module specification

The Techniques: Photography module introduces students to and engages them with digital and analogue photography and approaches to photographic production. Focusing upon key skills and concepts, the module introduces students to relevant photography materials, processes and techniques for the development of ideas and photographs, enabling students to make quick, heuristic connections between intention, process, and outcome.

The module involves a series of demonstrations and exercises, introducing and developing basic artistic skills and techniques relevant to Photography practice, The module supports an applied understanding of visual and technical literacy through development of project work, negotiated between tutor and student.

Techniques - Photography is delivered in a seamless and integral relationship with the work of other core modules on Level 4. Students are expected to investigate and develop critical and aesthetic working relationships between and across the Level 4 modules.

This module aims to enable students to test methods of enquiry introduced in other modules by applying photography processes and techniques effectively, with students learning to operate digital and analogue cameras with fluency and control, to use workshop equipment with confidence and ease and to post-produce digital images using photo-editing software with agility. The module thus aims to give maximum opportunities in the practical aspects of photography, enabling students to show respect and consideration for photographs by their careful printing and finishing, with due attention to professional and organised archiving.

Pre-requisite of equivalent of standard University entry requirements in any discipline related directly to the Art and Design QAA subject area. Portfolio submission and review are also pre-requisite.
Co-requisite with FA4P01A Project Work 1

At the beginning of the module, its aims and key concepts will be outlined to all students. Students will pass through a programme of photography technique workshops in digital and analogue traditions (Learning Outcome 1. The programme of photography technique workshops will demonstrate and induct in the complex operations of both digital and analogue cameras (Learning Outcome 2) and darkroom techniques. Sessions will be also spent in learning skills in the post-production of complex digital images using photo-editing software (Learning Outcome 3), as well as in the printing and finishing of photographic prints and in the organised tagging and archiving of digital images (Learning Outcome 4).

LO 1 - 4

Scheduled teaching ensures that independent study is effective and addresses the learning outcomes and assessment tasks. Students are expected to (and to have the opportunity to) continue with their studies outside of scheduled classes. There will be a range of learning strategies deployed and individual learning styles will be accommodated. The module’s learning outcomes, its contents and delivery, have been scrutinised and will be regularly reviewed to ensure an inclusive approach to pedagogic practice.

The module utilises the University’s blended learning platform to support and reinforce learning, to foster peer-to-peer communication and to facilitate tutorial support for students. Reflective learning is promoted through assessment items that ask students to reflect on their progress, seek help where they identify the opportunity for improvement in learning strategies and outcomes, and make recommendations to themselves for future development. Throughout the module, students build a portfolio of work, including reflections on progress and achievement.

On completing the module, students should be able to:

1. test methods of enquiry and processes by applying them effectively via lens-based media;
2. operate digital and analogue cameras with confidence;
3. post-produce images using photo-editing software with facility;
4. produce digital and analogue photographic prints of high quality with precision, taking care of originals by protection, packing and organised archiving.

FA4009A Techniques: Photography module’s single assessment item is a Portfolio of Set Exercises, through which outcomes of technical tasks are submitted for summative assessment.

The assessment strategy includes formative assessments during the semester, with tutorial feedback designed to encourage and help students to develop and improve their work. These will inform the student of their progress through the period of study abroad.

Students will evaluate their own learning on the module using the criteria given and write a short critical appraisal (summary statement) of their work.

Summative assessment takes place at the end of the module. Written feedback addresses the strengths and weaknesses of individual submissions in relation to the grading criteria.

Reading List to be provided