Module: HAC5107-20 Photography Contemporary Issues and Practice

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: James Brown

Module Tutor Contact Details: j.brown5@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module focuses on the role and agency of photography within contemporary visual and material culture. It reflects on how the creative practice of photography engages with, responds to, and sometimes challenges, the norms, values and expectations at work in our society. The module aims for you to engage with key issues and their significance to both photographic practice and consumption. You will develop and enhance your critical, analytical, and research skills.

2.Outline syllabus:

This module considers contemporary debates and issues that pertain to photography practice and the creative industries more broadly. In consideration of the multiple roles of photography we will explore such issues as surveillance, truth, power and spectacle. Photographers’ engagement with social and political concerns ranging from such issues as globalization and sustainability through to identity and gender will also be considered as will the institutional, economic and ethical frameworks in which contemporary photography is situated.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

Teaching is by lectures, seminars and workshop sessions. Students are encouraged to develop independent learning skills, and the confidence to contribute to debates and discussions, through set preparation for seminars, the devising of appropriate essay subjects and the identification of associated research.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Portfolio

• % Weighting: 30%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Essay - 3500 words

• % Weighting: 70%