2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMM3890 Photography Project

40 Credits Class Size: 30

Module manager: Jim Brogden
Email: J.W.Brogden@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Co-requisites

COMM3840 Themes in Contemporary Photography

Mutually Exclusive

COMM3655 Individual Project (Drama)
COMM3880 Cinema Project
COMM3910 Communication Dissertation

Module replaces

COMM3810

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The dissertation centres on the ability to explore cultural, theoretical and historical ideas through a piece of academic writing and associated practice. The two elements combine together to allow for a reflective and critical dialogue between the processes involved in creating a portfolio and in the broader academic contexts which inform the thinking behind the photographs. Students will be expected to provide a written commentary exploring these relationships and situating the images they have produced within these discourses. The Photographic Portfolio/essay plays an essential role in the academic coherence of the degree. Not only does it act as a key measure of academic progress, but it represents an important aspect of graduate identity in that it embodies a significant example of the skills base and standard of achievement. The ability to work as an autonomous learner with an ability to critique research materials, synthesise issues and arguments, use academic and creative conventions and produce independently determined photographs are crucial evidence of what distinguishes a graduate from a school leaver. Moreover, these skills and abilities are not only recognised as the distinguishing features of an honours degree, but also encapsulate the transferable skills required to succeed in any professional working environment.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- demonstrate the ability to work as an autonomous learner.
- demonstrate the ability to critique research materials.
- synthesise issues and arguments.
- demonstrate that students are able to explore cultural, theoretical and historical ideas through a piece of academic writing and associated practice.
- use academic and creative conventions.
- produce independently determined digital photographs to a high standard.
- to enable students to produce and publish a photographic book to submit their work.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- utilise appropriate technology towards the delivering of a high standard of a digital photographic portfolio.
- demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between history, theory and models of digital photographic practice in the construction of their work.
- demonstrate self-management, independent learning, decision-making and autonomy in the planning of a major creative project.
- demonstrate advanced and innovative creative and technical skills in the production of digital photographs.
- demonstrate the ability to deliver their portfolio through the production of a photobook and accompanying critical essay.

Syllabus

Students on this module undertake self-directed study under academic supervision in the production of a final photographic project and critical essay.
Following introductory lectures, teaching will take the form of regular supervision meetings to support pre-production, production and post-production work-in-progress leading up to the submission of the completed work presented in book form.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 1 2 2
Tutorial 8 1 8
Private study hours 390
Total Contact hours 10
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 400

Private study

The private study elements of this module involve the pre-production, production and post-production/publication of the photobook.

Elements are apportioned as follows:
Practice: 200 hours
Editing: 75 hours
Book Publication: 25 hours
Reading and critical research: 90 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be regularly monitored through a series of group and individual supervision meetings (individual), via monitoring of students online blogs which are set up as part of the ongoing project development process and through the draft submission.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Essay or Dissertation 1 x 4,500 - 5,000 words 50
Portfolio Photo Book 15 Images 50
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

To resit any component, a resubmission of a new version of the outlined tasks will be requested.

Reading List

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 6/4/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team