Documenting the Real

Module Aims:
This module aims to examine documentary photography and will place this area of practice into a theoretical and historical context. The module aims to integrate theoretical concepts within practical production and develop your photographic techniques, creative skills and understanding relevant to documentary image making. The module also aims to provide a focused study of the key movements and debates, to examine major figures and examine how documentary photography continues to have relevance to contemporary practice.

Intended learning outcomes:

By the end of the module you should be able to:

1. undertake the production of a documentary photographic project from conception to completion;

2. demonstrate a practical understanding of documentary photographic production;

3. evidence a range of research, project management and specific skills appropriate to producing an informed body of work;

4. show in written form a critical understanding of the debates and theories relevant to documentary photography and make informed connections between historical and contemporary developments in the field.

Teaching and Learning Strategies:

The module will be taught with a combination of lectures, practical workshops, practical individual and group exercises, seminars and tutorials. Where appropriate specialist workshops or lectures will be offered by visiting practitioners who will examine their own work within the context of the module’s aims.

Assessment:

Assessment will be based on a photographic documentary portfolio with an accompanying critical journal (75%), and a prescribed essay of 1500-2000 words (25%).  The portfolio and accompanying critical journal will be used to assess learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.  The essay assesses learning outcome 4.

1. Open Brief Portfolio with accompanying Critical Journal (75%). Students will be given a choice of themes with an open brief and, with tutor supervision and guidance, will respond utilising relevant conceptual, technical and creative methods.

2. Prescribed Essay (25%). The essay will assess the student’s ability to make critically informed connections and demonstrate an understanding of salient debates and theories.