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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Critical Studies
Reference	AA3005	Version	3
Created	June 2022	SCQF Level	SCQF 9
Approved	July 2016	SCQF Points	15
Amended	July 2022	ECTS Points	7.5

Aims of Module
The aim of this Module is to provide the student with an introduction to the spectrum of available research resources and their appropriate interrogation for the purpose of referencing and informing personal photographic practice. To critically reflect on historical and contextual aspects of photographic practice and relate it to their own study. Engage in independent research and collation of data. Organise material relating to their chosen topic, develop advanced skills of visual communication and debate. Analyse and evaluate personal findings relevant to their own practice and place it within a historical and theoretical context.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1	Demonstrate a capacity for critical, effective and testable research.
2	Analyse and critically evaluate work in the context of the subject of research.
3	Demonstrate an ability to present research material in appropriate referenced form.

Indicative Module Content
This module aims to introduce the student to key critical and theoretical concepts affecting the practice of photography and its role in the wider society. The module will provide the student with the skills of research, organisation, gathering of evidence and time management through focussed independent study.The learning outcomes will test the capacity for critical, effective and testable research, information retrieval and organisation. Identify an area of study suitable for extended research and analyse and evaluate one’s own work and the work of others. Demonstrate an ability to present research material in an appropriate referenced form.

Indicative Module Content

This module aims to introduce the student to key critical and theoretical concepts affecting the practice of photography and its role in the wider society. The module will provide the student with the skills of research, organisation, gathering of evidence and time management through focussed independent study.The learning outcomes will test the capacity for critical, effective and testable research, information retrieval and organisation. Identify an area of study suitable for extended research and analyse and evaluate one’s own work and the work of others. Demonstrate an ability to present research material in an appropriate referenced form.

Module Delivery
Learning and teaching will be workshop based in which problems of research, information gathering, writing, referencing and presenting an illustrated essay will be discussed. The workshops will identify key ideas, debates and issues to be explored. The student will be required to research a chosen theme relevant to his or her own practice and reflect on the historical and theoretical context within. Students will attend tutorials for feedback and agree on an appropriate direction for their work. The final assessment will be in the form of an illustrated essay.

Module Delivery

Learning and teaching will be workshop based in which problems of research, information gathering, writing, referencing and presenting an illustrated essay will be discussed. The workshops will identify key ideas, debates and issues to be explored. The student will be required to research a chosen theme relevant to his or her own practice and reflect on the historical and theoretical context within. Students will attend tutorials for feedback and agree on an appropriate direction for their work. The final assessment will be in the form of an illustrated essay.

Indicative Student Workload	Full Time	Part Time
Contact Hours	54	N/A
Non-Contact Hours	96	N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours	N/A	N/A
TOTAL	150	N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type:	Coursework	Weighting:	100%	Outcomes Assessed:	1, 2, 3
Description:	Submission of an extended essay.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
In order to pass the module, students need to achieve an overall grade D or above.
Module Grade	Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A	A in Component 1
B	B in Component 1
C	C in Component 1
D	D in Component 1
E	E in Component 1
F	F in Component 1
NS	Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module	Successful completion of an HND qualification in Photography.
Corequisites for module	None.
Precluded Modules	None.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Students will be guided towards particular texts and resources relevant to individual projects and themes.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1	BAUDRILLARD, J., 2012. The ecstasy of communication. Los Angeles: Semiotext(e).
2	BENJAMIN, W., and UNDERWOOD, J. A., 2008. The work of art in the age of mechanical reproduction. London: Penguin.
3	MACLUHAN, M., 2005. The medium is the message. Corte Madera, Gingko Pr.
4	POSTMAN, N., 2007. Amusing ourselves to death: public discourse in the age of showbusiness. London: Methuen.
5	SONTAG, S., 2010. On photography. New York: Picador [u.a.].

Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

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