element 2 will be classed as a non-submission of this module, and compromise your ability to progress further on this programme.

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: B:

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity (Sit)

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1 Project 50%

2 Research File final element of assessment 50%

Second Assessment Opportunity (Resit) (further attendance at taught classes is/is not required)

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1 Project 50%

2 Research File final element of assessment 50%

EXCEPTIONAL SECOND ATTEMPT (Retake): Attendance at taught classes is/is not required.

Specification confirmed by ………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)