Credit Points: 22.5
Study Time: 225 Hours

The unit presents a history of photography, examining key developments in the medium in the 19^th, 20^th, and 21^st centuries chronologically and thematically and considers photography's relationship to other art, design and media practices.

The unit also introduces you to ways in which to contextualise photographs, including genre and the impact of cultural, social and political influences on subject and photographer.

Through lectures, seminars and independent study, you are introduced into the key critical discourses employed in the analysis of photographs and photography.

Research and study skills will be taught, in particular the use of secondary sources, bibliographies and other material available in libraries, galleries, archives and museums in the production of essays. Emphasis is placed upon the importance of independent study, the acquisition of knowledge and skills in research, analysis, criticism and communication.

Outline Syllabus
(An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit.)

• History and cultural relevance of photography in the 19^th, 20^th and 21^st centuries.
• Photography's relationship to other art, design and media practices.
• Photographic genres; portraiture, fashion, still-life, advertising, documentary and landscape.
• Appraisal and aesthetic judgement.
• Critical discourses and analysis. Research skills: using libraries, the internet and learning resources.
• Study skills: time management, note taking, compiling a bibliography, essay writing.

Method of Delivery
Lectures; seminars; research; independent study; educational visits; tutorials.

Aims

A1 To develop your skills in research and study.
A2 To give you knowledge and an understanding of the history and criticism of photography.
A3 To develop your knowledge and appreciation of the relationship between photography and 19th, 20th and 21st century culture and media.
A4 To develop a critical position to photographic practice which is underpinned by relevant analytical research.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate an ability to select, apply and evaluate research material from appropriate sources.
LO2 Demonstrate an understanding of key developments, themes and discourses within photography through written communication.
LO3 Demonstrate an understanding of photography and its diverse applications in 19^th, 20^th and 21^st century culture and media.
LO4 Demonstrate a critical position on one or more photographic genres based on relevant analytical research.

Reference Material

Key
Berger, John (2008) Ways of Seeing. London: Penguin Classics.
Clarke, Graham (1997) The Photograph. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Sontag, Susan (1977) On Photography. London: Penguin
Traub, C. (ed) (2006) The Education of a Photographer New York: Allworth Press
Wells, Liz (2009) Photography: A Critical Introduction (4th edn). London: Routledge

Recommended
Adams, R (1994) Why People Photograph New York: Aperture
Barnard, M (2001) Approaches to understanding visual culture. London: Palgrave
Burgin, V. (1982) Thinking Photography. London: Macmillan Press
Shore, S (2007) The Nature of Photographs. London: Phaidon Warner
Marien, Mary (2006) Photography: A Cultural History (2nd edn). London:Laurence King Publishing.