Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

This unit provides the opportunity for you to address critical and theoretical issues relevant to Photography at a more advanced level. It also encourages you to locate your creative work in a critical and theoretical context and develop your research and communication skills.

With guidance from your Unit Tutor, a research topic linked to your particular photographic inquiry will be agreed. You will undertake an extensive literature search and will review your research to confirm the viability of your proposal. This research could lead to an essay of 2500 words.

Outline syllabus

• Major themes and issues of contemporary art/design/media 
• Critical theory and visual culture 
• Development of critical argument 
• Research methodology
• Exploration of potential research themes 
• Advanced online database research 
• Literature review: a critical, analytical synopsis of your research
• Development of reference sources and correct academic protocols including Bibliography (following AUCB academic conventions)

Method of delivery
Lectures; seminars; research; library research skills tuition; independent study; tutorials.

Aims

A1 To identify links between your specialist topic and the relevant theoretical and conceptual frameworks through visual analysis.
A2 To establish an understanding of the various processes and methods of research and critical appraisal.
A3 To develop critical and reflective skills which will enable independent learning and self- management.

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

LO1 Demonstrate your ability to make links between your specialist topic and relevant theoretical and conceptual frameworks through analysis and understanding.
LO2 Demonstrate your understanding of the various processes and methods of research and critical appraisal.
LO3 Demonstrate the application of critical and reflective skills and evidence of independent learning and self-management.

Reference material

Key
Barthes, R. (1993) Camera Lucida. London: Vintage Classics.
Bate, D. (2009). Photography: The Key Concepts. Oxford: Berg
Bell, J. (2005). Doing Your Research Project. 4th ed. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Dochartaigh, N. (2007). Internet Research Skills: How to do your Literature Search and Find Research Information Online. London: Sage.

Recommended
Clarke, M. (2007). Verbalising the Visual. Lausanne: AVA Publishing
Greetham, B. (2001). How to Write Better Essays. New York: Palgrave.
Pickering, M. (2008). Research Methods for Cultural Studies. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Wells, L. (2003). The Photography Reader. London: Routledge.

Additional guidance on primary and secondary sources and other appropriate material will be provided by your tutor and Subject Librarian.