Module: PHO5000-20 Photographic Practice 5 Narrative: Fact

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Stephen Vaughan

Module Tutor Contact Details: s.vaughan@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module provides an opportunity to explore approaches to documentary narrative through the development of an extended photographic enquiry. You are encouraged to use the camera as a means of observing and actively engaging with the outside world with a sense of curiosity, enquiry and comment. You will produce a body of work that records events, shares experience or investigates the realities of the world. Your photographs should provide a visual narrative that engages an audience through sequence and storytelling. The camera should be used as a tool for investigation and discovery – to record, to preserve or to give an account of something that demands your attention (and the attention of your audience). Through critical dialogue and individual research enquiries, the module also provides an opportunity for you to consider the critical contexts of documentary photography – its status in wider visual culture, its ethics and the responsibilities of the photographer/commentator. These critical questions inform the practical development of your work through a variety of visual contexts – on page, wall and screen.

The module aims to:

● demonstrate an awareness of analytical skills in relation to your own work and others

● examine the role of documentary photography in historical and contemporary visual culture

● expand, strengthen and refine your practical, technical and conceptual skills

● improve your ability to self-manage a program of work

● encourage effective use of research to inform creative practice

● evidence your understanding and experience of modes of dissemination (editorial, book, screen and gallery contexts)

● improve your ability to present work and communicate ideas

2.Outline syllabus:

With tutorial guidance and support, you will develop an extended sequence of photographic work, using the camera as an instrument of observation, investigation, description and commentary – exploring an aspect of the contemporary world that fascinates you.

Following a project briefing and introductory lecture on aspects of documentary practice, you are required to prepare a detailed proposal that outlines the nature and scope of your intended visual enquiry. This will form the basis of your practical exploration and critical dialogue throughout the module. The development of your projects will be supported and guided in tutorials and group discussions throughout the module.

You will be expected to reflect on the development of your project in relation to the work of others, through a process of critical research and debate. Historical and contemporary critical contexts will be discussed in a series of seminars and tutorials.

Through a series of practical and technical workshops, you will also explore a variety of potential forms for the output of your work – including gallery, editorial, book and multimedia contexts. Applying analytical and evaluative skills you will learn how to present and critique your own and other’s work, and develop the ability to undertake independent study.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

The project will include a range of teaching and learning opportunities. As the module progresses you will engage in the following:

• Group & Individual tutorials – discussions and feedback based on practical work-in-progress

• Digital Workflow Workshops – to improve image editing and print output

• Making Days: Production Workshops – print, book & multimedia

• Seminars and lectures – discussions and presentations on related themes

• Photographic practice and research – creative investigations and experiments, all documented in a working sketchbook

• Group Critiques – to present final work to tutors and your peers

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Portfolio

• % Weighting: 100%