Module: CAP4103-20 Introduction to Photography

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Martin Thomas

Module Tutor Contact Details: M.Thomas2@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module aims to give you general introduction to photographic practice through practical and theoretical exercises that will introduce you to industry standard equipment and software.

The module aims to develop your understanding and application of photographic technology to your practice.

By emphasising the importance of practical and theoretical research skills, we aim to develop your ability to contextualise your ideas and apply them to your individual practice.

2.Outline syllabus:

A series of lectures, seminars and practical demonstrations will introduce you to the darkroom, photographic studio, photographic equipment, and processes used in making both ‘analogue’ (film-based) and digital images.

You will receive short project briefs that will integrate practice with theory as you explore lens based image making.

Through a series of seminars on major photographers you will be introduced to a variety of ethical and theoretical concepts relating to contemporary photographic practice.

By emphasising the importance of your practical research skills you will develop your ability to contextualise your photographic work, and to record and communicate your ideas effectively through a reflective journal and professional context folder of research.

Throughout the module we will ask you to reflect on your progress. To help you do this you will be required to keep a regular reflective journal.

A range of projects, materials and guides published on Minerva will support the module.

3.Teaching and learning activities

During the module, you will engage in the following:

• Taught studio practice.
• Demonstrations and workshops.
• Project based tasks.
• Talks and seminars
• Group critiques.
• Individual tutorials that support regular reflective evaluation of personal ambition and progress
• Study trips.

You will be informed and instructed in safe working practices and will work within the university’s health and safety regulations.

A range of tasks, learning materials and research guides will be published on Minerva to support the module.

By the close of the module students undertaking the Creative Arts Practice programme will have gained the technical foundations to develop an independent programme of study in Photography as part of 2D practice at level 5.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW
• Description: Portfolio
• % Weighting: 80%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW
• Description: Contextual folder including a reflective journal
• % Weighting: 20%