FH1S48 - Documentary Themes 01 Sep 2020 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 1
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | FH1S48 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Documentary Themes | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Business and Creative Industries | ||
| Faculty Group: | Fashion, Marketing and Photography | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Photography | ||
| Module Leader: | David Barnes, Eileen Little | ||
| Module Team: | Paul Reas, Steven Wright, Karin Bareman | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2020 | Final Year of Intake: | 2025 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 4 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100632 - visual communication | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 1 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2020 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2026 |
Module Aims
- To provide an introduction to the roles which photography has played within society since its invention, and to convey how conventions of photographic practices have been constructed and critically understood.
- To develop the basis of a sound research methodology which may be applied to practicalprojects as well as written assignments
- To build confidence in the key skills of articulating ideas and information clearly, in both oral and written forms, and the effective communication of these to the audience.
Content Summary
This module introduces students to key themes in photography’s relationship to society. It questions commonly held assumptions about the medium, within the context of a historical and theoretical understanding.
The module also introduces students to research and critical analysis, enabling them to develop their own skills of intellectual enquiry. Students will be expected to consider both the aesthetic and social dimensions of the medium, particularly in relation to the ethics of documentary photography.
This module provides a introduction to the major debates that have shaped the development of photography, including the challenges posed to the medium by the rapid development of digital technology. The lecture programme examines the parallel histories of photography as document and art.
Students are encouraged to think carefully about the complex range of determinants shaping contemporary photographic practice; and about the relevance of such issues as context, site, audience and ethics. The foundations are laid for an understanding of the processes and functions of research, through case studies provided by staff and by the production of students of their own research and essay. This involves a growing familiarisation with library and electronic database research, and an emphasis upon the processes of careful reading and interrogation of a range of recommended texts.
Throughout the module, students are supported to develop a critical approach to the themes of the module, and to the material to which they are exposed in lectures, seminars and independent study.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 18 |
| Seminar | 20 |
| Tutorial | 2 |
| Independent Study | 105 |
| Directed Study | 55 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Develop research which will enable the expression of ideas and findings in an effective way through discussion, debate and negotiation. |
| LO2 | Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of clear and confident communication, both oral and written. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Portfolio 1 | Students are required to produce a Development Folder on their research and learning. This document should contain evidence of descriptive and critical responses to input in lectures as well as their independent research. | 0 | N/A | 50 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Essay 1 | Students must submit a fully referenced essay which uses a range of selected examples and key images to critically analyse the social and ethical issues arising from documentary practice. | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Portfolio 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Essay 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |