Module:  PHO6003-40 Individual Practice: Major Project

Credit Value: 40

Module Tutor: Stephen Vaughan

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

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Within this module, you will reflect and consolidate your chosen area of photographic practice in preparation for the professional direction you intend to take on completion of the course. This module allows the freedom to shape a personal body of work demonstrating a breadth of achievement, interest and expertise in an area of specialisation. You will demonstrate independent critical self-evaluation through a body of practical and written work submitted for assessment. Throughout the module you will gain confidence to apply technical and practical skills relevant to your practice and produce complex and innovative photographic work. Studio practice will be supported by critical and technical tuition, one to one consultations, group seminars and group critiques. Theoretical and practical research is critical to practice within this module. Your self-negotiated study should demonstrate rigorous making, research and consultation. Practical work is to be accompanied by a research report and photographers statement.

The module aims to:

●  Define and consolidate the content and professional context of your practice

● Further develop the management and independence of your learning

● Refine and apply the technical and craft skills appropriate to your practice, to professional expectations and requirements

● Produce a body of work which reflects your interests and abilities and is appropriate in level and scope for employment or postgraduate opportunities. 

2. Outline syllabus:

A series of lectures, seminars and practical demonstrations will introduce you to advanced, photographic practice.

Through a series of seminars and workshops you will be introduced to a variety of theoretical concepts relating to contemporary photographic practice and critical writing skills that support your own practice.

Throughout the module we will ask you to regularly reflect on your progress through presentations and critiques. To help you do this you will be required to keep a reflective journal.

Projects are negotiated on an individual basis and regular consultation addressing your progress will be arranged with a tutor assigned to you within this module.

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

3.Teaching and learning activities:

This module includes a series of practical workshop in advanced studio practice. A range of photographic technical workshops inform and enhance your making skills. Research and writing workshops help assist you to integrate practice with theory consolidating your intellectual and imaginative skills.

 By emphasising the importance of your practical research skills, you will demonstrate your ability to contextualise your photographic work, and to record and communicate your ideas effectively through a reflective journal, artist's statement and research report.

 As the module progresses you will engage in the following:

• Presentations and seminars

• Technical workshops

• Writing workshops

• Industry masterclasses

• Individual and group tutorials

• Guidance and support with reflective evaluation

• Peer critique

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Personal portfolio of finished photographic images with reflective journal & research report (includes artist statement)

• % Weighting: 100